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2021 NFL mock draft: Writers find QBs for 49ers, Falcons, Patriots, Bears over 2 rounds
The Athletic NFL Staff 1h ago 154
The NFL Draft is almost here, so our writers across the league gathered for one last mock draft. This time we forecasted Round 1 and Round 2. Just like in our last mock, this one projects an unprecedented four quarterbacks off the board in the first four picks. We encouraged our writers to trade picks in this mock draft, and they obliged with nine deals across the two rounds.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
We’ve known this was going to happen since the Jets went on that two-game win streak in December, so there isn’t much else to say. But thanks to some generous Jaguars fans, Lawrence can eat some perfect toast before he heads to practice — Andy Staples
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
This has been the NFL’s worst-kept secret since Wilson’s eye-opening pro day. It’s a good thing general manager Joe Douglas, coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur were wearing masks because if not, the world would have seen their jaws on the floor. Wilson represents a new beginning for a franchise desperately trying to turn a corner. Aside from that, though, he’s a perfect scheme fit. The Jets want a quarterback who can move within the pocket, make throws on the run and is deadly accurate. It’s a bonus if that quarterback, when the run is shut down, can stand tall in the pocket and attack down the field. That’s the scouting report on Wilson — and why drafting him is easy. The challenge is what comes next: The Jets must surround him with talent, something they failed to do with Sam Darnold. — Connor Hughes
3. San Francisco 49ers: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Pocket, pocket, pocket. It’s a massive criterion for coach Kyle Shanahan and it’s what Jones does best. It suggests the Alabama quarterback made Shanahan and the 49ers comfortable about last month’s big move to no. 3. Perhaps the more exciting Justin Fields or Trey Lance have changed Shanahan’s mind since then. Most of the team’s fans hope so. But Jones is a lot like the QBs he’s fallen for in the past because of, well, pocket. — Matt Barrows
4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
If Shanahan really sees Jones as his guy, it’s hard to see Atlanta passing on Fields. The Falcons cannot part ways with Matt Ryan yet, but that’s OK. Keep Ryan around for another year or two, but groom Fields to take over new coach Arthur Smith’s offense when the time comes to say goodbye to Ryan. — Tori McElhaney
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Offensive line is their biggest need, but a deep-threat receiver is a close second. And unlike the line, they didn’t bother to address receiver in free agency. The dip in talent level from whichever lineman they would take here (Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater) to what they can get in the second round is far slimmer than the chasm between Chase and any second-round receiver. Chase projects as the centerpiece to what could be, in relatively short order, the best receiving corps in the league. — Jay Morrison
6. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
No matter how the top five picks shake out, the Dolphins are in a solid position to secure their guy. Pitts would be a dangerous weapon for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins could potentially cause some havoc with Pitts, Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe and Adam Shaheen lining up in multi-tight end sets. — Josh Tolentino
7. Detroit Lions: Penei Sewell, T, Oregon
Hard to pass on Sewell. For the Lions, the draft likely starts with a decision from GM Brad Holmes and Co. decision on whether they can pass on one of the quarterbacks. Still, the Lions need so much. A trade-down situation might be ideal, but Sewell would give Detroit a versatile (potentially outstanding) piece to strengthen a promising young offensive line as the franchise looks to rebuild its identity and foundation. — Nick Baumgardner
8. New England Patriots: Trey Lance, QB, N. Dakota State
Trade: Carolina sent pick No. 8 to the Patriots for No. 15 and a 2022 first-round selection.
This is the Patriots’ ideal scenario, with one of the quarterbacks slipping to No. 8, and I believe Lance is the third-best signal-caller in the class. Knowing the Broncos would consider trading up, I knew I had to make a strong enough play to keep the Panthers from being content to only move back one spot. And since I’ve got enough conviction Lance will be a franchise QB, I had no issue with the price. Lance has everything you’d want physically and mentally to lead a team for at least a decade, though I’d try to give him a redshirt year as a rookie. — Jeff Howe
9. Denver Broncos: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The cost to move up to No. 4 was too much. I made a play to move up to No. 8 and select Lance, but I was outbid by New England. And there were no takers when I put No. 9 on the block. Alas, after all that, the Broncos get an impact defender at a position of need, another big win for head coach Vic Fangio as he aims to build one of the league’s top defenses. Parsons is the kind of athletic playmaker who can help the Broncos improve in takeaways after they languished near the bottom of the league the last two seasons. — Nick Kosmider
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
This ended up being a great situation for Dallas with Surtain, Rashawn Slater and Jaycee Horn all still available. The Cowboys draft a player most believe to be the top defensive back prospect in this class. Surtain would be expected to step in immediately as a starting outside corner opposite of Trevon Diggs. In the last 20 years, the Cowboys have had five top 10 picks. Three of them have been used on defensive backs: Morris Claiborne (2012), Terence Newman (2003), Roy Williams (2002). — Jon Machota
11. New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia
The good news for Giants general manager Dave Gettleman: The draft is in Cleveland this year. Because if it was still held at Radio City Music Hall, the boos would surely rain down after this pick. Fans will be outraged if the Giants pass on both Alabama wide receivers and Northwestern offensive lineman Rashawn Slater. But I believe Gettleman has his sights set on an edge rusher. Ideally, they would trade back, but I couldn’t find a willing partner and the Giants may encounter the same reality on draft night. So I expect the Giants to “reach” for Ojulari to fill their biggest hole. — Dan Duggan
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Eagles would have a decision to make with Smith, Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Jaycee Horn on the board. Although Waddle might be viewed as a better prospect than Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner’s prolific production, route-running and hands should be too appealing to pass up for a team that needs to hit on this position. Horn would address a major need at cornerback and would be a sensible pick at No. 12. Pay attention to the possibility of an edge rusher considering the way the organization values the position. Michigan’s Kwity Paye could be a target, especially if the Eagles traded down a few spots. — Zach Berman
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, T, Northwestern
It’s the Chargers’ dream scenario. Slater is a no-brainer pick for the Chargers, who had one of the worst offensive lines last year. They addressed three needs in free agency by signing All-Pro center Corey Linsley and guards Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi. But they still have a “hole” at left tackle, as head coach Brandon Staley described it. Slater is a polished prospect, even if his arm length eventually forces a move inside. — Daniel Popper
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38. Los Angeles Chargers: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Trade: Cincinnati sent pick Nos. 38 and 111 to the Chargers for Nos. 47 and 77.
The Chargers need to find a starting corner in the first two rounds, and waiting for pick No. 47 might be too late. As soon as Samuel went to the Jets, I started considering a trade for Stokes, who has the size, speed and inside-outside versatility that would make him an ideal fit in Staley’s defensive scheme. — Daniel Popper
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