2021 NFL mock draft: 5 quarterbacks land in the top 15 picks
By Tommy Jaggi
NFL mock draft: Picks 6-10
. Wide receiver. Philadelphia Eagles. Jaylen Waddle. 6. player. 54
Philadelphia has a nightmare scenario this offseason as they still sit $43 million over the cap. They have an array of positions they could look to address with this pick, but I have them going with a thoroughly talented skill player in Jaylen Waddle. Waddle never had great production at Alabama, but he was on pace to outproduce DeVonta Smith through his first four games in 2020 before injuries kept him off the field until the National Championship Game. Waddle has the speed and twitch that has caused some to compare him to Tyreke Hill. If he stays healthy in the NFL, he could be a dynamic playmaker.
Cornerback. Detroit Lions. Caleb Farley. 7. player. 50.
The Detriot Lions could very well use the seventh overall pick on a quarterback, but considering the first three players are already off the board at this point, they may decide to roll with Jared Goff (who happens to be under contract until the 2025 offseason). Instead, I have Detriot bolstering their defense with standout Virginia Tech cornerback, Caleb Farley. There were reports that Farley was clocked running a 4.24 40-yard dash (though this is not an official time). He is clearly athletic, and the Lions could pounce at the opportunity to draft him here.
8. player. 87. . Quarterback. Carolina Panthers. Trey Lance
If Trey Lance makes it to the eighth overall pick, it will be hard for the Carolina Panthers to say no. While Teddy Bridgewater is still under contract for another two seasons, he threw just 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games last season, and the team is hardly tied to him. Lance isn’t ready to start right away, but he could sit for the 2021 season and be ready to take the reigns in 2022. Lance has loads of upside and the ability to tuck the ball and run whenever the play breaks down.
45. . Cornerback. Denver Broncos. Patrick Surtain II. 9. player
The Broncos could really use help in a number of areas, but it would be really hard for them to pass on Patrick Surtain II – assuming that he even makes it this far in the draft. Cornerback play was a huge issue for this team last season, and Surtain projects to be one of the safest players in the draft. He isn’t the same athlete that Caleb Farley is, but he has terrific technique and good size. It also doesn’t hurt that his father was a former All-Pro cornerback for the Miami Dolphins.
player. 123. . Offensive tackle. Dallas Cowboys. Rashawn Slater. 10
It seems like the Cowboys are loading up on offensive linemen early in the draft every year. Though they would love to get a shot at Patrick Surtain, I think they settle for the best player available here. Rashawn Slater has unbelievable feet for an offensive tackle, but there are questions about whether or not he has the size and length to play on the outside at the next level. Either way, Slater will find a home somewhere along the offensive line and has Pro Bowl upside.