CAPOLOGY DEPARTMENT’S 2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT 3.0
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)
This has been the consensus pick all along, however, recent comments regarding Lawrence’s competitiveness are a bit alarming. You never want to hear your future franchise QB say “winning isn’t everything. Despite all this, no serious mock drafts will have any other selection here other than Trevor Lawrence.
Embed from Getty Images2. New York Jets – QB Zach Wilson (BYU)
Jettisoning Sam Darnold off to the Panthers all but solidifies New York taking a QB. All indication out of the Jets camp is that Wilson is going to be the pick. Which begs the question, why subject a rookie who has shoulder problems to that offensive line? Then again this is the Jets and this is the team where young QB’s dreams go to die. Our mock draft selection does not deter from the mainstream belief that Zack Wilson will be the new Jets QB.
3. San Francisco 49ers – QB Mac Jones (Alabama)
The 49ers say there are up to 5 players they like enough to take with this pick, however, you don’t give up an additional 2 first rounders for anything but a franchise QB. It’s a toss up here between Mac Jones, Trey Lance, and Justin Fields, but Jones makes more sense as his skill-set is most similar to Jimmy G. Hopefully, he has better luck with injuries and Super Bowl play.
4. Atlanta Falcons – TE Kyle Pitts (Florida)
Recent news of Julio Jones being on the block potentially could alter this pick, but finding someone to take on his contract is going to be harder than anticipated. Not to mention that Pitts might just be the best receiving threat in a loaded draft and has the ability to line up anywhere on the line. If Jones leaves, Ryan still has a big target to overthrow. If Jones stays, Ryan now has a big target to ignore in favor of Julio Jones.
5. Cincinnati Bengals – WR Ja’Marr Chase (LSU)
Offensive line makes the most sense here, but they need help on the interior after they brought Riley Reiff in through free agency. The receiving corps is just missing a legit number 1 option to make them a dominate group. Plus, there’s no interior offensive-lineman worth the 5th overall pick and Chase has chemistry with Burrows. So, let’s not overthink this one.
Embed from Getty Images6. Miami Dolphins – LB Micah Parsons (Penn St.)
This is the ultimate wild card. Miami could go receiver, offensive line, defense, or look to trade down again. The draft is littered with offensive linemen (particularly tackles) and the Dolphins have 4 selections in the top 40. Not a stretch to see Brian Flores take arguably the top defensive player in the draft and address the line later. Although just about every other mock draft out there has a receiver landing here (either Chase or Waddle depending on availability) we’re going out on a limb to go with Parsons here.
7. Detroit Lions – WR Jaylen Waddle (Alabama)
This is where our mock draft 3.0 starts to differ from our 2.0 mock draft. The Lions need help everywhere, the offensive line has significant holes, the running game is non-existent, and the defense is laughable. However, they took on Goff’s remaining contract and lost their top two receivers from 2020. Waddle’s ability to create instant separation and yards after the catch are invaluable at this point.
8. Carolina Panthers – OT Rashawn Slater (Northwestern)
Many mock drafts still project that Justin Fields is the pick here even after the Sam Darnold trade, but come on, the Panthers have a competitive roster, why in the world would they spend the 8th pick on someone who wouldn’t start and would definitely create controversy from the second after the pick is announced? They take the more versatile player who has experience playing on the inside and outside.
9. Denver Broncos – QB Justin Fields (Ohio St.)
Boy oh boy does Denver make out here. They have a contending roster outside of the signal caller and though Drew Lock seemed like the guy after a strong finish to 2019, his play last year was enough to lose him the job. John Elway FINALLY lands a QB to replace Peyton Manning. It only took him 6 years of Von Miller’s HOF career.
Embed from Getty Images10. Dallas Cowboys – CB Patrick Surtain II (Alabama)
It’s tough with Sewell still on the board in this mock draft and Tyron Smith’s health a major question mark moving forward. However, Jerry Jones’ recent remarks instilling belief that the offensive line looks better than ever leads me to believe that grab the best secondary player in the draft here. Surtain II forms a solid duo with Trevon Diggs to give Dallas something to build around in the secondary.
11. New York Giants – OT Penei Sewell (Oregon)
But what about Nate Solder?? Sorry, he was a massive flop and hoping he can emulate his play in New England is almost as big of a gamble as passing up on a bookend to pair with Andrew Thomas. Daniel Jones needs all the help he can get, with Barkley coming back and Golladay signing on, offensive line becomes a must here.
12.Chicago Bears – QB Trey Lance (North Dakota St.)
Eagles trade out of the pick so Matt Nagy can potentially save his job. This is a swing for the fences, if Dalton fails, and he probably will, Lance might be able to offer enough upside to infuse some life into a team that fumbled an opportunity to claim the NFC North the last 2 seasons. Who cares about future picks when you might not even be around to not use them? This mock draft allows Nagy and Co. to have something to sell their fans and the franchise at the end of the year to possibly keep their jobs heading into 2022 even with a losing record.
13. Los Angeles Chargers – WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
The slide for Smith stops here, LA has starters Allen and Williams coming back, but Herbert needs more. Allen is getting older and has an injury history and Mike Williams is inconsistent at best. Smith is light (170 pounds), but so was DeSean Jackson and he carved out a long, illustrious career running away from bigger guys.
Embed from Getty Images14. Minnesota Vikings – ED Kwity Paye (Michigan)
Mike Zimmer was disgusted with his team’s inability to control the line of scrimmage defensively and though they could use help along the offensive line as well, he’s a former defensive coordinator, so you know where he’s leaning. Paye offers them a powerful running-mate to Danielle Hunter and could form a dynamic duo for the foreseeable future.
15. New England Patriots – CB Jaycee Horn (South Carolina)
The pick remains the same. Could Belichick trade back? Sure, but for what reason? They have a ready-made roster (outside of QB) and JC Jackson was actively looking for a trade out of New England. Belichick takes the best available player left in the draft who has the potential to be the top defensive player in the draft. And, for a year at least, he has the deepest secondary again.
16. Arizona Cardinals – ED Zaven Collins (Tulsa)
The Cardinals don’t need much, but some depth behind Chandler Jones and Markus Golden would be nice. Specifically because Jones should be on a pitch count to start the season and Collins has the skill-set to be a polished all-around edge rusher. He’s valuable depth in Year 1 & 2 with the potential to be a cornerstone afterwards.
17. Las Vegas Raiders – OT Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech)
Gruden loves himself some big, bad dudes protecting the QB and that’s exactly what Darrisaw brings; an edge. Plus, you don’t really have much of a choice when you sell off the entire offensive line. Luck, or planning, depends on what you want to call it, affords Las Vegas the ability to replenish their line with more youth, cost-effective, and not gluttonous options.
18. Miami Dolphins – IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker (USC)
Miami has a need at offensive tackle after the Isiah Wilson experiment failed (after a single day) and Austin Jackson looking like a bust in year 1. Robert Hunt was a nice addition and has the ability to play RT, so why not take the best interior linemen in the draft? Kills two birds with one stone.
Embed from Getty Images19. Washington Football Team – ILB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)
This is quickly becoming an embarrassment of riches for Riverboat Ron and the Washington Football Team. The only REAL weakspot on the defense is the inside backer position and Owusu-Koramoah offers them an explosive playmaker who can hit the hole with violence. The only catch is that he’s too light to take on the big boys at the second level, but luckily for him Washington has a ridiculously talented defensive line.
20. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech)
Wide Receiver, edge rusher, or offensive line could easily be the pick here. However, Farley has the ceiling to be an elite corner in this league with his combination of size, strength, and physical play. So, why not pair him up with Darius Slay? The NFC East is littered with solid receivers (Cooper, Lamb, Golladay, Slayton, Samuels, & McLaurin), so help is needed.
21.Indianapolis Colts – ED Ronnie Perkins (Oklahoma)
Indianapolis loves it’s “lunch-pail”-type players and Perkins checks that box off. He’s not the world’s most explosive edge rusher, BUT he is physical and can set the edge in the run game. It’s surprising that with all of their cap space they still refuse to bring back a guy like Justin Houston, but Chris Ballard deserves the benefit of the doubt. Plus, June 2nd is going to be a very, very fun day for fans, maybe they dive into the veteran pool there?
22. Tennessee Titans – WR Elijah Moore (Ole Miss)
What a difference a year makes. Going into 2020, the Titans were widely considered one of the most complete rosters in the NFL (before they added Clowney), now they have holes just about everywhere. Cornerback is a major issue for them, offensive line needs an injection of youth, and receiver/tight end is bare outside of AJ Brown. Tennessee needs to add speed to an offense that lumbers, Elijah Moore 4.35 40 will do just that.
23. New York Jets – CB Greg Newsome (Northwestern)
Should this be offensive line? Yeah, probably. But, have you seen the secondary in New York? It’s literally just Marcus Maye running around making every tackle, trying to cover every guy, and being forced to make catches with his behind. They need help. A lot of it. Offensive line can come later.
Embed from Getty Images24. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Liam Eichenberg
Okay, so remove one really tall, lighter offensive lineman in Alejandro Villanueva and replace him with another really tall, lighter offensive lineman in Liam Eichenberg. But, don’t doubt the guy, he benched 225lbs 33 times at his Pro Day, which means as he fills out he’s only going to get stronger. Plus, Big Ben needs an offensive line that is agile enough to actually get in-between him and rushers off the edge. Lord knows that he’s not going to get out of their way.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars – S Trevon Moehrig (TCU)
Again, same as Lawrence, this pick makes too much sense not to make it. Moehrig is easily the top safety in this draft and the Jaguars have spent everywhere else to bolster their roster in preparation for Trevor “Sunshine” Lawrence. My only hope is that Moehrig doesn’t share the same level of complacency as the top overall pick. That doesn’t bode well for defensive players.
26. Cleveland Browns – IDL Christian Barmore (Alabama)
Was Clowney a solid addition? Potentially, he has a much higher ceiling than Oliver Vernon, but was it worth having to give up Sheldon Richardson? Not in my book at least, the Cowboys embodied the whole “who needs a defensive tackle” method last season. This might even be considered a reach, but Barmore works on the interior and he is from the Factory of Alabama. At this point, that’s good enough.
27. Baltimore Ravens – WR Terrace Marshall Jr. (LSU)
If Julio goes anywhere, he needs to go to Baltimore. Which would negate the need for Terrace Marshall Jr because they would fill the same role, however, Julio ain’t going anywhere until after June 1st and a lot of teams are going to be interested. So, with two picks in the 1st round, the first one is used to make sure they get a bigger target on the outside to move the chains for Lamar.
28. New Orleans Saints – WR Kadarius Toney (Florida)
This seems like a strange pick because offense is synonymous with Sean Payton and the Saints. However, the Drew Brees era is over and New Orleans fans are going to see first-hand how great it is to have a QB who can manage to throw 30 interceptions in a season. So, let’s hope that Payton makes it easier for Winston by giving him a quick option to get open underneath. Teams are going to be doubling Thomas and Kamara at all times, so reinforcements are going to be needed.
29. Green Bay Packers – C Landon Dickerson (Alabama)
Why wouldn’t we take an opportunity to continue to piss Aaron Rodgers off? Oh, we let your pro-bowl center go in the off-season. No worries Aaron, we got you, we’ll just replace him with our top pick in this year’s draft. After taking a QB in last year’s draft. Basically equating to a roster that has not evolved at all in the last two seasons. Truth be told, it Green Bay could do a lot worse here.
30. Buffalo Bills – ED Jaelen Phillips (Miami)
We’re tempted to go running-back here, but that might be overkill with 3rd round selections in the prior two seasons’ drafts. So, Jaelen Phillips is the pick here. His the quintessential boom or bust prospect. If he’s bust, not crippling, Buffalo still has talent to contend defensively the next year or so. However, if he’s boom, then watch out, an already loaded defense just got the one piece they’ve been missing. A disruptive guy on the edge to force quick decisions by the QB.
31. Baltimore Ravens – ED Azeez Ojulari (Georgia)
Another major hole filled. With Ngakoue and Judon out the door, the Ravens have a serious need on the edges. This could also be Gregory Rousseau, Jason Oweh, or Jamin Davis here, but Azeez has a higher upside than the first guy and is more polished than two and three. So, with the Ravens needing him to come in immediately and make an impact, it makes too much sense not to happen.
Embed from Getty Images32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – ED Gregory Rousseau (Miami)
The ultimate luxury pick. The Bucs quite literally don’t have any holes on their team that need to be addressed. So, they could anywhere at 32 (including trading out of it altogether). However, with a guy who is built similarly to JPP and the 4th of July rapidly approaching, the Bucs would be wise to go after a guy who is built similarly. Plus, if there was a concern anywhere on this team, it would be the lack of depth at the linebacker positions.
33.Jacksonville Jaguars – IDL Levi Onwuzurike (Washington)
Is it getting redundant with Jacksonville? NO. Well, okay maybe, but truth is where else would they go with this pick? Interior defensive line needs help and Onwuzurike is the best available to do so. Could we see a trade up in front of Cleveland to grab Barmore? Yes, because I revel in Cleveland’s failures. However, why give up multiple picks to go grab a guy that might be marginally better than Onwuzurike?
34. New York Jets – LB Nick Bolton
Why? Cause screw New York, that’s why. No, in all seriousness, they hired Robert Saleh, a defensive guy and you’re telling me he’s not going to be focused on fixing up that defense? Plus, Nick Bolton has the same measurables as Fred Warner, who was vital to SF’s success in 2019. This is a deep draft at offensive line and the Jets also signed George Fant to a $10M/year deal for some odd reason. So, they might not be looking for much help on the line this early.
35.Atlanta Falcons – RB Najee Harris (Alabama)
If the Falcons end up holding onto Julio Jones and the offensive line can live up to it’s potential, this becomes a very balanced and scary offense for Matt Ryan to underachieve with. Todd Gurley failed, predictably, and Atlanta has no threat on the ground. I like defense here, edge rusher or corner would be nice, but there isn’t a pick left in this draft that could impact them as much as Harris could.
Embed from Getty Images36. Miami Dolphins – RB Travis Etienne (Clemson)
With the 50th pick in this mock draft as well and Najee Harris potentially sparking a mini run on backs, the Dolphins look to stay ahead of everyone else by taking the “home-run hitter” in Travis Etienne. Receiver or additional offensive line help would make sense, but Jordan Howard was horrible last year and so was Matt Breida. Tua is going to need a running game to take some of the pressure off him and Etienne is best dual-back available.
37. Philadelphia Eagles – LB Jamin Davis (Kentucky)
This might be seen as trolling Eagles fans here, but I assure you an Eagles fan is who made this pick. Jamin Davis has the size and athleticism to be a homerun pick for Philly fans. They need SOMEONE in that front 7 to make a play instead of just Fletcher Cox. So, though a guy like Rashod Bateman or Rondale Moore is still sitting here at 37, I agree that Davis might be the best defensive player left. Our mock draft is very unconventional for the Eagles (still no receiver taken); however, they’re work is not yet over in the 2nd round.
38. Cincinnati Bengals – IOL Quinn Meinerz (Wisconsin-Whitewater)
Who? Why? Let me explain…cause I said so. Well, actually it goes a little deeper than that. Zac Taylor was sprouted off the Sean McVay tree and they love them some big, physical guys that can move in space. Which is exactly what Meinerz is. He has had experience in a zone-blocking scheme and has recently shot up draft boards around the league. Plus, he’s right in Cincy’s backyard, so just because you and I haven’t heard of him doesn’t mean their scouts haven’t noticed.
39. Carolina Panthers – WR Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)
Bateman would be the possession, underneath, chain-mover in this receiving corps. With Robby Anderson and DJ Moore stretching the field, McCaffery owning the flats and middle of the field, Bateman will feast on the one-on-one coverage underneath. Finally, Sam Darnold is given a offense with some talent and it wouldn’t shock me if he didn’t get off to hot start because of it. And yes, I know Tedy Bridgewater is there too, but clearly this is Darnold’s job to lose since they gave up a 2nd rounder to bring him on. Many mock drafts have Bateman already off the board by now, which is quite possible, but if still available would be a steal for the Panthers.
40. Denver Broncos – CB Kelvin Joseph (Kentucky)
You’re in a division that is chock full of talented wideouts, Kyle Fuller is only signed on for a year, and Ronald Darby can be inconsistent. So, Kelvin Joseph offers some depth to a position that looks strong on paper, but is an injury away from being a liability. He also has the versatility to work inside or outside, which makes him a valuable depth piece.
41. Detroit Lions – OT/OG Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma St.)
Jared Goff probably isn’t the answer for Detroit, but giving him Jaylen Waddle to work underneath and then Tevan Jenkins to pair up with Taylor Decker on the edges. Well, that’s building a pretty solid foundation, especially since you own LA’s first rounders in 2022 & 2023. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out (which is a slight towards Matt Patricia if you didn’t know). Our mock draft actually gives Lions fans a reason to be a bit optimistic heading into 2021.
42. New York Giants – ED Jason Oweh (Penn St.)
You’ve got to take a gamble at some point if you’re David Gettleman and Oweh has the traits to be the missing piece on an otherwise complete defense. Could he fail? Sure, he’s far from polished and one-year standouts in college aren’t always a great indication of future success. But, they also can’t do much worse than last season in the way of pass rushers. The Giants have made big strides and gambles this offseason and our mock draft sees that continuing.
Embed from Getty Images43. San Francisco 49ers – CB Tyson Campbell (Georgia)
He’s not as tall as Richard Sherman, but he’s the same type of player. He’s long, he’s physical, he’s fast, and he can’t cover any route that works horizontally. But, like Sherman, as long as the pass rush gets there then those issues will be hidden for the time being. Not to mention that there really aren’t any other positions that are glaring on this roster, only corner and safety seem to be lacking on this team.
44. Dallas Cowboys – ED Joe Tryon (Washington)
We debated between Creed Humphrey and Joe Tryon because of Dallas’ failure to replace Travis Frederick last season. We landed on Tryon because defense is clearly the bigger issue here and the return of Dak Prescott should smooth things over offensively. A rotation of Lawrence, Tryon, and Gregory could be a major positive for this team moving forward.
45. Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Asante Samuel Jr. (Florida St.)
Changing it up a bit! We had Pat Freiermuth, tight end, at this spot in past mock draft, but Jacksonville has a need for a slot corner. If he has anything along the ball skills his dad had for New England, Philly, and Atlanta, the Jaguars are getting a steal at #45.
46. New England Patriots – LB Jabril Cox (LSU)
What have the Patriots been susceptible towards ever since Belichick became the coach in 2000? Backs on wheel routes. Bill loves himself some big linebackers, which really hamstrings them when they have to cover in space. What Andy Reid and Doug Pederson did to their group in 2017 still haunts me to this day. Cox is a guy that CAN ACTUALLY defend the pass and in space. He has size too, at 6’3, 235, he can fill out to be more in the mold that Bill typically looks for.
47. Los Angeles Chargers – OT Samuel Cosmi (Texas)
The Chargers have plucked a couple of Packers the last couple of seasons (Bulaga & Linsley) to fill an offensive line that is a major liability. Since Justin Herbert is the future of this franchise, protecting him is paramount. Cosmi is one of those tackles that had he come out at a different time, might be a first rounder, but this isn’t one of those times. In the first round of our mock draft, the Chargers landed a Heisman trophy winner at receiver and now they’re able to add depth to their protection of their 2nd year QB.
48. Las Vegas Raiders – C Creed Humphrey (Oklahoma)
I know, I know, James Hudson was the prototypical Raider, but with Darrisaw in the fold, there’s no need to double down here. Instead, Vegas looks to replace Rodney Hudson, someone that I feel as though they will eventually regret letting go. However, Humphrey has the size and physicality that Gruden looks for out of his interior line. Josh Jacobs and Derek Carr are happy that Las Vegas continues to emphasize the offensive line. The Raiders created these needs by gutting their offensive line and our mock draft projects that the plan all along was to replace them with cheaper, younger talent via the draft.
Embed from Getty Images49. Arizona Cardinals – S Richie Grant (UCF)
Rondale Moore is REALLY enticing here. However, he’s got major injury concerns and will be buried behing Hopkins, Green, and Kirk. So, Richie Grant is the pick here since he’s your typical “jack of all trades, master of none” safety. With Budda Baker being the chess piece on the backend, Grant has the ability to fill whatever role they need him to.
50. Miami Dolphins – WR Rondale Moore (Purdue)
This is shaping up to be a great mock draft for Brian Flores after he seemingly whiffed on last year’s class. Explosiveness defines this draft for Miami, Moore provides them a slot guy who can take the top off the defense on a go route or after the catch. This allows Tua to make safer throws underneath with the potential of still making chunk gains. Instead of replacing Tua with this year’s draft capital, our mock draft sees them investing that capital into surrounding more talent around their 2nd year QB.
51. Washington Football Team – OT Walker Little (Stanford)
There’s a massive hole where Trent Williams once was and Walker Little won’t be able to fill it completely. However, he’ll do a much better job than Geron Christian did last year (PFF score sub 65). Fitzpatrick is the answer for 2021 and with Ereck Flowers coming back in a trade, Little will do a lot to help solidify an already solid unit.
52. Chicago Bears – WR Tutu Atwell (Louisville)
This is a “now” move. Tutu Atwell is tiny, barely reaching 160 pounds, but boy is he lightning quick. He can be utilized down the field, on screens, jet sweeps, on returns, and pretty much any other way an imaginative coach can utilize him. Chicago took a big swing with Lance in the first round of our mock draft, might as well keeping hacking at the plate on this one.
Embed from Getty Images53. Tennessee Titans – CB Elijah Molden (Washington)
Willing losing backend guys like Logan Ryan, Malcom Butler, and Adoree Jackson the last couple of seasons stings. Elijah Molden isn’t a “fix-all” player, but he’s a smart, versatile one. Coming from the School of Belichick, Vrabel wants guys who can morph and fill different roles. Molden can play outside, in the slot, at safety, zone, and man. At pick 53 overall in this mock draft, the Titans land a solid and versatile corner to help stabilize their defense.
54. Indianapolis Colts – OT Dillon Radunz (North Dakota St.)
For the last couple of seasons, the offensive line has been a massive strength for Indy. Losing Anthony Costanzo to retirement was the first dent in the armor of that unit. With a very fraile QB who is surrounded by limited weapons, having a stout offensive line makes all the difference. Radunz might be a bit of a project player, but with great players around him on the line, it does take some pressure off when you only need to worry about the guy in front of you.
55. Pittsburgh Steelers – RB Javonte Williams
Everyone likes Najee Harris in the 1st to Pittsburgh, but guess what! There’s no sense in drafting a 1st round RB when you don’t offer him any sort of blocking up front. Javonte Williams isn’t as good as Najee Harris, but he’s comparable behind a serviceable offensive line. He’s in the mold of James Conner too, a powerful, down-hill runner that is not out of place in the passing game. Williams is scattered through many mock drafts, going as high as the end of the 1st round to the end of the 2nd round. The Steelers may need to move up to secure him when the time comes, but if they can pull off grabbing a top-talent at offensive line and running back they look to be in a good position to return to their early season form and not how they finished the 2020 season.
56. Seattle Seahawks – WR Anthony Schwartz (Auburn)
Like Cincy, I’m sure you’re left there saying what? Who? Why? Schwartz isn’t a big name and Nico Collins might make more sense here because he’s more highly rated. However, Collins is built similarly to DK Metcalf and redundant in that sense. Schwartz is more of an underneath guy who can make plays after the catch. With Russell Wilson breaking the pocket consistently, with or without protection, he needs guys that can create on the fly. Schwartz can do that better than anyone left. Our mock draft 3.0 sees them grabbing a lightning fast receiver to add to the receiving corps.
57. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Nico Collins (Michigan)
Listen Zach Ertz isn’t going to be an Eagle for much longer, and though Indy is the projected landing spot for him because of Wentz, my guess is that McVay will make a better offer. With their window closing rapidly, the Rams view Ertz as a more impactful player to their team than any pick here. Plus, the Eagles FINALLY draft a receiver to help Jalen Hurts out. Collins is a bigger, possession-type receiver. Something the Eagles currently do not employ. Most mock drafts will have them tending to this need earlier than 57th overall, but it’s a bit of a toss-up where the team that has just about every need will go early on in this draft.
Embed from Getty Images58. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Simi Fehoko (Standford)
Wide Receiver is hardly atop the Chiefs needs at this point, but after addressing offensive line over and over and over again, there isn’t much else to attack. You convince me that edge rusher, linebacker, or corner could be the play here. But, they just invested HALF A BILLION dollars into their QB, go and give him another burner to play catch with.
59. Cleveland Browns – ILB Pete Werner (Ohio St.)
This might be one of the best value picks of the second round in this mock draft. Cleveland NEEDS help at the second level, Anthony Walker Jr was a nice addition, but he’s a role player, not a “fix-it” type guy. Pete Werner however is the type of player that is solid all around. He doesn’t over pursue, he doesn’t take bad angles, and he isn’t lost in coverage. He’s exactly the type of player you want behind a stellar front line to help clean up anyone that slips through. This caps off a very solid mock draft for the Browns.
60. New Orleans Saints – ED Carlos Basham Jr. (Wake Forest)
The Saints took a hit when Hendrickson left in free agency, especially with Marcus Davenport failing to live up to expectations thus far in his career. Basham Jr, doesn’t immediately project as a starter, but he’s built like the defensive ends that New Orleans likes to employee. He sets the edge well in the run game and has enough power/moves to threaten on passing downs.
61.Buffalo Bills – CB Eric Stokes (Georgia)
The offense is set, there’s no need to touch that as long as health isn’t a concern. The defense is pretty stout too, so without any major holes, the Bills continue to target young, project players. Stokes is a physical press-man corner that sometimes lets that physicality get the best of him with penalties or missed jams at the line. He’ll have plenty of time to learn behind White and Wallace, but if he pans out, this could elevate this defense back to the levels of 2019.
62. Green Bay Packers – OT Jalen Mayfield (Michigan)
This one might leave Rodgers back at the Jeopardy podium, but it’ll be a critical one for maintaining the long-term viability for this franchise. Mayfield, like Cosmi, wouldn’t last this long in most drafts, but this one is loaded with top-end tackle talent. With a major need at RT and Billy Tuner being laughable at best, Mayfield may start from Day 1.
63. Kansas City Chiefs – ED Patrick Jones II (Pittsburgh)
With their original second rounder, the Chiefs get some pass rush help for Frank Clark & Co. The Achilles Heel of Kansas City is the lack of depth they employee just about everywhere. That’s the price you pay when you pay top-end talent at key positions. Patrick Jones II offers them a high energy player that knows how to get after the QB. He may not be stout against the run, but KC is typically defending a lead, not chasing it.
Embed from Getty Images64.Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Tylan Wallace (Oklahoma St.)
Why not? Again, luxury pick here with the final selection in our mock draft 3.0. I understand the Bucs have Evans, Godwin, Miller, & Johnson, but Godwin isn’t a lock to return in 2022 and Antonio Brown still is unsigned. Wallace is an underneath guy that offers some insurance in the event of injury and if they can’t retain Godwin next season. This model is built around Brady, anything that isn’t trying to set him up for the most success is nothing short of cheating yourself.
