Now the order for the April 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland is locked in, we make our first five picks on where the best collegiate talents end up.
This is a mock draft based on what teams could do – not what we think they should do.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
- (Image Courtesy of: ClemsonTigerNet)
This is an easy pick for Jacksonville at one. The words ‘generational talent’ are bounded about too much in the NFL, particularly for young quarterbacks but Trevor Lawrence fits the bill. The 6”6 signal caller, possess the arm strength, athleticism and football IQ to make an immediate impact on the Jags. Newly appointed HC Urban Meyer has a history of developing young quarterbacks so this seems to be the perfect marriage.
Highlights available:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQIv4UD2F8I
2) New York Jets – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Wilson’s draft stock has risen exponentially over the last collegiate season. The BYU three year starter has 33 touchdowns with just three interceptions and has thrown for over 3000 yards completing 73.5% of his passes this season. He is an accurate quarterback with good mobility and looks comfortable when the pocket collapses. He can throw the deep ball and his productive year puts him ahead of Justin Fields on this mock.
3) Miami Dolphins (Via Houston Texans) – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Head Coach Brian Flores has done a magnificent rebuilding job in Miami and has accumulated substantial picks in this draft. The first, courtesy of Houston, goes to giving Tua Tagovailoa the Heisman Trophy winner. Smith is a pure route runner, with explosive speed, quick feet and slick hips to make corners and safeties twist and turn and will have an instant impact on the Miami offence.
4) Atlanta Falcons – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Atlanta could go a lot of ways at four. Ultimately, with Matt Ryan’s big contract on the books they can’t turn down the prospect of locking down the quarterback position long term. Fields shone over a year ago and was seen as the consensus second best QB in this draft. But a bad year for Ohio State riddled with turnovers and the inability to see past the first play call has left some doubt around him as a top 5 pick. Atlanta could go defensive line, but the talent of Fields is too much to turn down.
5) Cincinnati Bengals – Penei Sewell, LT, Oregon
If Lawrence to the Jaguars was the easiest pick on paper, then Sewell to the Bengals is second. The left tackle out of Oregon posts as Pro Football Focus best ranked tackle prospect ever. He is elite in the blocking game and a destroyer in the run game. Cincinnati have to improve that offensive line and keep Joe Burrow upright if they have any chance of winning games. Sewell will protect the blindside and will be a perennial pro bowler. Easy pick.
