Capology Department’s 2021 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
2-Round NFL Mock Draft
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)
This is a still a no-brainer and really the only constant in all mock drafts. Trevor Lawrence is why Urban Meyer came out of retirement to coach the worst team in the NFL last season. Unlike their quick turnaround in ’17, the Jaguars will be adding a piece that can chance the fortunes of the franchise for the next decade. Not to mention that the Jaguars have done an excellent job at infusing talent in preparation for his arrival (i.e. Marvin Jones & Shaq Griffen).
2. Denver Broncos – QB Zach Wilson (BYU)
The first trade in our mock draft. Denver has invested a lot in their offense over the past few years. They’ve built an offense with great pass catchers in Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Tim Patrick and Noah Fant and a three-down running back in Melvin Gordon. They also locked in their left tackle of the future last season by giving Garett Bolles a big extension. All of these weapons and yet their offense was ranked 28th in passing yards in 2020. Drew Locke is not going to allow them to compete against the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
Embed from Getty Images3. San Francisco 49ers – QB Mac Jones (Alabama)
San Francisco bet the future on bringing in a QB to win now, not to be ready to play in a couple of years. This rules out the possibility that their pick is Trey Lance. Kyle Shanahan’s offense requires quick decision making, accuracy, and play action between the tackles. Many point to Mahomes’ performance in the Super Bowl as to why Shanahan would want to get a mobile QB of his own, but let’s not forget that if Garoppolo makes one or two open throws, they’d have a ring and not Kansas City. Mac Jones is their guy and they’ll be looking to trade Garoppolo prior to the season.
4. Atlanta Falcons – TE Kyle Pitts (Florida)
Atlanta isn’t as far off as many think, especially given that we live in an offensive-minded league, if Julio stays healthy, that formed with Ridley is arguable tops. Then add in an explosive playmaker like Kyle Pitts into the mix at TE. Matt Ryan might be able to dial back the clock to 2016. Not saying Penei Sewell is not a good pick here, but this gives Matt Ryan arguably the most talented trio of receivers he’s ever had.
5. Cincinnati Bengals – WR Ja’Marr Chase (LSU)
Reuniting Chase with Joe Burrow is too good to pass on. Does he already have solid weapons in Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd? Yes and I know that offensive line would make sense here too, but Higgins and Chase give you one of the best young receiving duos in the league. Boyd can be cut or traded in future seasons when both of these receivers will get extensions. Riley Reiff was also signed to sure up the right tackle spot. Don’t forget that Jonah Williams was a first round pick at left tackle in 2019.
6. Miami Dolphins – LB Micah Parsons (Penn State)
The Dolphins made sure to trade back into the top 10 after pulling off the big trade with the 49ers, which momentarily left them with the 12th pick. They were willing to give up a first round pick next year in order to get back towards the top of the draft. The favorite take on this is that Miami did it for a receiver. It makes sense to try to get Tua one of his former teammates at Alabama, Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith, are either one of those players really worth 2 first round picks? Neither one is considered to be a transcendent talent the way that Micah Parsons is seen as. Brian Flores is a defensive coach, who came from Bill Belichick’s coaching tree in New England. They like big, tackling-machine middle linebackers and Parsons is the ultimate one. He has the speed and size to cover a Jonnu Smith or Hunter Henry in man coverage.
Embed from Getty Images7. Detroit Lions – OT Penei Sewell (Oregon)
The Lions could go with either offensive line or a pass catcher at this spot, but with the top lineman falling to themin our mock draft and the two top pass catchers already gone, it seems like the decision was made for them. They go with the top lineman and look to add a receiver in the second and possibly the third rounds.
8. Carolina Panthers – QB Justin Fields (Ohio St.)
Teddy Bridgewater was more than serviceable for Carolina in his flagship season, problem is that it doesn’t equate to W’s. He’s consistent, but his ceiling is much lower than a guy like Justin Fields. With comparable skill-sets, Fields provides that much higher ceiling that allows Rhule’s offense to take the same sort of leap that Reid’s offense took in 2018 when they switched to Pat Mahomes. Fields will also be gifted the ability to sit for a year to learn the offense, much like Mahomes, and then walk into a trio of Moore, Anderson, and McCaffrey. 2022 could be a very interesting one in Carolina.
9. New York Jets – OT Rashawn Slater (Northwestern)
After collecting a boat-load of picks when they traded with the Broncos, the Jets and first-year head coach Robert Saleh are in excellent shape as they look to totally rebuild this roster. With a trio of receivers in Jamison Crowder, Corey Davis, and Denzel Mims, they now try to sure up the offensive line to protect Sam Darnold. Expect them to move George Fant in to guard to make room for Slater at one of the tackle spots.
10. Dallas Cowboys – CB Patrick Surtain II (Alabama)
We explored AJ Bouye in our free agent spotlight, however Surtain II would be just as nice here. He comes from a great defensive program that churns out pro-ready defenders at every level and he’s arguable the top cover guy coming out. His 61 tackles also suggest that he’ll mix it up with backs at the line of scrimmage, a place where Dallas has to do better. Micah Parsons and Gregory Rosseau are interesting, but Surtain II fills a much bigger need. Read more analysis of the Dallas Cowboys mock draft here.
Embed from Getty Images11. New York Giants – DE Kwity Paye (Michigan)
Their team makeover continues with the top pass rusher off the board. The Markus Golden experiment did not work last season and after the additions of Blake Martinez and Logan Ryan last season and Adoree’ Jackson this offseason, the Giants need to production out of their edge rushers. Offensive line also makes sense here, but with both top linemen off the board, reaching for one here isn’t worth it.
12. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Jaylen Waddle (Alabama)
After collecting an additional first round pick, the Eagles are still able to land their much needed top pass catcher. They pass on DeVonta Smith here, in favor for the speedier, big play maker in Waddle. He’s versatile and can be used in the slot, out-wide- or even in end-arounds. Adding him to last year’s pick Jalen Reagor, gives Philadelphia two of the fastest and young receiver duos in the league. Read more analysis of the Philadelphia Eagles mock draft here.
13. Los Angeles Chargers – WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
They need pass catchers and they’re able to get a top one. Keenan Allen is another year older, Hunter Henry is gone, and they don’t truly have a solid second receiver. Smith gives them someone to team up with Justin Herbert for many years to come. With both top linemen off the board as well, it makes little sense to pass up on Smith here.
Embed from Getty Images14. Minnesota Vikings – ED Jaelan Phillips (Miami)
Everson Griffen was cut last year, Danielle Hunter is rumored to be seeking a trade, and Mike Zimmer builds his defenses starting upfront. Phillips is one of the best edge rushers in the draft, pairing him with Hunter on the outside and Pierce/ Tomlinson on the inside. The Vikings can get back to their defensive roots, dominating offensive lines and the line of scrimmage to take the pressure off the linebackers and secondary.
15. New England Patriots – CB Jaycee Horn (South Carolina)
With miss after miss after miss in his recent drafts, Belichick will get back to what he knows best. Defense. Throw in that Gilmore and JC Jackson’s contracts are up after 2021, Bill will swoop into bolster an elite group in 2021 and build towards 2022. Cam Newton will be their guy in 2021 and the Patriots shock everybody (except us) by passing on an available QB. Read more analysis of the New England Patriots mock draft here.
16. Chicago Bears – QB Trey Lance (North Dakota State)
With a QB falling low enough here in our mock draft, the Bears have to trade up in order to leap frog Washington. With both Mat Nagy and Ryan Pace essentially fired by the end of this season, barring a miracle, giving up future draft capital is not an issue. They need something positive to hang their hats on and the distraction of drafting a QB is a good one for them.
Embed from Getty Images17. Las Vegas Raiders – IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker (USC)
The only place to start for Vegas is on the line. Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech would be interesting here, but after gutting their entire interior line, Vegas needs to get better there. Vera-Tucker gives them size (6’4, 315) and is the top-ranked player at his position.
18. Miami Dolphins – ED Gregory Rousseau (Miami)
Miami was one of the league’s top defenses in 2020, after addingthe top defender in the draft with the 6thpick, they turn to defense again this time with their own pick. Again, offensive line is tempting, but with a deep draft at the position and another pick at the top of the 2nd round, Miami looks to bolster a pass rush that willingly lost Van Noy and Lawson.
19. Washington Football Team – CB Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech)
Wrestled with a WR here, but with the addition of Curtis Samuel, I feel like Riverboat Ron adds to his strength. Farley will help them battle the deep receiving corps the Cowboys and now the Giants have at their disposal. Washington has an incredible defensive front and Farley will take advantage of the pressure that they’ll create.
Embed from Getty Images20. Arizona Cardinals – ED Zaven Collins (Tulsa)
Although staying put at 16 and grabbing a corner made sense only a few weeks ago, the Cardinals have signed Malcolm Butler and are looking to also add Quinton Dunbar. Addressing corner through cheaper free agent additions allows them to accrue more draft capital by trading back and grabbing an edge rusher here. Collins would add depth and could be rotated in with Watt and Jones off the edge.
21. Indianapolis Colts – OT Christian Darrisaw (Virgina Tech))
They didn’t try to sign big name free agents to bolster the offensive line to avoid a repeat of last year in Philadelphia for Carson Wentz, so they’ll have to address this in the draft. With the retirement of Anthony Castonzo, who posted a PFF score of 73.4 last season, they need to add talent to the tackle spot. Darrisaw moves well enough to keep even the quickest edge rushers in front and despite his large size (6-5, 314 pounds) he’s able to bend well enough to gain solid leverage in run blocking.
22. Tennessee Titans – WR Kadarius Toney (Florida)
The Titans lost 2 out of their top 3 pass catchers to free agency this offseason. Jonnu Smith landed in New England and the Jets signed Corey Davis. In order to fully maximize the play action game thanks to the damage Derrick Henry can do on any given carry, they need a vertical threat to couple with AJ Brown. Toney has the explosiveness to take the top off the defense and yet can still thrive in the slot tearing up defenses between the hashes.
23. New York Jets – RB Najee Harris (Alabama)
After getting their franchise QB in Zach Wilson at 2nd overall, the Jets could go several different positions here. Although numerous defensive positions and even offensive line would all make sense, the Jets take the best running back in the draft to couple with their new QB. Harris would have a multi-faceted impact on Wilson by helping in the passing game and pass blocking, on top of his well-known running skills.
Embed from Getty Images24. Pittsburgh Steelers – C Landon Dickerson (Alabama)
With Pouncey retiring this offseason, the Steelers lack luster offensive line is in eve bigger trouble heading into 2021. Dickerson will help replace that loss and hopefully bring some physicality back to a Steelers’ offensive line that used to be known for the power run schemes. Quickest way to fix a poor running attack is to upgrade the guys in front of him.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars – S Trevon Moehrig (TCU)
Free agency and their top pick addressed an anemic offense. Now it’s time address an anemic defense. Truth be told, there is talent on that side of the ball (Jack, Allen, Griffen, Henderson, & Schobert). However, the one position that is lacking is safety. Which makes this a no-brainer, could they wait until the 33rd pick? Sure, but there’s no guarantee someone doesn’t leapfrog them to land the draft’s top safety.
26. Cleveland Browns – ED Azeez Ojulari (Georgia)
Cleveland is primed coming off their first appearance in two decades, they scooped up John Johnson III and Malik Jackson in FA. Now it’s time to address their depth issue on the defensive line and add a young, explosive pass rusher to play opposite of Myles Garrett.
27. Baltimore Ravens – WR Terrace Marshall Jr. (LSU)
Pass rusher could be an intriguing option to cover the loss of both Judon and Ngakoue this offseason, but this team will go as Lamar takes them. It become woefully obvious that the Ravens lacked legitimate weapons in 2020 outside of Mark Andrews in the pass game. Hollywood Brown provides the occasional big-play, but nothing to build an offense around. Marshall Jr. gives them a physical (6’4) possession-type receiver that can win one-on-one battles on the outside. Sammy Watkins is not a legitimate answer to their receiver issues but would complement Marshall Jr. and Brown nicely.
Embed from Getty Images28. New Orleans Saints – DT Christian Baramore (Alabama)
New Orleans is going to be a much different defense going into 2021, losing a lot of quality role players (i.e. Hendrickson, Rankins, Alexander, Jenkins) that contributed greatly to the success of that unit. They were able to keep the core together, so now it’s time to start replenishing those pieces. They add the best defensive tackle in the draft to help create internal pressure on the QB and help to stuff the running attacks of division rivals like McCaffery and Fournette.
29. Green Bay Packers – OT Tevan Jenkins (Oklahoma)
Although not a receiver, this does help Rodgers heading into 2021, which is more than could be said about their 2020 1st round choice. Jenkins started games at left tackle, right tackle, and even guard. He would give Green Bay not only talent, but flexibility despire his 6-7 and 320 pound frame.
30. Buffalo Bills – ED Jason Oweh (Penn St.)
Travis Etienne is intriguing here as the only real weak-spot on this team is the running back room, but expending a 2nd in 2019, 3rd in 2020, and 1st in 2021 is poor planning. The call is offensive line or defensive line here, so let’s run with a player who offers size and pass rush to a unit that needs an infusion of youth and talent. We all love the career resurrection that Hughes experienced with the Bills since 2013, but that well is soon running dry.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Liam Eichenberg (Notre Dame)
We all saw what happened to Mahomes in the Super Bowl, when you invest half a billion dollars in an player, it’ll make you throw up watching how he was being tossed around in that game. And don’t think that went unnoticed by the rest of the League, with both Fischer and Schwartz both cut, the Chiefs HAVE to invest this pick in an offensive lineman. They brought in Thuney and Long to help the interior, but Mahomes was ravaged by JPP and Barrett, guys who make their living on the outside.
Embed from Getty Images32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – IOL Wyatt Davis (Ohio St.)
Not many holes on this roster, they’re running it back with the same roster and as long as they let Brady take care of the offense, there won’t be much reason to believe that couldn’t repeat. The only concern with this team is that they injuries bite them along the interior offensive line for a second straight season. With both Cappa and Marpet missing time, Tampa needs to make sure they’re well stocked in the event the injury bug strikes again. Davis has the size (6’4, 315) and athleticism to fill in at any position on the offensive line. Not an impact pick, but one that is necessary for sustained success, specifically with a 44 year old QB.
33. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Levi Onwuzurike (Washington)
The Jaguars have tried to address the issues they have in the middle of their defensive line with bringing back Tyson Alualu and trading for Malcom Brown. With Taven Bryan being unreliable moving forward, the Jags should turn to a penetrating lineman who can create havoc in the backfield. What Onwuzurike lacks in size, he makes up for with short-area quickness. Brown and Alualu will eat up the double teams.
34. New York Jets – LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)
The Jets need help at just about every position on the defensive side of the ball, so they’re able to take the best player available. Owusu-Koramoah is falling at this spot in the draft and the Jets could get their guy that new head coach Robert Saleh can build around. The 49ers for years were built around great linebackers and Saleh will use the same blueprint in New York.
35. Atlanta Falcons – ED Joe Tryon (Washington)
The Falcons need help with their pass rush, Tryon doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the world, but he’s a polished player that has experience in a variety of fronts. He doesn’t get out of position and he makes the plays he’s supposed to. He’ll have the chance to be a Day 1 starter as well.
Embed from Getty Images36. Miami Dolphins – WR Elijah Moore (Ole Miss)
The Dolphins spent earlier picks elsewhere knowing that the receiver draft is deep. Moore is an excellent addition to Parker and Fuller, as someone who can take the top off the defense just like Fuller but can work the middle of the field when put into the slot. They’re giving Tua the best opportunity to succeed in his second year and Moore will become one of his favorite targets.
37. Philadelphia Eagles – OT Jaylen Mayfield (Michigan)
This is more of a development pick to provide much needed depth as injuries ravaged Philly in 2020. Mayfield is still a year or two out from starting snaps, but he provides a valuable insurance piece in the event that Dillard continues to disappoint. Read more analysis of the Philadelphia Eagles mock draft here.
38. Cincinnati Bengals – LB Nick Bolton (Missouri)
The Bengals addressed the down-lineman on defense with the additions of Hendrickson and Ogunjobi, but there are still a lot of question marks at the linebacker level. Bolton gives them a thumper in the middle (6’, 235) that can help control the run game. He’s not a fix-all at the position, but he is currently better than anyone they have.
39. Carolina Panthers – WR Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)
The loss of Curtis Samuels hurts, his versatility was maximized by Rhule and the result was a career year and major pay-day. Bateman isn’t a chess piece like Samuels, but he’s a savvy route-runner who brings size and physicality to a receiving corps that is more known for it’s down the field prowess. He’s the type of receiver that doesn’t get the accolades because he doesn’t score TDs, but he is a consistent chain-mover that is vital to an offense’s success.
Embed from Getty Images40. Denver Broncos – C Creed Humphrey (Oklahoma)
After trading up for their QB of the future, the Broncos continue to solidify their offense in order to keep up with the Chiefs and Chargers. They’re getting one of the top 2 centers in the draft (depending upon who’s board you’re looking at). After spending big on an extension for left tackle Garett Bolles, Humphrey can continue to stabilize the line.
41. Detroit Lions – WR Rondale Moore (Purdue)
Detroit needs receivers and as many as they can get. Although many would argue that Goff is not their QB to build around for years to come, they still need to surround him with some talented pass catchers. They lost Marvin Jones Jr. and Kenny Golladay to free agency. Moore is an explosive and versatile weapon that can contribute in many different ways to an offense that will need to establish an identity.
42. New York Giants – OT Walker Little (Oklahoma)
The Giants are making a push for the division and they certainly have the roster to capitalize on it, however, their offensive-line still leaves a lot to desired, especially given the collective talent they employ there. Little would be able to play either tackle spot and the Giants would need to decide who should slide in to play guard.
43. San Francisco 49ers – CB Greg Newsome (Northwestern)
The 49ers got their QB in the first round of this mock draft, and now they will turn their attention back to defense. It appears like Richard Sherman will be with another team in 2021, so they will need to add depth to this position. Newsome is an interesting player in this draft as he is ranked from 2nd to 5th in many popular big boards at his position, so this might be a steal for them here.
Embed from Getty Images44. Dallas Cowboys – ED Carlos Basham Jr. (Wake Forest)
Defense, defense, defense. The only place Dallas needs to focus their efforts is on one side of the football. After targeting the draft’s top corner, they go after the top remaining pass-rusher on the board. He’s built like DeMarcus Lawrence (6’4, 275) and is known for his power more than his quickness. He’ll factor into a rotation with Randy Gregory and will provide insurance for injuries up front. Quinn loves stunts, Basham Jr. has the size to attack the interior. Read more analysis of the Dallas Cowboys mock draft here.
45. Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Asante Samuel Jr. (Florida St.)
They have their franchise QB and their new safety in the first round of this mock draft and now in the second they continue to add to their secondary. Samuel Jr. is a play-making corner just like his father. He’s a talented cover corner and will fit in well in what looks to be an aggressive defense.
46. New England Patriots – LB Dylan Moses (Alabama)
Still no QB?? Nope, New England could look to take Kyle Trask here, but I don’t see them as ones to reach just to say they have an answer beyond Newton. Instead, they roll with a guy who has the size (6’3, 240) and athleticism to fit multiple different roles in a Belichick defense. He can play inside and outside, rush the passer or drop into coverage, and he has closing speed to hammer backs in the hole. Plus, Belichick loves him some Alabama linebackers. Read more analysis of the New England Patriots mock draft here.
Embed from Getty Images47. Los Angeles Chargers – G Alex Leatherwood (Alabama)
Two main concerns for the Chargers this draft are to sure up the protection of second year QB Justin Herbert and to surround him with weapons to make up for those they lost in free agncy. They made serious headway on the latter but not the former until now. Leatherwood played extensively at both tackle and guard; however, he projects to be a guard at the next level. The Chargers solidify the line, but also get a guy who they could kick outside if needed due to injury.
48. Las Vegas Raiders – OT James Hudson (Cincinnati)
The Raiders replace Gabe Jackson with their 1st round pick and now look to replace Trent Brown with their 2nd rounder. Hudson is the best remaining tackle in the draft and can help alleviate the concerns along the offensive line. With Miller, Vera-Tucker, and Hudson, the Raiders have a young corps to try to build around. Both Carr and Jacobs will be appreciative of the Raiders’ efforts to build reliability along the line.
49. Arizona Cardinals – RB Travis Etienne (Clemson)
The Cardinals have made moves to take advantage of their closing window of having Kyler Murray on his rookie contract. They’ve added JJ Watt to pair with Chandler Jones and AJ Green to play opposite of DeAndre Hopkins, but the one area they lost during free agency was running back. After a less than stellar year, Kenyan Drake signed with the Raiders and now the depth chart is Arizona Chase Edmonds and Jonathan Ward. They got another pass rusher in the first round of this mock draft, and now bolster a position of need with the second-best player in the draft at this position.
Embed from Getty Images50. Miami Dolphins – LB Jamin Davis (Kentucky)
No player in the draft may have more of a mock draft range than Davis. NFL advisors informed him that if he declared for the draft, he would be a day 3 pick. Now there is doubt if he will even be available after the first round; however, we see him falling to the middle of the 2nd round. He’s a versatile linebacker with speed and size and would flourish in Flores’ defense.
51. Washington Football Team – ILB Jabril Cox (LSU)
Another rangy, fast linebacker to play sideline to sideline behind arguably the NFL’s most talented down-linemen. Cox and Owusu-Koramoah are two picks with the same body-size, but as we saw in Tampa when you have sideline to sideline linebackers, it can elevate the play of the entire unit. There is only one weakspot on that side for Ron Rivera and he addresses it with his first two picks.
52. Chicago Bears – WR Tutu Atwell (Louisville)
The Bears need weapons to surround their new QB Trey Lance with. Allen Robinson will be in Chicago for only one more year since he will be playing 2021 under the franchise tag. It’s also possible the Bears try to trade him before or during the season so they get something in return for him. Anthony Miller is supposedly on the trading black as well, which makes it pretty clear that the Bears are looking to solidify this position during the draft.
Embed from Getty Images53. Tennessee Titans – OT Samuel Cosmi (Texas)
The Titans addressed their pass catching need in the first round of our mock draft and now will bolster their presence on the line with this pick. At 6-7 and 313 pounds, Cosmi would take over at right tackle and allow Kendall Lamm to be moved inside to guard. It’s also possible that Cosmi could slide over to left tackle as needed if Taylor Lewan has another season in which is struggles to be on the field.
54. Indianapolis Colts – ED Patrick Jones II (Pittsburgh)
The Colts appear to be letting Justin Houston leave town this offseason and need a cheap pass rusher to be added to their defensive front. They invested heavily last offseason in DeForest Buckner, but struggled to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks off the edge. Patrick Jones would bolster a line that has Al-Quadin Muhammad (PFF 61.0) and Tyquan Lewis (PFF 62.6) who combined for 7 sacks in 2020.
55. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Dillon Radunz (North Dakota St.)
Built exactly like Alejandro Villanueva (6’6, 300), Radunz is another step towards re-establishing the offensive line. He’ll slide in as a starter from Day 1 and provide Big Ben with the protection he became accustomed to during their 11-0 start to the season. With the two pick in our mock draft, the Steelers build a young, new offesnive line with a center in round 1 and now a tackle in round 2.
56. Seattle Seahawks – LB Chazz Surratt (North Carolina)
Historically Seattle has always valued linebackers much more highly than the rest of the league. For proof, just take a look at Bobby Wagner’s 3 year-$54M extension. It looks like KJ Wright will be signing elsewhere this offseason and Seattle is able to add a versatile and quick linebacker who can rush the passer and cover tight ends and slot receivers on a rookie contract.
57. Los Angeles Rams – TE Pat Freiermuth (Penn St.)
The Rams love using multiple tight end schemes and they will need to add one to replace losing Gerald Everett to division rival Seattle this offseason. Although a far cry from Kyle Pitts, Freiermuth is the second best tight end in this class and will help out as a pass catcher and a blocker.
Embed from Getty Images58. Baltimore Ravens – OLB Joseph Ossai (Texas)
Baltimore added a weapon to Lamar Jackson’s arsenal in the first round of this mock draft and now they will land the replacement for Matthew Judon with their second pick. He’s a raw talent who could develop well in Baltimore’s defense but immediately would give them a defender who has shown the capabilities to not only rush the passer but also to cover tight ends and running backs will in zone and man coverage.
59. Cleveland Browns – ILB Pete Werner (Ohio St.)
The Browns addressed the interior defensive line in the first round and now attack the second level with the second pick. Werner has the size (6’2, 240) and athleticism to play inside, strongside, or weakside in a four-man front. He isn’t great in any facet of the game, but he is good in all facets of the game. Behind an elite front-7 and a surging backend, Werner will have every opportunity to excel.
60. New Orleans Saints – CB Elijah Molden (Washington)
Corner is a need for the Saints, but with the recent arrest of Marshon Lattimore, it has become even more pressing. They could still look to add depth by bringing in a veteran; however, Molden gives them solid speed and a talented slot and nickel back in zone coverage. The Saints will need to get through the Bucs next year and Molden will be their guy to cover Chris Godwin.
61. Buffalo Bills – CB Ifeatu Melifonwu (Syracuse)
A luxury pick at the bottom of the second round in our mock draft, the Bills land one of the biggest corners in the draft (6’3, 213) and a guy who should excel in their press-zone scheme. His size will help in running situations and having corners who don’t mind mixing it up makes for a strong edge.
62. Green Bay Packers – DT Daviyon Nixon (Iowa)
Not a pick that Aaron Rodgers will like to hear, but the Packers seem to be building for the Jordan Love era. Nixon will help them to slow down the likes of Dalvin Cook, as well as, bring internal pressure on opposing QBs. At 6-3 and 305 pounds, Nixon has very quick hands and feet, which allow him to be an above average pass rusher.
63. Kansas City Chiefs – RB Javonte Williams (North Carolina)
With the Bell experiment over, the Chiefs needs to find a real running back duo to help open up play action for Mahomes heading into 2021. This would help to alleviate the issues along the offensive line somewhat. Clyde Edwards-Helaire showed flashes in 2020, but some injuries and possibly over-usage led to a decline in production as the season wore on. The Chiefs need multiple running backs in order to keep them fresh in this high-paced offense who will be playing 17 games plus what should be a deep post-season run.
Embed from Getty Images64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – ED Ronnie Perkins (Oklahoma)
Here’s the final pick in our mock draft 2.0. Tampa has an elite pass rush and spent big in retaining it this offseason. They really don’t have any huge positions of need and instead can spend their first tow pick in this mock draft adding depth to key positions on both lines. Adding a 6-3 and 253 pound edge rusher to rotate in with Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett is almost an unfair advantage, especially when you look at their next level defenders at linebacker. Perkins can learn and develop behind two of the league’s best on the edge.
