NFL Draft 2021 – Review

Overview

      The 2021 NFL Draft was the 86th annual meeting of National Football League teams to select newly eligible players for the upcoming NFL season. The first round was held on April 29, followed by the second and third rounds on April 30. The draft concluded with rounds 4–7 on May 1. The NFL held the event live in Cleveland, Ohio with limited attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. All team selections took place from Cleveland with league commissioner Roger Goodell announcing the early selections from the podium.

 Five quarterbacks were selected in the first round – Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. It was the second highest number of first-round QB selections (tied with the 1999 & 2018 drafts) after the record six selected in 1983. The draft also marks the third time the first three picks (Lawrence, Wilson, and Lance) were QBs, following the 1971 and 1999 draft classes. A total of eight QBs selected in the first three rounds, the most in NFL Draft history. Conversely, however, only two QBs were taken in rounds four through seven. The 2021 class also marked the lowest position for the first defensive player selected in a given draft in the common era, with the Carolina Panthers’ selection of Jaycee Horn at the eighth overall choice.

   Draft Insiders’ –  NFL Draft 2021 Review (39 pgs) available now – Order Online

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In addition to the high number of QBs, six Alabama players were taken in the first round, which tied with the six Miami players in 2004 for the most 1st-round selections from an individual school. Conversely, no Big 12 Conference players were drafted in the first round for the first time since the conference’s 1994 establishment. The draft also saw no Michigan State players selected for the first time in 80 years.

 The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility and an opt-out option for athletes because of the shortened season, resulting in many prospects returning to school instead of declaring for this draft class.

 2020 Resolution JC-2A picks
         In November 2020 the NFL passed that year’s Resolution JC-2A, which rewards teams for developing minority candidates for head coach and/or general manager positions. The resolution rewards teams whose minority candidates are hired away for one of those positions by awarding draft picks. These draft picks are at the end of the third round, after standard compensatory picks. If multiple teams qualify, they are awarded in draft order from the first round. These picks are in addition to, and have no impact on, the standard 32 compensatory picks. Four picks have been awarded for the draft pursuant to the resolution.

 San Francisco received 2021, 2022, and 2023 third-round selections when its defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was hired by the New York Jets as head coach and its vice president of player personnel Martin Mayhew was  hired by Washington as general manager.

 Los Angeles Rams received 2021 and 2022 third-round selections when their college scouting director Brad Holmes was hired by Detroit as general manager.

 Baltimore received 2021 and 2022 third-round selections when its assistant head coach and passing game coordinator David Culley was hired by Houston as head coach.

 New Orleans received 2021 and 2022 third-round selections when its director of pro scouting Terry Fontenot was hired by Atlanta as general manager.

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Overview
259 Total selections in 7 rounds
First selection – Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence
Last selection – ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ – Tampa Bucs – LB Grant Stuard
Most selections (11) – Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys & Minnesota Vikings
Fewest selections (3) – Seattle Seahawks

The following is the breakdown of the 259 players selected in NFL Draft 2021 by position:
38 cornerbacks
36 wide receivers
34 defensive ends
25 offensive tackles
21 linebackers
21 safeties
19 defensive tackles
18 running backs
13 offensive guards
11 tight ends
10 quarterbacks
8 centers
2 long snappers
1 fullback
1 placekicker
1 punter

Selections by NCAA Conference
A new record-high 65 players were drafted from the SEC, the most in NFL history, surpassing the previous number of selections, 64, in 2019 which was also the set by the SEC.

Selections by NCAA Conference
  NCAA Division I FBS Conference  Totals
American – 19
ACC – 42
Big 12 – 22
Big Ten – 44
C-USA – 4
Ind. (FBS) – 15
MAC – 4
MW – 3
Pac-12 – 28
SEC – 65
Sun Belt – 4

Schools with multiple draft selections
    Selections Schools
10 Alabama, Ohio State
9 Georgia, Notre Dame
8 Florida, Michigan
7 LSU
6 Kentucky, Penn State, Pittsburgh
5 BYU, Clemson, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Stanford, Texas, UCF, USC
4 Auburn, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida State, Iowa, Miami (Fl), Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Texas A&M,
Virginia Tech, Washington
3 Houston, Northwestern, Wisconsin
2 Arizona, Boise State, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Louisville, Minnesota, Mississippi State,
Nebraska, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Purdue, SMU, Syracuse, TCU,
Tennessee, Texas Tech, Tulane, UCLA, Western Michigan

Selections by Position
Position Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7 Total
Center –  8
Cornerbacks – 38
Defensive end – 34
Defensive tackle – 19
Fullback –  1
Guard – 13
Kicker –  1
Linebacker  – 21
Long snapper – 2
Offensive tackle – 25
Punter – 1
Quarterback – 10
Running back – 18
Safety –  21
Tight end – 11
Wide receiver – 36

First Round Mock Draft for the NFL Draft 2021

    Final Edition – Prior to NFL Draft 2021  
* Underclassmen

‘From a Generational QB to Amen’

# / Team / Player / Pos / School
First Round

1 Jacksonville * Trevor Lawrence QB Clemson
HC Urban Meyer came out of retirement for a generational starting QB.

2 NY Jets * Zach Wilson QB Brigham Young
Jets moved starter QB Sam Darnold and turns the page with new leader Wilson.

3 San Fran (Hous-Miami) * Mac Jones QB Alabama
49ers traded the ranch for this pick that may define the club over next decade.

4 Atlanta * Kyle Pitts TE Florida
Falcons need playmakers and Pitts is a versatile rare receiver and difference maker.

5 Cincinnati * Penei Sewell OT Oregon
Bengals want this blue-chip tackle to protect Joe Burrow.

6 Miami (Philadelphia) * Ja’Marr Chase WR LSU
Dolphins need a true #1 receiver and this rookie starter has big play talent.

7 Detroit * Justin Fields QB Ohio St
Lions begin a new regime and getting a young QB is the next step.

8 Carolina * Jaylen Waddle WR Alabama
The Panthers need to give young passer Sam Darnald a new big play threat.

9 Denver * Trey Lance QB North Dakota St
Broncos looking to add high quality starter and Lance fits perfectly sitting behind young Drew Lock.

10 Dallas * Patrick Surtain CB Alabama
Cowboys have a lot of needs, yet Surtain is an early plug and play cover man.

11 NY Giants Rashawn Slater OT Northwestern
GMen select future Pro Bowler after debating a lineman, receiver or corner here.

12 Phil (San Fran-Miami) * Jaycee Horn CB South Carolina
Eagles need a cover man to couple with Darius Slay.

13 LA Chargers * Christian Darrisaw OT Virginia Tech
Chargers looking to protect blindside for talented Justin Herbert.

14 Minnesota DeVonta Smith WR Alabama
Vikings looking to add weapons in this class.

15 New England * Micah Parsons LB Penn State
Impact defender would excel in Belichick’s defense.

16 Arizona * Alijah Vera-Tucker OT Southern Cal
Cards looking to address offense early and this blocker carries a rookie starting grade.

17 Las Vegas * Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB Notre Dame
Raiders looking to add perimeter speed and JOK is a hybrid blue chip backer.

18 Miami Teven Jenkins OT Oklahoma St
Dolphins looking to protect Tua’s blindside and Jenkins is a beast and can start as a rookie here.

19 Washington Travis Etienne RB Clemson
WFT needs playmakers and Etienne feels home here.

20 Chicago * Caleb Farley CB Virginia Tech
Bears need cover men and Farley is a blue-chip prospect and early NFL starter.

21 Indianapolis Liam Eichenberg OT Notre Dame
Colts must replace LT Castanzo and Eichenberg forms Irish left side of line with Nelson.

22 Tennessee * Greg Newsome CB Northwestern
Titans’ coverage is weak and will undergo major changes.

23 NY Jets (Seattle) * Jaelan Phillips DE Miami
Jets looking to improve pass rush and Phillips brings the juice.

24 Pittsburgh Najee Harris RB Alabama
Steelers need a beast and Harris is the ideal fit in Steel City.

25 Jacksonville (Rams) * Gregory Rousseau DE Miami
Jaguars need an edge rusher to improve their rebuilt defense.

26 Cleveland Kwity Paye DE Michigan
Browns must provide more edge pressure opposite DE Garrett and Clowney might be one and done.

27 Baltimore Elijah Moore WR Mississippi
Ravens probably add a wideout early to open up this offense.

28 New Orleans * Eric Stokes CB Georgia
Saints looking to add a quality cover man early in the process.

29 Green Bay Kadarius Toney WR Florida
Packers better start building a stronger cast around Rodgers.

30 Buffalo * Joe Tryon LB Washington
Bills looking a land an edge playmaker and could pull the trigger in the first round.

31 Balt (Kansas City) * Zaven Collins LB Tulsa
Ravens need impact off the edge and Collins could be a rookie starter here.

32 Tampa Bay * Azeez Ojulari LB Georgia
Bucs loading cannon to repeat and another edge rusher would be a great addition.

Top 100 Prospects for NFL Draft 2021

     Final Rankings – April 27, 2021

1 Trevor Lawrence               QB          Clemson
2 Kyle Pitts                            TE           Florida
3 Penei Sewell                      OT           Oregon
4 Zach Wilson                       QB          Brigham Young
5 Ja’Marr Chase                   WR          LSU
6 Rashawn Slater                OT           Northwestern
7 Jaylen Waddle                  WR          Alabama
8 Patrick Surtain                  CB          Alabama
9 Jaycee Horn                      CB          South Carolina
10 Justin Fields                    QB          Ohio State
11 Micah Parsons                OLB        Penn State
12 Mac Jones                       QB          Alabama
13 Trey Lance                      QB          North Dakota State
14 DeVonta Smith               WR          Alabama
15 Jaelan Phillips                 DE          Miami
16 Christian Darrisaw         OT           Virginia Tech
17 Alijah Vera-Tucker         OG          Southern Cal
18 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah  LB Notre Dame
19 Kwity Paye                       DE          Michigan
20 Teven Jenkins                OT           Oklahoma State
21 Caleb Farley                    CB          Virginia Tech
22 Kadarius Toney              WR          Florida
23 Greg Newsome               CB          Northwestern
24 Elijah Moore                   WR          Mississippi
25 Liam Eichenberg            OT           Notre Dame
26 Gregory Rousseau         DE          Miami
27 Jamin Davis                    LB           Kentucky
28 Azeez Ojulari                  OLB        Georgia
29 Samuel Cosmi                OT           Texas
30 Jayson Oweh                 OLB        Penn State
31 Trevon Moehrig              S             Texas Christian
32 Najee Harris                    RB           Alabama
33 Zaven Collins                  OLB        Tulsa
34 Terrace Marshall            WR          LSU
35 Joe Tryon                         OLB        Washington
36 Travis Etienne                 RB           Clemson
37 Landon Dickerson          C             Alabama
38 Asante Samuel                CB          Florida State
39 Rashod Bateman            WR          Minnesota
40 Eric Stokes                       CB          Georgia
41 Javonte Williams            RB           North Carolina
42 Creed Humphrey           C             Oklahoma
43 Levi Onwuzurike            DT           Washington
44 Jevon Holland                S             Oregon
45 Jalen Mayfield                OT           Michigan
46 Davis Mills                      QB          Stanford
47 Christian Barmore         DT           Alabama
48 Kelvin Joseph                 CB          Kentucky
49 Dillon Radunz                OT           North Dakota State
50 Rondale Moore              WR          Purdue
51 Nick Bolton                      OLB        Missouri
52 Carlos Basham                DE          Wake Forest
53 Pat Freiermuth                TE           Penn State
54 D’Wayne Eskridge          WR          Western Michigan
55 Alex Leatherwood          OG          Alabama
56 Quinn Meinerz                C             Wisconsin-Whitewater
57 Alim McNeill                    DT           North Carolina State
58 Aaron Robinson              CB          Central Florida
59 Walker Little                    OT           Stanford
60 Daviyon Nixon                DT           Iowa
61 Elijah Molden                  CB          Washington
62 Pete Werner                    OLB        Ohio State
63 Ifeatu Melifonwu            CB          Syracuse
64 Wyatt Davis                     OG          Ohio State
65 Joseph Ossai                   OLB        Texas
66 Hunter Long                    TE           Boston College
67 Caden Sterns                    S             Texas
68 Tyson Campbell              CB          Georgia
69 Richie Grant                     S             Central Florida
70 Jabril Cox                         OLB        LSU
71 Dyami Brown                   WR          North Carolina
72 Ronnie Perkins                DE          Oklahoma
73 Paulson Adebo                CB          Stanford
74 Nico Collins                     WR          Michigan
75 Kyle Trask                        QB          Florida
76 Trey Smith                       OG          Tennessee
77 Amon-Ra St. Brown       WR          Southern California
78 Rashad Weaver               DE          Pittsburgh
79 Amari Rodgers                WR          Clemson
80 Jordan Smith                  DE          Alabama-Birmingham
81 Chazz Surratt                  OLB        North Carolina
82 Brady Christensen         OT           Brigham Young
83 Shaun Wade                    CB          Ohio State
84 Milton Williams              DE          Louisiana Tech
85 Baron Browning              ILB          Ohio State
86 Jackson Carman             OT           Clemson
87 Spencer Brown                OT           Northern Iowa
88 Dylan Moses                    ILB          Alabama
89 Michael Carter                RB           North Carolina
90 Andre Cisco                     S             Syracuse
91 Brevin Jordan                 TE           Miami
92 Jay Tufele                        DT           Southern California
93 Hamsah Nasirildeen      S             Florida State
94 Deonte Brown                 OG          Alabama
95 Ambry Thomas               CB          Michigan
96 JaCoby Stevens               S             LSU
97 Josh Myers                       C             Ohio State
98 Ihmir Smith-Marsette   WR          Iowa
99 Aaron Banks                    OG          Notre Dame
100 Tutu Atwell                    WR          Louisville

NFL Traded Draft Selections

  Updated Dec 15, 2021

     NFL Trading Deadline – Nov. 2 , 2021  4 pm – est

2022 Trading Period starts March 16, 2022 thru Nov. 2022

NFL Draft 2022 Selections

First Round
NY Jets from Seattle – FS Jamal Adams
Detroit from LA Rams – QB Matt Stafford
Miami from San Francisco – pre-draft trade
Philadelphia from Miami – pre-draft trade
NY Giants from Chicago – QB Justin Fields
Philadelphia from Indianapolis – QB Carson Wentz

Second Round
NY Jets from Carolina – QB Sam Darnold
Atlanta from Tennessee – WR Julio Jones
Denver from LA Rams – LB Von Miller

Third Round
LA Rams comp pick – minority hiring policy: Brad Holmes/Detroit GM
Miami comp pick San Fran received when Jets hired Robert Saleh as HC
New Orleans comp pick – minority hiring policy: Terry Fontenot/Atlanta GM
Baltimore comp pick – minority hiring policy: David Culley/Houston HC
NY Giants from Miami – 2021 draft day trade
Houston from New Orleans – CB Bradley Roby
Jacksonville from Carolina – CB C.J. Henderson
Denver from LA Rams – LB Von Miller

Fourth Round
Houston from LA Rams – WR Brandin Cooks
Seattle from NY Jets – FS Jamal Adams
NY Jets from Carolina – QB Sam Darnold
NY Giants from Chicago – QB Justin Fields
Carolina from Houston – 2021 draft trade
Cleveland from Detroit – 2021 draft trade
Miami from Pittsburgh – 2021 draft trade
Baltimore from Arizona – 2021 draft trade
NY Jets from Minnesota – TE Chris Herndon
Baltimore from NY Giants – OG Ben Bredeson

Fifth Round
Jacksonville – conditional from Minnesota – DE Yannick Ngakoue, escalates to a #4 if the player makes the Pro Bowl or a #3 if the player makes the Pro Bowl and the team wins the Super Bowl
Minnesota – conditional from Baltimore – DE Yannick Ngakoue
Philadelphia from Washington – 6th & 7th picks in 2021
NY Jets from Pittsburgh – LB Avery Williamson
Las Vegas from New England – OT Trent Brown
Baltimore from KC – OT Orlando Brown
Denver from Detroit – WR Trinity Benson
NY Giants from Baltimore – OG Ben Bredeson
Chicago from Houston – WR Anthony Miller
Carolina from Jacksonville – CB C.J. Henderson
Philadelphia from Arizona – TE Zach Ertz

Sixth Round
NY Jets from Tampa Bay – NT Steve McLendon
Houston from San Fran thru NY Jets – LB Jordan Willis/DE Shaq Lawson
Kansas City from Baltimore – OT Orlando Brown
Minnesota from Kansas City – CB Mike Hughes
Houston from Green Bay – WR Randall Cobb
Jacksonville from Pittsburgh – LB Joe Schobert
Carolina from Las Vegas – LB Denzel Perryman
Jacksonville from Philadelphia – QB Gardner Minshew
Baltimore from Miami – C/G Greg Mancz
Buffalo from Carolina – DE Darryl Johnson
San Francisco from Denver – LB Jonas Griffith
Philadelphia from Indianapolis – G/T Matt Pryor
Minnesota from NY Jets – TE Chris Herndon
Jacksonville from Seattle – CB Sidney Jones
New England from LA Rams – RB Sony Michel
Pittsburgh from Kansas City – OLB Melvin Ingram
Denver from Philadelphia – CB Kary Vincent

Seventh Round
Detroit gets higher of Lions-Cleveland 7th round picks – QB David Blough
New England from Las Vegas – OT Trent Brown
LA Rams from Miami – CB Aqib Talib
Pittsburgh from NY Jets – LB Avery Williamson
Miami from New England – WR Isaiah Ford
Miami from Tennessee – OT Isaiah Wilson
Carolina from Miami – OT Greg Little/pick will be higher of the #7s Miami received from New England & Tennessee
Miami from Houston thru New England and Baltimore – TE Ryan Izzo/CB Shaun Wade/C/G Greg Mancz)
Jacksonville a conditional pick from Baltimore – TE Josh Oliver
Kansas City from Minnesota – CB Mike Hughes
Green Bay from Houston – CB Ka’dar Hollman
Las Vegas from Carolina – LB Denzel Perryman
Denver from San Fran – LB Jonas Griffith
Denver from Detroit – WR Trinity Benson
Cincinnati a conditional pick from NY Giants – OG Billy Price
Indianapolis from Philadelphia – G/T Matt Pryor
Kansas City from New England – G/T Yasir Durant
Houston from Chicago – WR Anthony Miller
Buffalo from Atlanta – TE Lee Smith
Minnesota from Denver – LB Stephen Weatherly

Conditional Pick
Houston from San Fran – DE Charles Omenihu

Player Trade
Kansas City trades OL Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to NY Jets for TE Dan Brown

2023 NFL Draft Selections

First Round
Detroit from LA Rams – QB Matt Stafford
Miami from San Francisco – 2021 Trade

Fourth Round
Atlanta from Tennessee – WR Julio Jones
New England from the LA Rams – RB Sony Michel

Fifth Round
Baltimore from New England – CB Shaun Wade
Seattle from Pittsburgh – CB Ahkello Witherspoon

Sixth Round
Jacksonville from Philadelphia – CB Josiah Scott
Tennessee from Atlanta – WR Julio Jones
Houston from NY Giants – CB/ST Keion Crossen
Detroit from Denver – WR Trinity Benson
LA Rams from Green Bay – P Corey Bojorquez
Houston a conditional pick from New Orleans – CB Bradley Roby
Miami from Chicago – WR/PR Jakeem Grant
New England from Carolona – CB Stephon Gilmore

Seventh Round
Tampa Bay from NY Jets – NT Steve McLendon
Carolina a conditional pick from Buffalo – LB Andre Smith
LA Rams from Detroit – DT Michael Brockers
San Francisco from Denver – LB Jonas Griffith
NY Giants from Baltimore – OG Ben Bredeson
Green Bay from LA Rams – P Corey Bojorquez
Minnesota from Denver – LB Stephen Weatherly

2024 NFL Draft Selections
Sixth Round
Rams from Denver – LB Kenny Young

Seventh Round
Denver from Rams – LB Kenny Young
Houston from New Orleans – RB Mark Ingram

NFL Team Report 2021 – Kansas City Chiefs Update
Chiefs Ravens Trade Changes Top 100 Selections

The Ravens pulled off a recent major trade with the Chiefs dealing OT Orlando Brown for the KC #1, #3 and #4 picks and another future late choice. Baltimore now will have two #1 picks while surrendering their #2 and #6 picks along with the massive Brown. Ravens will most likely address the offensive line early and probably with one of their two top selections. The Chiefs addressed their huge problem at tackle with both veteran starters Fisher and Schwartz unsigned and recovering from health issues. Both the Chiefs and Ravens have a few openings along the line and it becomes one of their highest need areas and possibly with a few early draft choices.

     NFL Team Report – Available Now – 33 pages In-depth Analyses of Each NFL Team
       Update Report Out This Week – Complete 7 Rd MD, Final Top 300 Prospects

 Kansas City Chiefs – 14-2 – Head Coach Andy Reid – 9th Year

         Key Team Needs:  1. OT       2. CB      3. Edge      4. DT       5. C
               2nd Round Picks – (2) #58 & #63 selections – 6 total picks

 1. Offensive Tackle – The Chiefs will most likely draft into a strong tackle class early and probably with one of their two #2 picks. They released starters, Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz this offseason. Schwartz is coming off back surgery and may return later in the year if healthy. They liked Samuel Cosmi and Liam Eichenberg very much and would consider trading up to select either developed lineman. They may need a developed tackles and could land one with their 6 selections. They like Walker Little very much in the 2nd round.

2. Cornerback – The Chiefs’ secondary has little depth and did not resign vet corner Bashaud Breeland. The secondary could be addressed twice among their top selections. They like corners Kelvin Joseph, Asante Samuel or Aaron Robinson in the late 2nd round. Samuel is a top nickel and a defender needed in that role. Look for two quality picks here to improve their changing defense.

3. Edge Defenders/ Linebacker – The Chiefs’ lost veterans, LB Damien Wilson and DE Tanoh Kpassagnon in FA. They like young edge defenders, Zaven Collins, Joseph Ossai and Ronnie Perkins and any would be good fits in the first two round area. They have only marginal backups in place and could use a quality outside LB with starting talent.

        Chiefs – Short List Players

 1st Round – No pick

 2nd Day Prospects
  2nd Round – (2) #58 & #63
Walker Little                          OT           Stanford
Joseph Ossai                        LB           Texas
Dyami Brown                        WR          North Carolina
Ronnie Perkins                     DE          Oklahoma
Aaron Robinson                   CB          Central Florida
Brady Christensen               OT           Brigham Young
Tyson Campbell                  CB          Georgia
Jackson Carman                 OT           Clemson

 3rd Round – no pick

Insiders’ Insights

The Chiefs won the AFC West title for the fifth consecutive season and rode the powerful arm of former top pick Patrick Mahomes back to the Super Bowl. They lost to the Bucs struggling behind an injury riddled offensive line. Mahomes was not able to overcome a weak front line. HC Andy Reid has guided this roster well and they remain a threat for the NFL title. They were once again among the best air attacks and highest scoring teams in the league. Their defense was improved under DC Steve Spagnuolo behind vets Chris Jones, Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu. They need to address the secondary with a major problem at corner. They need to draft into the deep cornerback group and like several corners with their top picks. They want a three down linebacker and have earmarked a few for the early rounds. They like Pete Werner on the 2nd day of the process. They have 6 selections and with probably make multiple picks along the offensive line and at cornerback. In free agency, they signed guards Joe Thuney and Kyle Long to solidify the interior. The offensive tackle spot is the highest priority and they could entertain moving up for the right player. They resigned WR Damarcus Roberson and offensive linemen, Mike Remmers and center Austin Blythe. On defense, they resigned safety Daniel Sorenson and DE Taco Charlton and then signed DT Jarran Reed in the FA market. This class needs to also fill defensive positions immediately if they expect to defend their AFC West title.

 2nd Round Pick – Walker Little – Tough athletic tackle would be a fine addition for this changing line.
   Alternate Pick – Aaron Robinson – Seasoned cover man has performed well in big time games.
2nd Round Pick – Dyami Brown – Athletic receiver would be a fine addition for this explosive offense.
  Alternate Pick – Brady Christensen – Rising tackle has graded high in big time games.

Ravens – Chiefs Trade Changes Late First Round Selections

The Ravens pulled off a recent major trade with the Chiefs dealing OT Orlando Brown for the KC #1, #3 and #4 picks and another future late choice. Baltimore now will have two #1 picks while surrendering their #2 and #6 picks along with the massive Brown. Ravens will most likely address the offensive line early and probably with one of their two top selections. The Chiefs addressed their huge problem at tackle with both veteran starters Fisher and Schwartz unsigned and recovering from health issues. Ravens have a few openings along the line and it becomes their highest need area and possibly with a few early draft choices.

AFC North

       Baltimore Ravens – 11-5 – Head Coach John Harbaugh – 14th Year

         Key Team Needs:  1. OL      2. WR     3. LB     4. DL      5. TE
          1st Round Pick – (2)  #27 & #31 selections – 9 total picks 

1. Offensive Line – The Ravens’ signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a three-year contract. They have had problems on the interior in recent years. Center is a huge void inside and starter Matt Skura left in FA. They look to add quality interior linemen with both center and guard important. They have weak depth and need to address this unit by the middle rounds. They like a few tackles, Teven Jenkins and Liam Eichenberg in the late first and both are NFL ready to fill the right tackle position. OL Alex Leatherwood is a prospect they like and feel he can line up at both tackle and guard and a possibility. They also like centers Landon Dickerson or Creed Humphrey in the 1st round. They will consider guards Wyatt Davis and Trey Smith on the 2nd day.

 2. Wide Receiver – The Ravens have had major issues at this position with aging veterans and yearly turnover. They signed Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal. He is a player who got buried in the Chiefs potent passing game and struggled with career injuries. He could be a major surprise here. Young vets, Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin show interesting promise. They will consider Kadarius Toney and Terrace Marshall with a late first round pick. They also like Amari Rodgers and Dyami Brown in the 3rd round. Both are high-quality athletes who shows impact ability and good after the catch ability. They will most likely address this position at least once and probably early in the process.

NFL Team Report – Available Now – 33 pages In-depth Analyses of Each NFL Team.

 3. Linebacker – The Ravens resigned many veteran defensive players including Tyus Bowser. They lost edge rusher Matt Judon in FA and he leaves a huge void. They are looking for a difference maker off the edge with three down versatility. They will probably consider LBers, Azeez Ojulari and Zaven Collins. Both would be good fits here. Collins is a natural here and a kid with a big upside going forward. They like Joseph Ossai, a three-down defender with playmaking ability. They look to young LBers to continue to develop.

   Ravens – Short List Players

1st Round Prospects (2) – #27 & #31
Teven Jenkins                     OT           Oklahoma State
Kadarius Toney                   WR          Florida
Liam Eichenberg                OT           Notre Dame
Zaven Collins                      LB           Tulsa
Azeez Ojulari                       LB           Georgia
Terrace Marshall                 WR          LSU
 
2nd Day Prospects  
2nd Round  – No pick
 
3rd Round (2) – #94 & #104
Amari Rodgers                    WR          Clemson
Rashad Weaver                   DE          Pittsburgh
Jackson Carman                 OT           Clemson
Quincy Roche                      OLB        Miami
Ihmir Smith-Marsette       WR          Iowa
Josh Myers                           C             Ohio State

Insiders’ Insights

The Ravens’ finished 2nd in the AFC North with a 11-5 record behind star QB Lamar Jackson. The Ravens led the league in rushing, but finished dead last in the passing game. Jackson is a magical athlete, though his passing from the pocket is still inconsistent. He is the best dual threat in the game. His season ended abruptly in the postseason with another loss. His scrambling ability plus rookie JK Dobbins helped the Ravens lead the league in rushing. They will continue to build around Jackson with both line and skill positions being key areas. Their front office continues to be one of the best in the league under the direction of GM Eric DeCosta who gets consistently good value for his selections. He is one of the most astute talent evaluators in the NFL and has built the Ravens’ culture. They need a strong class this spring to compete in the tough North division. They will consider the offensive line early with both tackle and interior positions major need areas. They look to improve their pass pressure with new rushers and like Collins very much. They will probably address the front seven mainly on the edges a few times among their selections. They have had the willingness to move up and back in the early rounds for the right prospect. They usually address need and value very well and effectively.

1st Round Pick – Teven Jenkins – Physical right tackle would be great fit, though currently out of reach at #27.
Alternate Pick – Liam Eichenberg – Tough technician would give them Irish bookend tackles.
 1st Round Pick – Zaven Collins – Athletic versatile LB would be a great addition behind their tough front line.
Alternate Pick – Terrace Marshall – Tough possession receiver fits in here very well.

          NFL Team Report 2021 – Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles – 9-7 – Head Coach Nick Sirianni – 1st Year

        Key Team Needs:  1. CB        2. LB         3. WR         4. DE       5. OL       
             1st Round Pick – 12th selection – 11 total picks

1. Cornerback – The Eagles traded for vet Darius Slay two years ago. They lost Jalen Mills and Nickell Robey-Coleman remains unsigned in FA. They have little depth here and could entertain a prospect early. They will consider Patrick Surtain or Jaycee Horn in the first round. They like Eric Stokes and Shaun Wade on the 2nd day. They could address corner twice with little depth behind starters. Expect a starting nickel type in the middle rounds like Kary Vincent or Ambry Thomas there. They also need a safety and like Jevon Holland and Caden Sterns in the 2^nd round.

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2. Linebacker – They received little impact here and will look to add a starter with one of their four top 84 selections. They need unproven young talent to step up after some losses. With their top pick, they like versatile LB Micah Parsons. He is a three-down defender for multiple roles. They also like Pete Werner and Chazz Surratt on the 2nd day.

3. Wide Receiver – The Eagles parted ways with veteran wideouts, Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson. They drafted Jalen Reagor in the 1st round last year with mixed results. Veteran TE Zach Ertz may part in a trade while young Dallas Goedert is a quality #1 player. They could entertain a few receivers early after no additions in FA. They like Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle in the first and Rashod Bateman and Nico Collins on the 2nd day. Hoping to add playmakers here with at least one early choice and maybe two top 100 choices here.

  Eagles – Short List Players
1st Round Prospects
Patrick Surtain                     CB          Alabama
DeVonta Smith                    WR          Alabama
Jaycee Horn                        CB          South Carolina
Micah Parsons                    LB           Penn State
 
2nd Day Prospects  
   2nd Round
Eric Stokes                           CB          Georgia
Rashod Bateman               WR          Minnesota
Jevon Holland                     S             Oregon
Alex Leatherwood              OG          Alabama
 
 3rd Round – #70 & #84
Shaun Wade                      CB          Ohio State
Alim McNeill                       DT           North Carolina State
Caden Sterns                     S             Texas
Nico Collins                        WR          Michigan
Dylan Moses                      ILB          Alabama
Ifeatu Melifonwu                CB          Syracuse
Dyami Brown                     WR          North Carolina
Jackson Carman               OT           Clemson
 
Insiders’ Insights 
The Eagles fell to the NFC East basement with a weak 4-11-1 record, including quitting during big late season games. They traded starting QB Carson Wentz after another injury riddle season with young Jalen Hurts getting the starting assignment. He was average working in the fragmented offense behind an injury battered line. They have relied on a strong committee ground game that has been very effective. Their recent draft classes have been weak with Wentz falling from grace after struggling to stay healthy. They need more production from the skill positions and look to draft into this amazing class and land a quality receiver. They have no depth there. They could address this area twice among their first three picks. They like Smith and Waddle very much. They hope to draft into the strong group of cornerbacks and like blue chip defenders Surtain and Horn. They want to add a starting LBer and safety and will press to move up within the top rounds. They love LB Jamin Davis and safety Jevon Holland. Davis has moved into the late first. They like Pete Werner and Dylan Moses in the 3rd round. They could address the secondary with a few top selections and look to add both a safety and corner. They hope to draft into the good safety class and may use their 2nd round pick there. They will consider edge rushers thru the middle rounds. Look for possibly additional trades for future draft picks as bait to move up in the early rounds.

 1st Round Pick – Patrick Surtain – Well-rounded cover man would be an impact weapon here.
Alternate Pick – Jaycee Horn – Savvy corner fits well and can provide an immediate starter and leader.

Pro Days Added for QBs, Justin Fields & Trey Lance

QB Justin Fields will throw today again for NFL teams at Ohio State’s second pro day. It gets another chance to showcase his talent in front of scouts with a number of teams in the top half of the first round present. Fields will perform in front of the San Francisco 49ers who have the 3rd pick overall at this month’s draft, in addition to the Falcons, Panthers and Broncos, all holding top ten selections. The Patriots will be in attendance and may inquire about moving into the top ten selections for a young passer.

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49ers’ G.M. John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will be there after they missed Fields’ first pro day on March 30^th to attend Mac Jones’ pro day performance at Alabama’s pro day. The Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick also missed Field’s first workout at the Bama Pro Day and could be present today.

All the interested teams will probably commit to attending Trey Lance’s workout at North Dakota State’s second pro day on Monday, April 19^th. He performed well on his first pro day on March 12^th. Both Fields and Lance are marginal top five selections according to the team’s system and coaching staffs. Each QB hopes to leave a last late impression after other prospects Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Mac Jones all performed very well in their scripted drills that improved their stock.

LSU linebacker Jabril Cox will also have a late pro day on Monday April 26^th. He missed the Tigers’ pro day on March 31th due to hamstring tightness which kept him sidelined. Cox started his college career at North Dakota State before transferring to Baton Rouge for the 2020 season. He played well and handled the SEC competition weekly. He is a rangy defender who has agility, speed and range to be a coverage backer in the NFL. At 6’3” and 232 pounds, he has the frame to put on weight and has shown he can take on tight ends at the line and in space.

First Round Mock Draft 2021 – 4.0

#  /       Team /            Player /     Pos /     School
First Round

1 Jacksonville               * Trevor Lawrence         QB 6-6, 225 Clemson
HC Urban Meyer only came for a generational starting QB.

2 NY Jets                      * Zach Wilson                QB 6-3, 215 Brigham Young
Jets hoping to move starter QB Sam Darnold and turn the page with new leader.

3 San Fran (Hous-Miami) * Mac Jones               QB 6-3, 215 Alabama
49ers traded the ranch for this pick that may define the club over next decade.

4 Atlanta                       * Trey Lance                 QB 6-4, 225 North Dakota St
Falcons looking to add high quality starter and Lance fits perfectly sitting behind vet Matt Ryan.

5 Cincinnati                   * Penei Sewell               OT 6-6, 325 Oregon
Bengals don’t hesitate if this blue-chip tackle is on the board.

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6 Miami (Philadelphia)    * Kyle Pitts                    TE 6-6, 245 Florida
Dolphins need playmakers and Pitts is versatile and toughest receiver to cover in this class.

7 Detroit                       * Ja’Marr Chase            WR 6-1, 210 LSU
Lions lost two starters here and need a rookie starter with big play talent.

8 Carolina                     * Justin Fields               QB 6-3, 225 Ohio St
Panthers will attempt to move up but must get a starting QB to take the next step.

9 Denver                       * Micah Parsons            LB 6-3, 245 Penn State
Impact defender would give this unit new life.

10 Dallas                      Rashawn Slater             OT 6-4, 315 Northwestern
Cowboys debating lineman or corner here.

11 NY Giants                * Gregory Rousseau     DE 6-7, 265 Miami
GMen need an edge rusher to challenge for the NFC East.

12 Phil (San Fran-Miami) * Patrick Surtain          CB 6-1, 205 Alabama
Eagles have a lot of needs, yet Surtain is an early plug and play cover man.

13 LA Chargers             * Jaylen Waddle            WR 5-10, 185 Alabama
The Bolts need to give young passer Herbert a big play threat.

14 Minnesota                DeVonta Smith              WR 6-1, 170 Alabama
Vikings looking to add weapons in this class.

15 New England            * Christian Darrisaw       OT 6-5, 315 Virginia Tech
Patriots looking to protect Cam Newton better and a top flight blocker helps here.

16 Arizona                    * Jaycee Horn               CB 6-1, 205 South Carolina
Cards need a cover man after losing vet Patrick Peterson.

17 Las Vegas                * Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB 6-2, 220 Notre Dame
Raiders looking to add perimeter speed and JOK is a hybrid blue chip backer.

18 Miami                       Kwity Paye                   DE 6-4, 270 Michigan
Dolphins sustained LB losses in FA and Paye gives them a versatile edge playmaker.

19 Washington              * Alijah Vera-Tucker       OT 6-4, 310 Southern Cal
WFT looking to address offense early and this blocker carries an early starting grade.

20 Chicago                   * Caleb Farley               CB 6-2, 205 Virginia Tech
Bears need cover men and Farley is a blue-chip prospect and early NFL starter.

21 Indianapolis              * Jaelan Phillips             DE 6-5, 265 Miami
Colts looking to improve pass rush and Phillips brings the juice.

22 Tennessee                * Greg Newsome           CB 6-1, 190 Northwestern
Titans’ coverage is weak and will undergo major changes.

23 NY Jets (Seattle)       Teven Jenkins               OT 6-5, 320 Oklahoma St
Jets looking to protect the right edge better and Jenkins can start as a rookie here.

24 Pittsburgh                Najee Harris                  RB 6-2, 230 Alabama
Steelers need a beast and Harris is the ideal fit in Steel City.

25 Jacksonville (Rams) Travis Etienne               RB 5-10, 205 Clemson
Jaguars will build around Lawrence early in his career for him to succeed.

26 Cleveland                 * Rashod Bateman        WR 6-2, 210 Minnesota
Browns give QB Mayfield another weapon.

27 Baltimore                 Kadarius Toney             WR 5-11, 195 Florida
Ravens probably add a wideout early to open this offense.

28 New Orleans             Aaron Robinson            CB 6-1, 195 Central Florida
Saints looking to add a quality cover man early in the process.

29 Green Bay                * Jalen Mayfield             OT 6-5, 325 Michigan
Packers better start building a strong cast around Rodgers.

30 Buffalo                    * Joe Tryon                  LB 6-5, 260 Washington
Bills looking a land an edge playmaker and could pull the trigger in the first round.

31 Kansas City             * Zaven Collins              LB 6-4, 260 Tulsa
Chiefs lack impact off the edge and Collins could be a rookie starter here.

32 Tampa Bay              * Azeez Ojulari              LB 6-3, 240 Georgia
Bucs loading cannon to repeat and another edge rusher would be great addition.

Blockbuster Trades Shake up the First Round

 49ers, Dolphins and Eagles Move in the Top 12 Selections

The peak of the Pro Day workout schedules continues with a few major trades recently during the height of the workout season that shuffled the top draft selections. The Dolphins set off the shift when they traded the 3^rd overall selection to the 49ers who held the 12^th overall selection for multiple addition future #1 draft choices. The Dolphins then traded the newly acquired 12^th overall pick for the Eagles first round choice, the 6^th overall selection. The Dolphins surrendered one of the #1 picks they received from the 49ers to land the 6^th overall pick.

These moves were key statements about the teams involved – namely that the Dolphins and Eagles have decided to past on the top 3-4 QB prospects. The major trades were completed within minutes of each other with the Dolphins and Eagles transaction discussed over the past two weeks. Both trades transpired as the BYU pro day just began. BYU QB Zach Wilson had a very impressive workout and most likely solidified the 2^nd overall selection behind generational QB Trevor Lawrence. With the 49ers at #3 selection, they will likely choose between Marc Jones, Justin Fields or Trey Lance. QBs could fall in the first four selection with the Falcons at #4 in the market for a QB and either Jones, Fields or Lance high on their list. The top 4 QB prospects could come off the board in the top four selections with the 5^th prospect not out of the question of going in the top 10 choices or higher.

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The Dolphins reset at the 6^th overall pick and will most likely get a one of the top three non QB prospects. The 49ers are basically saying they love the top 3 QBs and were willing to pay the price – three #1 selections over the next three drafts. Do not rule out the 49ers moving up one spot with the Jets if the price is not outrageous. The Falcons also could be interested in moving up if the #4 QB is not as high as their 2^nd or 3^rd prospect.

Jets hold the #2 overall pick and have been debating using for their new starting QB (Z Wilson) or trading QB Sam Darnold in deals with the Seahawks for starters, Russell Wilson or Texans Deshaun Watson. Seattle is still a possibility with HC Pete Carroll interested with long ties to USC and liking Darnold as a reclamation project for the right deal. The Texans will most likely have a difficult time trading Watson at this time with the recent claims of multiple abuse incidents still pending. In addition, the NFL office could suspend Watson if specific charges including abuses prior to an expected long court battle. Teams still interested in moving up for a top QB would be the Panthers and Broncos along with the Lions being a surprise bidder.

The pro days of 2021 have become more elaborate due to the cancellation of the NF Combine in February because of the ongoing Pandemic. Pro day drills have been very inclusive for NFL personnel men to get the broadest view of a prospect in March and April with the most update information related to his physical skills and in person scouting.