2021 NFL mock draft: Deshaun Watson trade causes QB chaos
9. Denver Broncos: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Broncos just released AJ Bouye and need to find a replacement. It will help a lot getting the best corner prospect in the draft.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Surtain is another solid corner and this need is too much for Dallas to pass on. Filling the major holes on defense will need to happen to make this team a true contender.
11. New York Giants: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Chase is the best receiver in this class. He is explosive and during his time playing with Joe Burrow, his numbers impressed many. This is a good choice so Daniel Jones has another target to throw to.
12. TRADE: Miami receives pick 12, 49ers receive picks 18 and 50.
Miami Dolphins: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Miami has a lot of picks and moving up to help Tua even more makes this team better. They got his protection at the tackle position earlier and now a new target. A nice couple of picks in this NFL draft for the Dolphins.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Alijiah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
The Chargers need to protect Justin Herbert at all costs. Tucker is more of a guard prospect but fixing up that front will help this franchise to continue moving in the right direction.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Rousseau is one of the best pass rushers in this year’s NFL draft class. He opted out of this previous season and that could affect his draft stock somewhat. He will still likely go high and the Vikings finally get what they were looking for in the Yannick Ngakoue trade.
15. New England Patriots: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Paye comes off the board as some pass-rushers go quickly here. The shortened season affected his draft stock as he was a rising star for this upcoming season. The Patriots always make surprising picks in the NFL draft. It might not be a shocker for Paye going in the first but it’s a surprise that the team focused on this position early.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Christian Darrisaw, OL, Virginia Tech
Arizona will likely lose Kelvin Beachum to free agency so they need to find a replacement along the offensive line. Darrisaw is a really nice prospect that could play inside or at tackle. It will be interesting to see if he rises up draft boards the closer April 29th comes.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Raiders have a lot of holes to fill on defense. The secondary is the weakest part of that unit so getting Horn here is a nice pick. He is getting more and more attention as the offseason draft process begins to play out. He could go sooner in most mock draft scenarios the closer the first round gets.