2021 NFL Mock Draft: Trades shakeup the first round
9. Denver Broncos: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Denver Broncos will try and jump past the Falcons if Mac Jones is still sitting there at eight but they could not make a deal in this mock draft. Their fallback option is the best linebacker in this class with Micah Parsons. He will be their cornerstone on that defense for many years to come.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
This is exactly what the Dallas Cowboys want, their pick of corners. All of them are still available and Patrick Surtain is just too difficult to pass on here. Jaycee Horn is gaining a lot of traction on draft boards but Surtain will keep his status as the highest-drafted corner.
11. New York Giants: Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
Rashawn Slater falling to the New York Giants is a great fit. The Giants are still looking for answers across their offensive line and getting Slater here brings stability. He can play all across the line and that flexibility will allow him to plug and play wherever the Giants need him.
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
This group of wide receivers in this draft class are something special and Jaylen Waddle is the best deep threat in the group. He has absolutely blazing speed and the Philadelphia Eagles desperately need weapons for their offense.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The LA Chargers could go a couple of different routes with this pick as they have some holes to fill. They decide to go cornerback hereafter Casey Hayward has left the team but getting Jaycee Horn here is a great value. This corner has been skyrocketing up draft boards during the testing process and he will likely be a top 15 pick when it is all said and done.
14. TRADE: Cardinals receive pick 14, Vikings receive picks 16, 2021 & 2022 3rd round picks
Arizona Cardinals: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
DeVonta Smith landing here with the Arizona Cardinals is a perfect fit. They trade up in front of the New England Patriots as they think that could’ve been their selection. It only cost them a couple of third-round selections but getting Smith here will make for a deadly pass-happy offense with Kyler Murray at the helm.
15. New England Patriots: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The New England Patriots spent a lot of money in free agency as they try to return to relevancy. Since the top wide receivers are off the board, they go with one of the better corners in this class. Caleb Farley was the top-ranked corner at one point before Surtain and Horn tested well to jump him.
16. Minnesota Vikings: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
One could argue for the team selecting Gregory Rousseau or his teammate at Miami in Jaelan Phillips as they are both first-round talents. Rousseau seems to be the better player and the Minnesota Vikings need edge rushers. Danielle Hunter seems to have contract disputes so this need is even higher for the team going forward. They needed one before but if Hunter holds out or demands a trade then this will need to be the selection.