2021 NFL mock draft: 5 quarterbacks land in the top 15 picks
By Tommy Jaggi
NFL mock draft: Picks 29-32
49. . Linebacker. Green Bay Packers. Zaven Collins. 29. player
The Packers are in a terrific position to compete for a title in 2021, and Aaron Rodgers is coming off an MVP season. Though wide receiver is a position they could finally consider taking in the first round, a whopping six receivers have already been drafted at this point. I have them going with Tulsa standout linebacker, Zaven Collins, in my latest NFL mock draft. Collins is the discounted version of Michah Parsons this year. He is big and athletic and can play multiple positions. He would slide right in as a starter and give Green Bay’s defense a boost.
16. . Cornerback. Buffalo Bills. Asante Samuel. 30. player
Cornerback is a position that will no doubt be on the Bills’ radar in the draft if it is not addressed in free agency. When Tre’Davious White went down for a few games last year, Buffalo’s secondary was really exposed. Asante Samuel may be limited to playing mostly slot in the NFL, but he is very talented with great ball skills and incredible feet. A slot cornerback is essentially a starter in today’s league and Samuel could be a very good player. Like Patrick Surtain II, he has very impressive family bloodlines, and his dad was a former All-Pro cornerback.
. Center. Kansas City Chiefs. Landon Dickerson. 31. player. 124
The Cheifs showed in their Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers how badly they need to improve their offensive line. While they could go with a tackle, Eric Fisher will be returning from injury. I have them going with Alabama center, Landon Dickerson. Despite playing five college seasons, Dickerson is just 22 years old. At 6’6” and 325 pounds, Dickerson has a mean streak. He can maul defenders in the running game and doesn’t give an inch in pass protection. Unfortunately, Dickerson has had multiple ACL tears and his knee injuries are a concern moving forward. If he can stay healthy, he could be a 10-year starter at center.
. Edge defender. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jaelan Phillips. 32. player. 48
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in terrific shape heading into the 2021 season, and they could very well make another Super Bowl run with a talented roster. However, it still remains to be seen whether or not they will be able to sign Shaquil Barrett as he played under the franchise tag last season. If he doesn’t return, Jaelan Phillips could be an incredible option. Phillips is the biggest high-risk, high-reward prospect in this class. He is a former 5-star recruit with terrific size, strength, and athleticism to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL. The problem is his concussion history that could cause him to have a very short NFL career.
Must Read. 5 Steelers free agents who are likely to return to the team in 2021. light
As we progress through free agency, we will have a better understanding of which direction these teams will go in the NFL Draft this April. I will be sure to post an updated mock draft once we have more information.