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.
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
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.
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