2021 NFL Mock Draft: Trevor Lawrence leads early first-round projection

Trevor Lawrence 2021 NFL draft

The 2020 NFL draft is in the books, so naturally, it’s time to turn our attention to the next cycle of draft prospects with our 2021 NFL Mock Draft, first-round projection.

Keep in mind that last year this time, Joe Burrow wasn’t on the first-round radar and A.J. Epenesa was considered a top-five pick (he went 54th overall to the Bills). Much will change between now and next year’s draft, but a 2021 mock draft is a great exercise to get familiar with the upcoming class of talent. Let’s go:

*draft order based on 2020 Super Bowl odds

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

2. Washington Redskins – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Spotlight: Dwayne Haskins is already entering what feels like a do-or-die season with the Redskins in 2020. If he fails to deliver, and Washington has the kind of down year that many are expecting, Fields will be a no-brainer selection at this spot.

3. Carolina Panthers – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

4. Cincinnati Bengals – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Spotlight: Joe Burrow already has an impressive receiving corps in A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, but adding his former college teammate and the best receiver in the 2021 NFL draft (as of now) would be a home-run selection.

Gregory Rousseau - 2021 NFL Draft

5. Miami Dolphins – Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami

6. New York Jets – Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

7. New York Giants – Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Spotlight: The Giants love drafting cornerbacks and Wade is the early favorite to be one of the best in next year’s class. GM Dave Gettleman will have a hard time passing on a player like this at a position he covets.

8. Detroit Lions – Michah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Alex Leatherwood - 2021 NFL draft

9. Las Vegas Raiders – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

10. Arizona Cardinals – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

11. Miami Dolphins (from Houston) – Walker Little, OT, Stanford

Spotlight: Little entered the 2019 season as one of the top offensive tackles in the country but suffered an early-season injury that ended his first-round conversation. Assuming he’s back to full health and improves his play strength, he’ll challenge for a top-10 pick.

Jaylen Waddle 2021 NFL draft

12. Los Angeles Chargers – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

13. Denver Broncos – Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State

14. Atlanta Falcons – Xavier Thomas, Edge, Clemson

15. Chicago Bears – Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas

16. Cleveland Browns – Creed Humphrey, OG/C, Texas

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL