MOCK DRAFT
Here’s one look, barring trades, at what might happen Thursday night in Cleveland, one year after the NFL successfully pulled off a virtual draft because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Jaguars: Just like in 2020 with LSU superstar Joe Burrow, this one is a slam dunk as new coach Urban Meyer gets his quarterback.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
2. Jets: Perhaps the Jets will have more luck behind center with this pick than they did with the oft-injured and disappointing Sam Darnold, now with the Panthers. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
3. 49ers (from Dolphins via Texans): Clearly, GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan had someone targeted to be their future quarterback when they made this deal. That target is ... Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
4. Falcons: If Julio Jones can stay healthy and Calvin Ridley keeps soaring, the Falcons could have one of the league’s most dangerous offenses by adding ... Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
5. Bengals: Thanks to the early concentration on QBs, the Bengals were sitting pretty here, knowing they would get either Pitts or ... Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
6. Dolphins (from Eagles): Hey, Tua, remember how LSU outscored ’Bama in 2019? One of the reasons for that is now your teammate. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
7. Lions: If the Lions remain here, they will add a big-time threat for new passer Jared Goff. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
8. Panthers: The Panthers make it eight straight players from offensive side of the ball.
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
9. Broncos: We have a feeling the Broncos aren’t sold on Drew Lock as their long-term quarterback. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
10. Cowboys: Finally, a defensive player, and the Cowboys have their pick of the litter.
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
11. Giants: Selecting 11th often is a difficult spot because so much potentially elite talent is gone. Not this year. Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
12. Eagles (from Dolphins via 49ers): The Eagles wanted Horn to bolster its secondary, but division rival Giants grabbed him first.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
13. Chargers: Having solved any QB issues with Justin Herbert, it’s time to grab a protector for him.
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
14. Vikings: Here come the pass rushers, and the Vikings luck out by getting the top guy.
Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan
15. Patriots: Do the Pats truly believe Cam Newton can get them back to prominence? We don’t buy it. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
16. Cardinals: Running back is a need, but this is too soon with so much talent at other positions still on the board. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
17. Raiders: Coach Jon Gruden loves speed. So far, in his return to coaching, the fast lane hasn’t worked out very well. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
18. Dolphins: Having Chase on hand to invigorate the offense, the Dolphins could use disruptive skills on the outside of the D-line. Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Miami
19. Washington: Ron Rivera, has built a solid defense. The offense is a bit muddled up front, so bringing in a blocker makes sense. Alijah Vera-Tucker, T-G, USC
20. Bears: Fans around will be screaming for some offensive talent. But the best players still on the board play defense. Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
21. Colts: The Colts need a tackle with the retirement of Anthony Castonzo. That might not be the best value here, though. Carlos Basham, Edge, Wake Forest
22. Titans: Can’t see the Titans addressing anything but their struggling defense, which needs a pass rusher, LB and cover corner. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
23. Jets (from Seahawks): With pick acquired in the Jamal Adams trade, the Jets would like a cornerback, but the best are gone. Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia
24. Steelers: The Steelers could use some help in the trenches, particularly at center.
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
25. Jaguars (from Rams): Some believe Meyer will add to his Clemson collection with running back Travis Etienne. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
26. Browns: Defense is the right choice to fill a key hole, particularly if Jadeveon Clowney flops again. Jayson Oweh, Edge, Penn State
27. Ravens: There still are lots of wideouts available at this draft’s deepest position.
Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
28. Saints: With Drew Brees retired, there’s a belief the Saints are in transition. Sean Payton doesn’t see it that way. Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
29. Packers: Guaranteed Packers don’t take a QB this time. Please, give Aaron Rodgers another playmaker on offense. Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
30. Bills: The Bills seem uncertain about their linebacking group, particularly after the Matt Milano saga. Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
31. Ravens: The Ravens got this spot in a swap with the Chiefs, who acquired Orlando Brown Jr. in the deal. Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas
32. Buccaneers: The Bucs did such a strong job in free agency in keeping their gang together for another title run. Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami