5 takeaways from Daniel Jeremiah’s Mock Draft 2.0

Daniel Jeremiah Mock Draft 2.0

NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah published his Mock Draft 2.0 on Tuesday, and there were a few surprise picks in Round 1 that could begin to change the narrative around this year’s first-round prospects.

The 2021 draft cycle is unique primarily because of the impact COVID-19 has had on the traditional scouting process. The truncated 2020 college season combined with the cancellation of the 2021 NFL Combine has resulted in the least amount of information about the prospects that’s ever been available to teams and the media. It’s turning what’s inherently an unpredictable event into pure chaos.

That’s why Jeremiah’s mock draft — this one and future editions — is extremely important. It’s not because Jeremiah is an elite talent evaluator; instead, he has connections inside the NFL and is more than likely leaving breadcrumbs in his mocks based on what he’s hearing regarding teams’ draft boards and internal grades.

So pay attention to his work product.

Here are five takeaways from his latest first-round mock draft.

Micah Parsons scouting report
Penn State LB Micah Parsons moving up!

Parsons is one of the most talented players in the 2021 draft class and has a chance to rank in the top five of this year’s PFD Big Board. We’ll publish our first top-100 list later next month.

Parsons’ elite range and nose for the football is not unlike Buccaneers’ star, Devin White, and I expect he’ll make a similar impact in the NFL, assuming his off-field character concerns (which sources say are very real) can be overcome.

Jeremiah has Parsons off the board to the Lions at No. 7 overall, which is higher than most mock drafts of late. Parsons has been a popular mid-first-rounder, but I expect that to change moving forward.

Jaylen Waddle 2021 NFL Draft
Jaylen Waddle is the first Alabama wide receiver off the board

This is a correct take by Jeremiah. And if you’ve been reading our stuff here at PFD, you know we’ve never been on the Devonta Smith hype train despite his remarkable 2020 season.

Smith doesn’t possess the kind of physical makeup required to be an elite alpha-receiver in the NFL, and while he can certainly be a productive wideout, he doesn’t profile as an ‘impossible to stop’ player like Julio Jones.

Jaylen Waddle, on the other hand, has rare juice and playmaking ability that’s along the lines of Chiefs star, Tyreek Hill. Yes, that Tyreek Hill.

In Jeremiah’s mock, Waddle comes off the board at No. 13 (Chargers), while Smith goes to the Vikings at No.14. Don’t be surprised if Smith falls further than that in future mock drafts.




Welcome to the first round, Greg Newsome!

Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome hasn’t been a common name in first-round mock drafts, but that’s going to change now that Jeremiah has him off the board at No. 21 overall to the Colts.

I haven’t tapped into Newsome’s tape yet, but this is the kind of mock projection that will move him higher on my list of priority players to watch over the next 30 days or so.

And remember that thing I said about draft clues? Jeremiah says “teams are very high ” on Newsome in his breakdown of the pick.

Mac Jones 2021 Senior Bowl
Mac Jones is a first-rounder despite a draft-day slide

The 2021 NFL offseason will be highlighted by the turnover that’s taking place at the quarterback position. Trades are expected, free-agency will provide changes of scenery, and the NFL draft has potentially five first-rounders in its mix.

Jones is one of those first-round guys and up until now, most mock drafts have him off the board by the 20th pick. Not Jeremiah’s.

Jeremiah has Jones sliding to No. 28, where the New Orleans Saints pick the Crimson Tide starter to be the heir to Drew Brees’ throne.

It’d be a great pick, but I don’t see it happening. I’d be surprised if Jones gets past the 49ers at No. 12.



Najee Harris
Najee Harris’ first-round love continues

I’m a big believer in drafting good football players in the first round, regardless of the alleged positional value. Running backs have become the most devalued draft-day position in recent years, but when a prospect like Harris comes along, there’s no reason to shy away from him in Round 1.

Is Harris an elite talent? No. Will he become the NFL’s leading rusher within the first few years of his career? Probably not. But what he is is a Le’Veon Bell type of offensive weapon who can run between the tackles and be a lethal weapon in the passing game as the centerpiece of an offense.

Jeremiah has Harris off the board at No. 18 to the Dolphins, and it’d be a fantastic fit. Harris reunites with his college quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, and takes hold of the keys to Miami’s offense. They’d gameplan through him, and as a result, their prized second-year passer will have an easier learning curve.

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