2021 Inside The Star Round 1 NFL Mock Draft

As draft week heats up, so do the rumors surrounding everyone aside from Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson. Outside the top two players, there are so many ways the draft could fall. We’ll all be waiting with baited breath for our team’s opportunity to go on the clock.

Remember the feeling of adulation when the Dallas Cowboys went on the clock at 17 and CeeDee Lamb was still available. I do. As a fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and the Dallas Cowboys I was so nervous. I wasn’t sure the Dallas Cowboys had it in them to take the best player available in CeeDee Lamb. And when they finally selected him, I couldn’t stop shaking.

In my years covering the NFL Draft, I’ve never felt that way about a player the Dallas Cowboys selected. That’s just how good Lamb is and the fortuitous nature of him being available when the Cowboys picked.

The NFL Draft is as unpredictable as the action that happens on Sundays. And that’s what makes it must watch television for the three day event.

We here at InsideTheStar.com attempted to mock out the first round and how we think each team will address the NFL Draft. It’s unlikely to fall this way outside of the top two picks and there are always players who go higher than we think and players who will go lower than we think.

Let us know how we did in the comment section.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson

“Trevor Lawrence has been the first pick in this draft for about two years now. It was only a question of which team wound up with the pick. Hopefully he doesn’t have his career ruined by the Urban Meyer experiment in Jacksonville.

Jess Haynie, Senior Writer

2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, Quarterback, Brigham Young

“Personally, Justin Fields is the QB@ of this class to me but this one seems set in stone. The Jets moved on from Sam Darnold, planning on finding their next franchise quarterback in BYU’s Zach Wilson.”

Kevin Brady, Staff Writer

3. San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio State

“After Jimmy Garoppolo went to injured reserve for the second time in three seasons in 2020, the 49ers get their quarterback of the future in Justin Fields. HIs big arm, athleticism, and ability to extend plays with his legs could make San Francisco contenders again in the NFC West very shortly.”

Matthew Lenix, Staff Writer

Florida Tight End Kyle PItts

4. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Florida

“Offensive line or the best non-quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft. That was the question here with the fourth overall pick. Yes, the Falcons could go with Trey Lance at quarterback and it’s a move that would make a ton of sense, but adding Kyle Pitts to Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley was just too good of an option to pass up. Matt Ryan still has some good years ahead of him and taking the best player available at this point in the draft is a no-brainer.”

John Williams, Staff Writer

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, LSU

“Joe Burrow gets his way and will reunite with his former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati. While there are still concerns about the Bengals offensive line, they can hopefully snag an upgrade later with their second-round pick.”

Brian Martin, formerly of InsideTheStar.com, now of Blogging The Boys

6. Miami Dolphins: Penei Sewell, Offensive Tackle, Oregon

“The Dolphins offensive line improved last season with additions like Eric Flowers at guard and drafting Austin Jackson and Solomon Kindley, but they still allowed the 16th most sacks in the NFL. Drafting Penei Sewell solidifies their offensive line and keeps Tua Tagovailoa healthy and upright for the next decade.”

Shane Carter, Contributor

7. Detroit Lions: Patrick Surtain, Cornerback, Alabama

“The Detroit Lions entire cornerback group was atrocious last season. They hope last year’s third overall pick, Jeffrey Okudah, makes a leap in year two. They’ve also added Quinton Dunbar in free agency, but Dunbar was bad last year as well. In full rebuild mode, the Lions need a solid, safe talent for the defense like Patrick Surtain. The need for wide receiver is obvious but can be filled later in in the draft.

Jason Ramirez, Contributor

Oct 28, 2017; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Rashawn Slater (70) in action during a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

8. Carolina Panthers: Rashawn Slater, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern

“There were a number of ways the Panthers could’ve gone with the 8th overall pick. The Panthers have been rumored to be interested in a quarterback despite trading for Darnold, but instead they take OT2 in the class to protect their new QB.”

Kevin Brady, Staff Writer

9. Denver Broncos: DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama

“The Denver Broncos add the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith at number nine. This gives Drew Lock, who struggled last season, a legit number-one target and gives the Broncos a fantastic wide receiver group with Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and KJ Hamler.

Matthew Lenix, Staff Writer

TRADE

The Chicago Bears send number 20, their 2022 and 2023 first round picks, and a 2022 third round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for 10th overall.

Senior Writer Jess Haynie on the Trade Haul

“The trade-down package was just too good to say not to. I thought strongly about Jaycee Horn at 10 but you don’t say no to what Chicago offered for the sake of 10 draft slots. You’re still getting one of the top-20 players in the draft and tons of draft ammo for the next two years.

This is about what it would have to take for me to want to trade back that far and away from Jaycee Horn and possibly miss out on Greg Newsome or Azeez Ojulari.

10. Chicago Bears via Dallas: Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota State

“Chicago had to pay handsomely to land their future quarterback, but should be more than happy to come away with a player as talented as Trey Lance. His ceiling is through the roof and he doesn’t have to be thrown to the wolves right away. He can sit and learn behind Andy Dalton until he’s ready to take the reins full time.”

Brian Martin, formerly of InsideTheStar.com, now of Blogging The Boys

ATHENS, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 12: Jaycee Horn #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts as Israel Mukuamu #24 returns an interception for a touchdown in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

11. New York Giants: Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina

“After the Dallas Cowboys traded down and away from Jaycee Horn, arguably the best cornerback in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Giants were thrilled to turn in their draft card for Jaycee Horn. Horn, a tough and aggressive cornerback, has the attitude and mentality to fit in quite well with Head Coach Joe Judge.

John Williams, Staff Writer, InsideTheStar.com

12. Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Alabama

“Philadelphia decides to upgrade their passing game by reuniting Jaylen Waddle with Jalen Hurts, former teammates at Alabama. Waddle immediately becomes the best wide receiver on the roster and makes their offense much more explosive from day one.”

Brian Martin, formerly of Inside The Star, now of Blogging The Boys

13. Los Angeles Chargers: Alijah Vera-Tucker, Offensive Line, USC

“Last season’s Chargers team posted the second-worst combined Pro Football Focus grade by an offensive line in the past decade. This offseason, they’ve added Center Corey Linsley and versatile lineman Matt Feiler. However, they still have a huge hole at left tackle. Alijah Vera-Tucker prjects in the Zack Martin mold. A college left tackle that has Pro Bowl potential at guard. Los Angeles can see how he looks playing tackle at the NFL level and at worst adds a great guard prospect for their team.”

Jason Ramirez, Contributor

TRADE

Washington Football Team trades number 19 and number 74 to the Minnesota Vikings for number 14.

14. Washington Football Team: Mac Jones, Quarterback, Alabama

“The Washington Football Team jumps in front of another quarterback-needy team, New England, to take the last of the top five quarterbacks in Mac Jones. All it cost them was one of their two third round picks. Jones can sit and learn behind Ryan Fitzpatrick until they feel he’s ready to take over the reins as their much needed franchise quarterback.”

Jason Ramirez, Contributor

15. New England Patriots: Christian Barmore, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

“After the Washington Football Team snagged Mac Jones at 14, the New England Patriots bolstered their defensive front with Defensive Tackle Christian Barmore. At 6-5, 300 pounds he can play either the 3-technique or 1-techniqe defensive tackle spots and provide the Patriots with a run stuffer on the interior who can also get after the quarterback.

Matthew Lenix, Staff Writer

16. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

“It’s almost poetic that Arizona adds Caleb Farley after saying goodbye to Patrick Peterson. Once considered the best cornerback in the draft, Farley drops due to injury concerns but is still worthy of this pick. I’d rather gamble on his health than settle for a lesser prospect.

Jess Haynie, Senior Writer

Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons wags his finger after making a tackle during the second quarter of the 84th Cotton Bowl in AT&T Stadium on Dec. 28, 2019.
Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Penn State

“I can hear Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock in the war room talking about Micah Parsons and using the phrase ‘he’s just a football player’ quite a bit. Parsons is arguably the best linebacker in the draft and the Las Vegas Raiders defense could use some help on the second level. Parsons speed and athleticism make him and important defender when trying to match up with the high-powered offenses of the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.

John Williams, Staff Writer

18. Miami Dolphins: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

“Now that the MIami Dolphins are set protecting their franchise quarterback, their next focus is on attacking the opposing quarterback. The Dolphins ranked 11th in the NFL in sacks in 2020 with contributions from several sources like Emmanuel Ogbah, Jerome Baker, and Andrew Van Ginkle. However, they didn’t have a player with double-digit sacks. Azeez Ojulari is the most versatile edge rusher in the draft witht he ability to play both off and on the line of scrimmage and should be a quick replacement for Kyle Van Noy.

Shane Carter, Contributor

19. Minnesota Vikings via WFT: Jaelen Phillips, EDGE, Miami

“After trading back with quarterback hungry Washington, the Vikings pick up an extra third round pick and get themselves some desperately needed EDGE help. Formerly a top high school recruit, Phillips had an up and down collegiate career before settling in at Miami with a second-team All-American season.”

Kevin Brady, Staff Writer

20. Dallas Cowboys via CHI: Jamin Davis, Linebacker, Kentucky

“I chose Jamin Davis based on the major concerns about the linebacker position right now and Davis is the perfect fit in Dallas’ scheme. He can back up the starters, spell them in nickel, and provides great insurance for 2022 when probably on of Jaylon Smith or Leighton Vander Esch is out the door. It felt like the right move for the moment with several solid cornerback prospects potentially there for us at 44.

Jess Haynie, Senior Writer

21. Indianapolis Colts: Christian Darrisaw, Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech

“Carson Wentz will look to resurrect his career with his former offensive coordinator, now head coach Frank Reich in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, there’s a glaring hole on his blindside after the retirement of Anthony Costanzo. Christian Darrisaw comes in as a day-one starter with All-Pro potential that puts the Colts offensive line among the leagues best.

Shane Carter, Contributor

22. Tennessee Titans: Rashod Bateman, Wide Receiver, Minnesota

“Excellent marriage of need and talent at this pick. Rashod Bateman has been mocked in the top 20 in many projections I’ve seen, so for the receiver-needy Titans to get him at 22 is a nice win.”

Jess Haynie, Senior Writer

23. New York Jets: Greg Newsome, Cornerback, Northwestern

“After getting their quarterback second overall, the Jets look to the other side of the ball with their second first round pick. Greg Newsome is an NFL ready cornerback that can plug right into the Jets defense on the boundary.

Kevin Brady, Staff Writer

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Linebacker, Notre Dame

“The Pittsburgh Steelers add to their top three defense from 2020 with the addition of linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. His combination of speed, instincts, and versatility (played some safety and nickel corner) make him arguably the most well-rounded defender coming out of college.”

Matthew Lenix, Staff Writer

25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

“Getting the best quarterback and perhaps the best defensive end in the same draft is a nice day for any franchise. Jacksonville needed defensive line help and Kwity Paye sliding to 25 offered exceptional value.”

Jess Haynie, Senior Writer

26. Cleveland Browns: Rondale Moore, Wide Receiver, Purdue

“Odell Beckham Jr. is the Cleveland Browns highest paid player and will earn around $15 million in 2021. Injuries and a lack of chemistry with Quarterback Baker Mayfield has led to speculation that he could be traded. Rondale Moore is an absolute burner that Mayfield hasn’t had on the outside since Antonio Calloway. He would give the Browns the ability to stretch the field beyond 15 yards in the passing game.

Shane Carter, Contributor

27. Baltimore Ravens: Creed Humphrey, Center, Oklahoma

Note: the pick went down before the trade between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs for Orlando Brown went down.

“The Baltimore Ravens need to do more up front to help their quarterback have time in the pocket. Adding Creed Humphrey, who would have been a first round pick a year ago had he declared for the NFL Draft, helps to solidify the offensive line. Humphrey is an intelligent player with a ton of experience.

John Williams, Staff Writer

28. New Orleans Saints: Zaven Collins, Linebacker, Tulsa

“Zaven Collins is a linebacker built like a defensive end who has the talent, versatility, and skill set to play a variety of roles on the Saints defense. He is a chess piece type of player who should make an early impact in the NFL.”

Brian Martin, formerly of InsideTheStar.com, now of Blogging The Boys

29. Green Bay Packers: Asante Samuel, Jr., Cornerback, Florida State

“Green Bay has one of the top corners in the league in Jaire Alexander but are very thin at the position behind him. Here, they can take a corner that flashes a lot of that same ability and is built in the same mold with Asante Samuel, Jr.

Jason Ramirez, Contributor

30. Buffalo Bills: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

“The Buffalo Bills need help on the defensive line and Gregory Rousseau’s combination of testing plus athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect that could help their pass rush in 2021 and beyond.

John Williams, Staff Writer

TCU safety Trevon Moehrig (7) in action as TCU played Purdue in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

31. Baltimore Ravens via KC: Trevon Moehrig, Safety, TCU

“Offensive line was awfully tempting here for the Baltimore Ravens after trading Orlando Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, we all know that Baltimore loves their defense and they need to add help to their secondary, particularly at safety. The slow fall for TCU Safety Trevon Moehrig is over and Moherig’s ball skills and nose for the football will be a welcomed addition to the Ravens defense.

John Williams, Staff Writer

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Terrance Marshall, Jr., Wide Receiver, LSU

“The rich get richer. In addition to having Pro Bowl wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers end the first round by selecting Terrace Marshall Jr. Marshall’s 6-3 frame would give the Bucs another big body in the passing game who had a nose for the end zone as evidenced by his 23 touchdowns over his last two seasons.”

Matthew Lenix, Staff Writer