The most fascinating element at the top of the 2021 NFL Draft is the decision the Jets have to make with the second pick -- do they go with Justin FIelds from Ohio State, the preseason favorite to be the first quarterback off the board after Trevor Lawrence? Or do they hop on the Zach Wilson train and pick the fun BYU quarterback?
Let's see how the first round will unfold if the Jets decide on the latter. How far could Fields fall? The draft order is based on the team record, strength of schedule and the subsequent tiebreakers as things stand heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Rejoice, Jaguars fans. The Lawrence era begins with good receivers, two first-round picks, and plenty of cap space.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
The Jets land on Wilson, not Fields, to be their successor to Sam Darnold. The natural playmaking ability and lightning quick processing ultimately were the reasons New York picked him in this mock.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
Even after grabbing three offensive linemen in the 2020 draft, the Dolphins can't pass on Sewell here.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
Paye is an athletic specimen who will significantly boost Atlanta's pass-rushing production.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Without Sewell available, the Bengals get Burrow his LSU buddy, Chase, to round out the receiver group.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Pitts is so much of a matchup nightmare he may go in the top 10, and getting Jalen Hurts a towering, pass-catching specialist at tight end would be a smart idea.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
In this scenario, the Lions either move on from Matthew Stafford or let him play for one year while Fields gets a redshirt season.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
Given Golden Tate's age, the Giants go receiver and get Daniel Jones a dynamic weapon in Waddle.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
Without a premier quarterback prospect available, the Panthers go with a squeaky clean blocker to protect Teddy Bridgewater.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
The Broncos need a three-down leader on their defense -- after the underrated Bradley Chubb -- and Parsons has the talent to be one of the top linebackers in the game quickly.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
Farley would give the Cowboys a twitchy cornerback with slot defender capabilities.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
Somewhat of a surprise pick here, but the Chargers understand it's all about continuing to develop Justin Herbert.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
After having a dominant pass-rushing unit for years, the Vikings need to rebuild that facet of their team, and Phillips would create a fun pairing with Danielle Hunter.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
If the Patriots don't pick a quarterback in Round 1, and most of the top receivers are off the board, they could prioritize edge rusher, as they haven't found an alpha at that position after trading Chandler Jones.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
The 49ers will probably go in a different direction at quarterback, but I can't see Kyle Trask or Mac Jones being favorites of Kyle Shanahan. Instead, they continue with Garoppolo and get him an athletic blocker up front in Vera-Tucker.
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Round 1 - Pick 16
Even with Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell on the edge, the Raiders could use more juice in their pass-rushing efforts. Weaver would provide that, and he could play inside in rush packages.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
The Cardinals are happy to stop Surtain's fall here, as Patrick Peterson is in the twilight of his career.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
Jones would find himself behind a great offensive line with a smart offensive coach in Frank Reich in Indianapolis.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
The Washington Football Team has to find a long-term answer at quarterback. Trask has put up ridiculous numbers at Florida this season.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
If the Bears actually roll with Mitchell Trubisky in 2021, they'll want to refortify the offensive line.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 21
Darrisaw has flown up draft boards after a fantastic display of athletic gifts, balance, and power in 2020. Home run pick for the Jaguars here.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
While Grant Delpit will be returning from injury in 2021, the Browns could use more playmaking skill at safety.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
Miami continues to add to the offensive line with Davis, a powerful blocker with a low center of gravity.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
Baltimore has to diversify its offense, especially by giving the receiver room more size. Bateman is a complete wideout who's well over 6-feet.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
Tennessee's pass rush is in dire need of an alpha dog on the outside. Jones is long with impressive acceleration off the snap and a nice arsenal of pass-rushing moves.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
The Buccaneers could use another talented defensive tackle next to Vita Vea, and Nixon is a squatty but athletic penetrator.
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From
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 - Pick 27
The Jets go defense and plan to pick weapons for Wilson on Day 2. Kendrick is one of the premier man-to-man cornerbacks in the country.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
The Steelers' offensive line is aging, and Leatherwood is battled-tested in the SEC at guard and now two years at left tackle.
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Round 1 - Pick 29
The Saints needs to complement Michael Thomas with a legitimate secondary pass catcher. Moore would be ridiculous in Sean Payton's system.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
The Bills keep adding to their dynamic offense with St. Brown, a smaller but shifty route runner with reliable hands and explosiveness after the catch.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
The Packers could use a striking playmaker at the second level of Mike Pettine's defense. Bolton is exactly that type.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
Mayfield is an athletic, decently powerful tackle who represents good long-term value for Kansas City.
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