2021 NFL Mock Draft: Trades shakeup the first round
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
This has been the consensus pick basically since Trevor Lawrence stepped foot on the fields of Clemson. Don’t screw him up Jacksonville!
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
It seems like the New York Jets will be moving on from Sam Darnold either this offseason or next. Having Zach Wilson sit a year behind Darnold and not immediately throw him into the fire will be a great spot for him to succeed.
3. TRADE: 49ers receive pick 3 in 2021, Dolphins receive picks 12, 2021 3rd rounder, 2022 & 2023 first-rounders
San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
This is a big trade for the San Francisco 49ers and it does seem like Justin Fields will be the selection here. They still have Jimmy Garoppolo so it is unknown what will happen in his immediate future. If reports are to be listened to then he will stay for the upcoming season and this younger quarterback will have some extra time to be groomed into Kyle Shanahan’s offense before becoming the starter.
4. TRADE: Panthers receive pick 4 in 2021, Falcons receive picks 8, 3rd rounder in 2021, 2022 first-rounder, and 2023 first-rounder
Carolina Panthers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The Atlanta Falcons seem like they have no idea what they want to do going forward and many assume they will select a quarterback in this draft. In this scenario, they trade back and collect some more picks as they try to retool going forward. The Carolina Panthers can move up and select their guy in Trey Lance, who is explosive and a great all-around player. He will fit in perfectly and could even sit behind Teddy Bridgewater if the team wants him to.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the worst offensive lines in the league but they get the best at his position in the draft. Penei Sewell is the best offensive lineman in this class and there is no question about it. They need to protect their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow and this is a big upgrade going forward.
6. TRADE: Dolphins receive pick 6 and a 2021 fifth-rounder, the Eagles receive pick 12, 2021 fourth-rounder, and 2022 first-rounder
Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
The Miami Dolphins moved back up for a reason and the fact Kyle Pitts should still be sitting there is very interesting. He is one of the most dominant players in this draft class and would create for a nice tandem alongside Mike Gesicki in that offense. This offense needs some weapons to move up and down the field and this player should be the answer. Pitts is explosive and will do just that as he stays in the sunshine state.
7. Detroit Lions: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Detroit Lions lost Kenny Golladay in free agency so they desperately need new receivers for Jared Goff. Ja’Marr Chase did not play this past season as he decided to opt out but he is the best at his position in this class. He was so lethal in that LSU offense two seasons ago that it had him penciled in as the best in the draft.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
The Atlanta Falcons are tough to figure out as they seem like they should go with a quarterback but they also still love Matt Ryan. They traded back and were still able to select Mac Jones so this would be a nice situation for them going forward. Jones could sit behind Ryan and learn from him as he can adjust to the NFL play-style.