BSR Sports Staff: Bi-Weekly 2021 NFL Mock Draft V4

Photo Credit: SI.com

The BSR Sports Staff returns with the fourth edition of our Bi-Weekly 2021 NFL Mock Draft. Click here for V1, here for V2, and here for v3.

There was some movement in the draft since our last article! Not to mention some surprising selections to boot.

Now, onto the picks.

 

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1) Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence: QB, Clemson (David Profusek- BSR Sports Staff)

Among this year’s QB prospects, Lawrence is the surefire No. 1 pick. He has the ideal size and skill to succeed as a quarterback in the NFL.

Additionally, Jacksonville was the only team to have no representation at Zach Wilson’s pro day – someone many believe is the next best QB prospect in this year’s draft.

Jacksonville has all their chips on Lawrence being their franchise guy for years to come.

 

2) New York Jets- Zach Wilson: QB, BYU (Logan Egleston- BSR Sports Staff)

Pressure creates diamonds, and the only way to get a diamond of a QB for the Jets is to get two young guys competing for the starting position.

Sam Darnold had a rather rough start to his career, and perhaps he is not all to blame. However, at the end of the day, the Jets are backed up against a wall. Something has to give with Darnold.

Wilson has a better resume coming out of college than Darnold did, and has a skillset combined with a winning mindset that could possibly work well for the atmosphere the Jets need to move forward.

*Editor’s note: This rationale was completed before Sam Darnold was traded to Carolina.

 

3) San Francisco 49ers- Justin Fields: QB, Ohio State (Sean “Fitz” Fitzgerald- Sports Director. Co-Host of Pass the Mic Sports Talk)

When you trade away the No. 12 pick, a third rounder and two future first round picks to move up to No. 3, you’re taking a quarterback. Who exactly Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch and co. have in mind isn’t clear, as I’m not buying into the Mac Jones talk.

If I had to guess, I think they’re going after Justin Fields.

Fields is a dynamic dual-threat playmaker with his arm and legs and is able to expand the pocket when necessary. While his detractors say his ability to fixate on a single target is a weakness, I think it’s an easily correctable flaw.

Fields has the makings of a franchise caliber quarterback, and was recruited as the top prospect in the nation for a reason.

Even if the 49ers hang onto Jimmy Garropolo for now, nothing will preclude them from moving him down the road.

Also, watch his pro day highlights and you see him make the same throw that the Internet got hyped about Zach Wilson.

 

4) Atlanta Falcons- Penei Sewell: OL, Oregon (Jake Matson- BSR Sports Staff)

At this point, it would be crazy for Atlanta to stretch and get a new quarterback just because Matt Ryan is aging. While the need should come soon, and defensive help would be nice, Atlanta simply cannot pass up on a lineman of Sewell’s caliber.

Having Sewell added to the offensive line would immediately help the Falcons and provide some protection in the future when replacing Matt Ryan would be a good idea.

That idea is not being executed today.

 

5) Cincinnati Bengals- Ja’Marr Chase: WR, LSU (Alex Wilcox- BSR Sports Staff)

Just about the flashiest pick the Bengals can make will come to fruition with the fifth selection here.

Chase was a god at LSU, and the Burrow-Baton Rouge connection will play a large role in the decision making of the bosses in the Queen City. Chase will round out what would be a truly elite receiving and skill position core.

However, the serious questions looming on the defensive side of the ball and the revolving door known as the Cincy offensive line will hinder the new Bayou Bengals from breaking out of the AFC North cellar in the upcoming season.

 

6) Miami Dolphins- Kyle Pitts: TE, Florida (Quentin “Q” Griffin- BSR Sports Staff)

Kyle Pitts is quite possibly the best offensive weapon in the draft. With the recent moves atop the draft board, it seems inevitable that QBs will be flying off the board.

Pitts is an absolute steal for the value at 6, and could be the best TE to come out of the draft since Gronk. Pairing him with Tua and solidifying the offensive weapons for foreseeable future is the best move for Miami.

 

7) Detroit Lions- Devonta Smith: WR, Alabama (Gabe Collura- Sports Coordinator. Co-Host of Opening Day)

The perimeter in Motor City gets a much needed weapon at No. 7.

It was a rough free agency period for Detroit in the wide receiver department with Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones heading for greener pastures. With a receiving corps with a top 3 of Quintez Cephus, Breshad Perriman, and Tyrell Williams, clearly some work needs to be done.

Look no further than the Heisman Trophy winner himself. Not only is he tremendously athletic, he fits the mold of a Jared Goff wideout in the sense that he can burn defenses after the catch.

His 6-foot-1, 175 pound stature does worry me a little bit, but his pure athleticism and ball skills make up for his small build.

 

8) Carolina Panthers- Micah Parsons: LB, Penn State (Logan)

The Panthers are in need of a defense to say the least. After his pro day, Micah Parsons established his spot as the top defensive prospect in this draft class.

The middle linebacker position in the NFL is one that needs to be filled by someone capable of making plays whistle after whistle, and Parsons most certainly is that guy.

Not to mention, his recent 4.38 40 means he can spread the field to make tackles that other linebackers are physically incapable of getting looks at.

Yes, there are many other needs on both sides of the ball for this Carolina team. Schematically, Parsons is a great pick for Matt Rhule’s 4-3 defense, one where the middle linebacker is the star of the show and on an island a majority of the snaps in a game.

Micah Parsons is the most viable pick Carolina at this point.

 

9) Denver Broncos- Patrick Surtain II: CB, Alabama (Ryan Struhar- BSR Sports Staff)

The Broncos need help on defense, and one of the biggest defensive needs is at the corner. Drafting Surtain will help fill that hole that they have in the defensive backfield.

He has the length and the discipline to be a great. He needs to work on his speed, but he is otherwise great in press-man coverage.

 

10) Dallas Cowboys- Caleb Farley: CB, Virginia Tech (Fitz)

I went back and forth on this pick for a while.

The defensive line needs a boost, but you need good corners in the NFC East. Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Kenny Golladay are just a few of the talented wide receivers within the division.

Farley fell pretty far last time, and we correct that injustice by giving the Cowboys some much needed secondary depth.

He has good length, stands at 6-foot-2 and freakishly athletic. Farley will be a boon for Dallas at No. 10.

 

11) New York Giants- Jaylen Waddle: WR, Alabama (Ryan)

Heading into this draft, the biggest hole the Giants need to fill is receiver. They need to add weapons for Daniel Jones to help them score.

Who better than the best deep threat of the draft?

Adding Waddle will add the deep threat the Giants are looking for and provide a weapon on offense that they need to help contend for the division and for the playoffs.

 

12) Philadelphia Eagles- Jaycee Horn: CB, South Carolina (David)

The Eagles need lots of help and I feel corner is the way to go at this spot.

Linebacker is another position that needs to be addressed, but this is not a very strong draft this early at that position after Parsons goes off the board. Also, receivers can be addressed later due to the depth at that position.

Horn has really showed his potential in his preparation prior to the draft and I feel he can be a solid corner for a Philly team looking to rejuvenate the defense.

 

13) Los Angeles Chargers- Rashawn Slater: OL, Northwestern (Alex)

The Chargers will almost certainly take an offensive lineman with this pick. Their line has been a revolving door in recent years, and Slater has the flexibility to come in and start at any position up front for the Bolts.

 

14) Minnesota Vikings- Trey Lance: QB, North Dakota State (Q)

This is an absolute stunner. A shell shock to the core of every Vikings fan.

One in which they will gladly be accepting of.

Lance has NFL size and arm strength. With a young core of Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson, the time is now for the Vikings to choose Kirk Cousins’ replacement. Lance is a perfect fit.

 

15) New England Patriots- Trevon Moehrig: S, TCU (Fitz)

I do think the Patriots will draft a quarterback this year. Shot in the dark guess: Kyle Trask in the second round.

Focusing on the here and now, the defense lost Patrick Chung. Moehrig can come in and roam the secondary for Bill Belichick’s defense, adding to some of “The Hoodie’s” drunken free agency additions.

 

16) Arizona Cardinals- Pat Freiermuth: TE, Penn State (Jake)

Two of the Cardinals’ biggest needs this offseason were offensive line help and a tight end.

They have the chance to get a great playmaking tight end with great potential in the blocking department.

While he has work to do in the blocking game, Freiermuth’s offensive upside is already proven. We’ve seen him break countless tackles and fight for several extra yards at Penn State.

 

17) Las Vegas Raiders- Christian Barmore: DL, Alabama (David)

The Raiders need big help on the defensive line. Barmore, though young, has some of the best upside of all DL prospects in this draft. His size and athleticism could go a long way towards aiding this weak unit.

 

18) Miami Dolphins- Christian Darrisaw: OT, Virginia Tech (Q)

Darrisaw is a dream selection for Miami. He’s big and an NFL style tackle ready to contribute right away.

If the Dolphins are able to address their O-Line issues as well as adding a dynamic weapon for Tua in the first round, they will have knocked it out of the park.

 

19) Washington Football Team- Alijah Vera-Tucker: OG, USC (Ryan)

One of Washington’s biggest needs coming into this draft is on the offensive line, and Alijah Vera-Tucker fills that need.

He has exceptional athleticism, he is a great run blocker, and he will help keep whoever is at the helm (Ryan Fitzpatrick or another guy) upright.

 

20) Chicago Bears- Greg Newsome II: CB, Northwestern (Ryan)

Newsome is a great cover corner with quality speed, vision and ball skills. This will help solidify the Bears secondary, which took a hit after Kyle Fuller was cut.

Newsome’s skills will fill that newfound void on the perimeter very well.

 

21) Indianapolis Colts- Kwity Paye: EDGE, Michigan (Logan)

If Paye somehow slips to the No. 21 spot, this will be a thoughtless selection for the Indianapolis Colts.

With an edge rusher being one of the few needs for this Colts defense, it makes sense that they would want to fill any holes on the defensive side of the ball. An offseason trade allowed them to acquire a QB in Carson Wentz, and injuries at the receiver position now have plenty of time to heal.

Again, the draft might play out differently, but if Paye is on the board at 22, the Colts will be looking to scoop him up rather quickly.

 

22) Tennessee Titans- Jayson Oweh: EDGE, Penn State (Gabe)

The third Nittany Lion to come off the board in this first round is an absolute treat for the fans down in Nashville.

With the Jadeveon Clowney experiment never really coming to fruition, the Titans are still looking for that number 1 pass rusher (and really a lot of other pieces on defense). Oweh dropping to No. 22 is perfect.

This dude is a FREAK OF NATURE. Standing at 6-foot-5, 252 pounds, the guy runs a SUB-4.4 SECOND 40-YARD DASH.

Are you serious?

Describing Oweh as “explosive” would be the understatement of the century. His raw talent and athleticism for his size make him a total steal for Mike Vrabel’s crew.

 

23) New York Jets- Travis Etienne: RB, Clemson (Logan)

The Jets now have their QB of the future in Zach Wilson and a lethal weapon at RB to go with him.

The obvious number 1 running back off the board should fit well in a Jets offense that needs to begin building around their new rookie QB.

 

24) Pittsburgh Steelers- Najee Harris: RB, Alabama (Q)

Najee Harris is a physical specimen at RB the likes we have not seen since Derrick Henry. He’s a sure fire stud.

His physical prowess and natural football ability makes him a three down back in the NFL. He will be able to contribute right away and continue to help the Pittsburgh offense transfer into their next chapter.

 

25) Jacksonville Jaguars- Rondale Moore: WR, Purdue (David)

The Jags need some help on their offense, especially at slot wide receiver. Moore is an insane athlete that can spread the field and help bring attention away from other wide outs.

 

26) Cleveland Browns- Gregory Rousseau: EDGE, Miami FL (Fitz)

It’s an honor and privilege to pick for THE Cleveland Browns in my final mock draft.

As for the actual analysis, Rousseau has grown on me and I see him as an immediate impact player.

He’s got the athleticism and quickness to provide a true bookend for Myles Garrett that’ll terrorize quarterbacks for breakfast. A 2020 CFB opt out, he was behind only former No. 2 pick Chase Young in sacks during the 2019 campaign.

If he slides this far, the Browns have an easy choice to make.

 

27) Baltimore Ravens- Elijah Moore: WR, Ole Miss (Gabe)

The Ravens find themselves incredibly thin at the wide receiver position. They signed Sammy Watkins and lost Willie Snead this offseason.

Baltimore is a very run-heavy team, but they need their offense to take the next step and become multi-dimensional. Elijah Moore is an ideal piece to do that.

This dude has drawn NFL comparisons to Antonio Brown and Tyler Lockett thanks to his explosiveness. His route-running ability and strength make up for his 5-foot-10 stature, which some think is below average for a slot receiver. Moore is a deep threat who can make defenses pay in any coverage.

And with the defenses in that AFC North?

You need a guy like that.

 

28) New Orleans Saints- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: LB, Notre Dame (Gabe)

If you asked me to describe the Saints’ offseason in two words, I would tell you “cap hell.”

Kwon Alexander and Janoris Jenkins, among others, were let go as New Orleans simply could not afford them. With Demario Davis aging, the Saints are going to need a replacement at the heart of their front seven.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is an absolute STUD.

He hits incredibly hard, he can drop back in coverage, and he has unreal speed for a linebacker. He is a pure impact player on the defensive side of the ball, something the Saints will need in a tough division.

 

29) Green Bay Packers- Kadarius Toney: WR, Florida (Alex)

The Packers will need to utilize this draft to ease some of the offseason drama between the front office and the most important person in the state of Wisconsin, Aaron Rodgers. Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst expressed their distrust for the aging Rodgers in last year’s draft with the selection of Jordan Love, but then Rodgers promptly answered with a resurgent MVP season.

This year, the executive Cheeseheads will avoid the same fate by selecting an offensive weapon early. This is the year that Lambeau Nation has been waiting for.

Wrinkly Old Tom Brady will finally fall off that cliff, despite the absurd talent the Buccaneers have surrounded him with. Green Bay will reign supreme in the NFC and this absolute burner, Kadarius Toney, will be a big part of that run.

Toney has the speed to take the top off the defense at any time, which makes him essentially a cheat code when paired with the most accurate passer in the history of the game.

I can see another long season on the horizon for opposing NFC North secondaries, especially with this addition.

 

30) Buffalo Bills- Azeez Ojulari: EDGE, Georgia (Jake)

For awhile last season, it looked like nobody was going to be able to handle the Bills and their offense. For the most part, no one really could.

In the end, their defense’s failure to stop the Chiefs was their downfall. They couldn’t get anywhere near Patrick Mahomes.

Picking up the man with the motto of “If you beat the hands, you beat the man” should hopefully reinvent the defense.

 

31) Kansas City Chiefs- Wyatt Davis: OL, Ohio State (Jake)

In the Super Bowl we saw how important it is to have a sturdy offensive line, something the Chiefs didn’t have. Mahomes ran for over 400 yards just trying to get away from the Buccaneers defense.

Restocking the offensive line and getting Mahomes that protection back should be the main focus this offseason, and Wyatt Davis will do just that.

 

32) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Asante Samuel, Jr.: CB, Florida State (Alex)

The Buccaneers roster is basically flawless at this point (besides at quarterback). They could flip a coin to make this pick, and it really wouldn’t matter long term.

The name brand recognition of Samuel Jr., as well as Brady’s likely desire to play with both father and son in his career, makes this a likely selection to cap the first round.