Breakdowns
3/23/21
4 min min read
On the Clock Mock Draft
Last week marked the conclusion of our On the Clock series, in which we presented multiple options for every team’s first-round draft selection. So we couldn’t help but wonder: What would a mock draft look like based on the possibilities listed in the On the Clock features?
Keep in mind: This is NOT the 33rd Team’s official mock draft. Our scouts and front-office execs are still scouring video and meeting multiple times a week, compiling the most precise draft data and analysis they can get.
In the meantime, let the On the Clock Mock whet your appetite. Note: We did take the liberty of making two edits. In hindsight, Kwity Paye going to the Falcons at No. 4 was too high and Kyle Pitts going to the Chargers at No. 12 might be too low – so we swapped those picks.
As with all mock drafts, there’s plenty to debate. So let the discussion begin…
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
The presumptive No. 1 overall pick. Not much to question here.
2. New York Jets
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
If they trade for Deshaun Watson or Russell Wilson, this pick blows up. For now, though, it’s a popular pick.
3. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The signing of free-agent receiver Will Fuller reduces the chances of this happening, but Chase would be a dynamix weapon for QB Tua Tagovailoa.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
In our On the Clock series, we had the Falcons looking to shore up their defense, but there’s really no defensive player worthy of the fourth overall pick. Maybe Atlanta trades down a few spots. If they stand pat, it would be hard to ignore a playmaker like Pitts.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
The best offensive lineman in this draft is brought in to help protect 2020 No. 1 pick Joe Burrow.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner is reunited with QB Jalen Hurts, his former Alabama teammate.
7. Detroit Lions
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
In On the Clock: Detroit Lions, we had Zach Wilson as the team’s first choice, speculating that Detroit is looking beyond newly acquired Jared Goff. With Wilson off the board, Possibility #2 was Kwity Paye, but that still may be too high. So we gave them Possibility #3, the best available offensive tackle.
8. Carolina Panthers
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
It’s entirely possible that a team looking for QB help trades up to grab Fields before this spot, but Carolina takes him if he’s still there.
9. Denver Broncos
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
This pick is less likely now that Denver managed to re-sign Von Miller, but the Broncos can still use depth at the position.
10. Dallas Cowboys
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Forms a solid CB duo with former Tide teammate Trevon Diggs.
11. New York Giants
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Another team that had Kwity Paye as its top choice, but Waddle might be too good to pass up. We had Waddle as the Giants’ second choice. That was before they signed free agent Kenny Golladay, though. With Golladay in the fold, it is possible the Giants focus on defense.
12. San Francisco 49ers
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
San Francisco’s first On the Clock choice was Rashawn Slater. That was before the 49ers re-signed left tackle Trent Williams, so they might not pick Slater even if he were still available. Could Lance be the QB of the future?
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
A replacement for Melvin Ingram.
14. Minnesota Vikings
Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
The fourth Alabama player off the board – with a few more to come.
15. New England Patriots
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
With the relationship between Bill Belichick and Nick Saban, there’s been lots of speculation that this pick makes sense. That said, it might not make sense that Jones is still around at 15. Which begs the question: Do the Patriots like him enough to trade up a few spots for him?
16. Arizona Cardinals
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Replacement for Patrick Peterson.
17. Las Vegas Raiders
Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
The signing of Yannick Ngakoue might alter this selection, but in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, you can’t have too many pass rushers.
18. Miami Dolphins
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Building some protection for Tagovailoa.
19. Washington Football Team
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The first On the Clock choice for Washington was Florida WR Kadarian Toney, but the signing of Curtis Samuel makes that pick less necessary. Washington also signed CB William Jackson III, so Farleyh would be a longshot as well.
20. Chicago Bears
Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
The Bears need some big bodies up front to rebuild their running game.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas
Cosmi will look good lined up next to Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson.
22. Tennessee Titans
Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU
A pass-catcher to replace Corey Davis.
23. New York Jets from Seattle Seahawks
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
The Jets signed free agent Carl Lawson, but new head coach Robert Saleh can use as many defensive weapons as he can get.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Addressing a clear need.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)
Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
First choice was Jaycee Horn, but protection for Trevor Lawrence couldn’t hurt.
26. Cleveland Browns
Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Cleveland has a need for speed at linebacker.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
A new weapon for Lamar Jackson.
28. New Orleans Saints
Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Kwon Alexander was a cap casualty, so this pick fills a need.
29. Green Bay Packers
Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Tom Brady exposed the Packers’ secondary in the NFC title game.
30. Buffalo Bills
Trey Smith, G, Tennessee
First choice was Michigan OT Jalen Mayfield.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Asanta Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
First choice was Sam Cosmi. This pick would be interesting, because Samuel’s dad played for Andy Reid in Philadelphia.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
The only big-name free agent that Tampa Bay did not retain this offseason was Leonard Fournette. Etienne would be an upgrade.