2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
The top half of PFN’s latest 2021 NFL Mock Draft has been completed. Will we see more trades coming in the bottom half of Round 1?
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The combination of Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have reworked their offensive line this offseason. To get everything they can out of quarterback Derek Carr, they’ll need to figure out how to protect him. Ideally for the Raiders, offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw is up to the task.
18. Miami Dolphins: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
For Miami’s original selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, general manager Chris Grier adds to head coach Brian Flores’ defense with EDGE Azeez Ojulari. You can never have enough pass rushers.
19. Detroit Lions (via Washington): Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Linebacker Micah Parsons, considered the top at his position, has been sliding due to character concerns. Fortunately for the new regime in Detroit, they have an opportunity to slide with him thanks to the trade back with Washington.
20. Los Angeles Chargers (via Chicago): Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC
Like the Lions, the Los Angeles Chargers can pick up additional draft capital and still take a position of need. While offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker may not have been the top choice for the Chargers, nonetheless, they get a quality offensive lineman to protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
The Indianapolis Colts are missing 15.5 sacks from the 2020 season with the departures of Denico Autry and Justin Houston, the latter of which could still be re-signed. EDGE prospect Kwity Paye can provide consistent pressure alongside defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
22. Tennessee Titans: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The consensus on cornerback Caleb Farley is all over the place with his recent back surgery and after choosing to sit out of the 2020 college football season. However, doctors have cleared him, pushing Caleb Farley back into the Round 1 conversation. If he returns to the production provided in the 2019 season, Farley can be an immediate weapon in head coach Mike Vrabel’s defense.
23. New York Jets (via Seattle): Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
With the selection acquired in the Jamal Adams trade last year, the Jets have an opportunity to draft the top running back in the 2021 NFL Draft in Najee Harris. Rumored to take a running back here or at the top of Round 2, Douglas covers his bases and adds an immediate threat to assist fellow rookie Zach Wilson.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma
With center Maurkice Pouncey retiring, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a hole in the middle of their offensive line. Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey has been one of — if not the — best centers in college football the past two seasons.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Recently reported is that Christian Barmore could slide due to his inability to be coached. However, the Jaguars have former college head coach Urban Meyer at the helm, and he may use Nick Saban for additional information on Barmore. Meyer fills a need on his new defense.
26. Cleveland Browns: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
The Cleveland Browns proved last year under head coach Kevin Stefanski that they’re ready to compete. In PFN’s latest 2021 NFL Mock Draft, he’ll have another piece to the puzzle in offensive lineman Teven Jenkins that will only help quarterback Baker Mayfield and the offense continue to progress.
27. New York Giants (via Baltimore): Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
Yes, you and I both know New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has never traded down in the NFL Draft. People can change, though, and he chooses not to reach for an edge rusher at No. 11. Jayson Oweh had a phenomenal pro day, proving he’s one of the most athletic at his position we’ve ever seen come out of college football.
28. New Orleans Saints: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Is it Jameis Winston’s show in New Orleans? Or Taysom Hill’s? Either way, one (or both) of them get another weapon on offense in Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
29. Miami Dolphins (via Green Bay): Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Grier doesn’t allow their AFC East foe to take a top running back, using draft capital acquired over the last two seasons to take Clemson’s Travis Etienne. Don’t be surprised if Miami makes the jump back into Round 1 for a player high on their board.
30. Buffalo Bills: Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
After losing out on Etienne, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane takes a position of need with cornerback Kelvin Joseph. While Joseph only spent a season at LSU before transferring to Kentucky, he would play alongside LSU alum Tre’Davious White on Buffalo’s defense.
31. New York Giants (via Baltimore): Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
By trading back, Gettleman addresses two top needs coming into the 2021 NFL Draft before the first round concludes. Ohio State offensive guard Wyatt Davis, depending on his medical status following a knee injury in the 2021 National Championship, will be an instant plug-and-play option in the Giants’ offense.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
After winning the Super Bowl in 2021 and returning many players for another Super Bowl run, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a position to fill with a want as opposed to a need. Their defensive line was a catalyst for their win against the Chiefs, so Levi Onwuzurike would only add to what’s already a strength for head coach Bruce Arians’ team.
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Tommy Garrett is a writer for Pro Football Network covering the NFL and fantasy football. You can read more of his work here and follow him at @TommygarrettPFN on Twitter.