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.


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