Round One | Picks 17-32
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Raiders need to get more out of their pass rush in 2021. The Super Bowl demonstrated how effective a top-quality pass rush could be in defeating a great offense. Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby are still young and developing, but if you pair them with another raw talent like Gregory Rousseau, this group has a lot of potential to wreak havoc in the AFC.
18. Miami Dolphins: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Getting arguably the second-best tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft at No. 18 in this 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft is ideal for the Dolphins. Christian Darrisaw could be an immediate starter at right tackle, allowing the Dolphins to move Robert Hunt inside to guard. Pairing Darrisaw with the No. 3 overall selection of Waddle gives this Dolphins’ offense a huge boost heading into 2021.
19. Washington Football Team: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC
Washington has focused much of their attention in recent drafts on the defensive line. Now, it is time for them to focus on the offensive line in the 2021 NFL Draft. Washington has some solid pieces on their offensive line but could lose Brandon Scherff this offseason.
Alijah Vera-Tucker has the ability to come in and immediately start at either tackle or guard. Adding him to this roster gives Washington flexibility up front in training camp.
20. Chicago Bears: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
The Bears have a decision to make on Charles Leno Jr. next offseason. Bobby Massie could be a cap casualty as well. Therefore, adding a player in Jalen Mayfield who could be a contender to start in 2021 and the heir apparent to Leno on the left side of the line is a solid option.
It may not be the splash pick that some Bears fans are searching for, but Mayfield could be the foundation of this line for the next five years.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Indianapolis has the luxury of being able to attack several positions in the upcoming draft. In this 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft, they look to find a replacement for either Denico Autry or Justin Houston on the outside of their defensive line.
Azeez Ojulari was hugely impressive for Georgia in 2020 and could immediately impact a Colts team hoping to challenge for the AFC in 2021.
22. Tennessee Titans: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
The Titans have two defensive tackles set to become free agents in 2021. Therefore, they look to pair Jeffery Simmons with another dominant defensive tackle in Christian Barmore.
The combination of Barmore and Simmons on the inside presents a terrifying matchup for opposing offensive lines, both in the run and pass game.
23. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks): Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
New York needs to continue to add talent around their QB in 2021. Najee Harris provides that immediate upgrade at a position of need for the Jets.
With depth at the receiver position, locking in a player considered to be the top running back in the class makes a lot of sense with this selection in our 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
Maurkice Pouncey has retired, and the Steelers need to find an immediate replacement. Creed Humphrey presents the perfect player to do just that.
The center out of Oklahoma has long been considered the top interior offensive lineman of this draft, and unsurprisingly, he is the first name selected.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Jacksonville adds their potential future defensive captain after locking up their franchise QB with the first pick. Nick Bolton‘s stock is rising fast, and he seems to be a likely first-round selection at this point.
This selection would give the Jaguars flexibility with Myles Jack, Dakota Allen, and Joe Schobert in the 2022 offseason.
26. Cleveland Browns: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
The Browns need to find a partner for Denzel Ward at the cornerback position. Ifeatu Melifonwu is another fast-rising name who looks destined to be a low-first/high-second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He can come in and compete for that starting role on the outside opposite Ward.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Baltimore could be set to lose Orlando Brown, either later this offseason or in 2022. Therefore, adding Teven Jenkins gives them the flexibility to do so.
Jenkins would perhaps benefit from a year behind Brown, but he has the talent to step in and be an immediate starter if the Ravens decide to move on.
28. New Orleans Saints: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
With Taysom Hill the potential starting QB for the Saints in 2021, their offense will look vastly different. Therefore, in this 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft, the Saints pair Alvin Kamara with Travis Etienne.
Putting Etienne in the backfield alongside Kamara and Hill gives the Saints an explosive backfield that can attack defenses in a number of different ways.
29. Green Bay Packers: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
The Packers have a few options with this selection. However, their most prominent area of uncertainty on defense is with the linebacker position.
Zaven Collins has the potential to come in and make that position his own. He could be a high-caliber starter right from the beginning of the 2021 NFL season.
30. Buffalo Bills: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Buffalo is set to lose both Daryl Williams and Ty Nsekhe to free agency. Thus, addressing the right tackle spot in the upcoming draft has its merits.
Samuel Cosmi has the talent to be a player who can compete to start in 2021. Additionally, the Bills have a potential out of Dion Dawkins’ contract next offseason — Cosmi would be a logical replacement on the left side of the line if that became the case.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
With Sammy Watkins set to depart in free agency, the Chiefs look to address their second wide receiver spot in this 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft. Kadarius Toney could be that playmaker opposite Tyreek Hill who has the ability to win one-on-one battles.
Toney is the kind of high-upside receiver the Chiefs love to take chances on. He seems to be a perfect replacement for Watkins in Kansas City.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
Tampa Bay may let Shaq Barrett test free agency this offseason. Joseph Ossai could be the perfect candidate to come in and play opposite Jason Pierre-Paul.
Ossai is a capable player, both rushing the passer and dropping back into coverage at times. He would be a fascinating chess piece to add to a talented Tampa Bay defense.
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