2021 4-Round NFL Mock Draft | Round 1, Picks 17-32
17) Las Vegas Raiders: Joseph Ossai, LB Texas
Despite impressive performances from Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders remain one of the least productive pass-rushing units in the NFL. They should look to address this with either a defensive tackle or EDGE prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. Question marks remain over Derek Carr’s future in Las Vegas despite some performances that showed promise of a return to his 2016 form. There is a real possibility that Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden find his replacement in April.
Joseph Ossai came to national attention following a sophomore season at outside linebacker for Texas that yielded 13.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. After transitioning to a full-time defensive end for 2020, Ossai is set to blow that production out of the water if he continues his early-season pace. His performances have skyrocketed him up big boards with the realistic possibility of him being the second edge rusher drafted in April. Ossai possesses the ideal combination of speed and size to succeed at the next level, and his positional versatility will only add value to his NFL Draft stock.
18) Baltimore Ravens: Creed Humphrey, OC Oklahoma
The mid-season addition of Dez Bryant to the wide receiver room demonstrates how important adding weapons for Lamar Jackson will be in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, the greatest gain to the offense could come from finding a replacement for the retired Marshall Yanda as the offensive line has struggled at times this year. Despite adding Yannick Ngakoue during this season, expect the Baltimore Ravens to add further pass-rush presence at some point in the 2021 NFL Draft.
A 6’5”, 316 pounds, behemoth of a man, Creed Humphrey has put his size and strength to great use as the anchor of what is consistently one of the best offensive lines in college football. A former high school wrestler, Humphrey uses those skills to dominate at the line of scrimmage and also has the football intelligence to help direct the rest of the offensive line.
19) New York Giants: Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan
Will the New York Giants stick by Daniel Jones? They have struggled offensively without star running back Saquon Barkley in 2020, and Jones has failed to provide an offensive spark. There could be offensive improvements coming in the 2021 NFL Draft. Although I find it unlikely they use a second consecutive first-round pick on an offensive tackle, that has to be a consideration given the struggles along the offensive line. Cornerback, EDGE, and linebacker remain realistic defensive possibilities.
The phrase ‘athletic freak’ gets distributed to the stars of college football more and more frequently, but there is no better way to describe Kwity Paye. At 6-foot-4, 277 pounds, he can allegedly run a 4.5-second 40-yard dash. A reported personal record of 30 reps on the bench press is a testament to his strength. He may be a raw talent, but Paye has already proven he can be productive at Michigan and will likely be one of the first EDGE players selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.
20) Arizona Cardinals: Shaun Wade, CB Ohio State
With a number of offensive linemen set to hit free agency at the end of the year, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Arizona Cardinals address the offensive line early in the 2021 NFL Draft. Although the defense has shown improvement from last year following a defensive-minded 2020 class, there are needs at EDGE and cornerback to consider.
Shaun Wade could have followed teammate Jeff Okudah into last year’s draft and been a late first-round pick. He returned to improve his stock, and for my money, is the best cornerback available in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Wade has prototypical size for the position and flashes excellent playmaking skills in coverage, but he can also impact the game as a blitzer.
21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Liam Eichenberg, OT Notre Dame
Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been defensively impressive in 2020, particularly against the run, their biggest needs in the 2021 NFL Draft are on that side of the ball. There are several starters set to hit free agency, and it seems unlikely they can keep them all. After finding success with rookie offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, the Bucs could add another OT to bookend the offensive line. The wide receiver and running-back rooms could use extra depth.
The Notre Dame offensive line has been arguably the best in college football in 2020, and left tackle Liam Eichenberg has been their leader. He combines NFL size (6-foot-6, 302 pounds) with strength and excellent football intelligence to provide solid pass protection as well as being impactful in the run game.
22) Miami Dolphins: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson
When Trevor Lawrence appeared to have a minor sophomore slump early in 2019, running back Travis Etienne was the man that Clemson leaned on. Power and speed are the keys to Etienne’s success, and he also has the pass-catching ability, which is becoming increasingly necessary to succeed in the NFL. Expect Etienne to pay one of the first running backs off the board in April.
23) Indianapolis Colts: Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama
A quarterback room of Philip Rivers, Jacoby Brissett, and Jacob Eason would imply that at some point in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts would pull the trigger on a new signal-caller. Although Anthony Costanzo signed a two-year deal in March, the left tackle had considered retirement, and the Colts would be wise to begin the search for his replacement. Another 2021 NFL Draft need for the Colts includes wide receiver. Additionally, although they have been one of the best defenses in the NFL this year, the Colts could add depth across multiple positions, including EDGE and cornerback.
Jaylen Waddle has had to wait for his opportunity to shine behind Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, but even with those two to compete for playing time within 2019, there were reasons to believe that Waddle can be an explosive, game-changing playmaker at the next level. Incredible speed and catch ability, combined with the ability to make a man miss in the open field, Waddle could easily be WR1 by the time the 2021 NFL Draft kicks off.
24) Cleveland Browns: Carlos Basham, EDGE Wake Forest
Fans and the media following the Cleveland Browns have been crying out for the team to add a linebacker, and they could address the position early in the 2021 NFL Draft. They could also add a pass rusher to create a dominant duo with Myles Garrett. The offensive line has played surprisingly well this season, and it would appear the main offensive need in the draft will be a wide receiver, with much speculation over the future of Odell Beckham Jr.
A former 3-star recruit playing for a team that isn’t traditionally an NFL Draft powerhouse, Carlos Basham can fly under the radar in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, with an ability to contribute in both run defense and pass rush from multiple positions across the offensive line, there is no reason to believe that he won’t be a consideration as a mid-to-late first-round selection.
25) Jacksonville Jaguars: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia
Quick, strong, and athletic, Azeez Ojulari has all the physical tools to be a successful pass rusher in the NFL. He has been productive in his career at Georgia, but this year has seen him go from being an under-the-radar prospect to a player that seems destined to be a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
26) New York Jets: Rondale Moore, WR Purdue
Put simply, Rondale Moore is one of the most explosive and entertaining players to grace the college game in recent years. Although his 5’9” height will ultimately count against him in the eyes of NFL talent evaluators, he will be a valuable piece on any offense. Get the ball in his hands any way you can and watch him go to work. Moore can be unstoppable on his day, as witnessed against Ohio State in 2018.
27) Tennessee Titans: Jaylen Twyman, DT Pittsburgh
Outside of A.J. Brown and tight end Jonnu Smith, the Tennessee Titans don’t have a huge amount of pass-catching talent for Ryan Tannehill, and they could address that in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, it feels far more likely that the Titans will lean on coach Mike Vrabel’s defensive past and add talent on the defensive front seven, including defensive tackle and EDGE.
Jaylen Twyman adopted the #97 Pittsburgh Panthers made famous by Aaron Donald, and rather than buckle under the pressure, he has thrived. Twyman isn’t Donald, but he has put up similar production in his college career. An excellent pass rusher from the interior, Twyman can use the extended offseason to help build up the weight he will need to excel as a run-stuffer at the next level.
28) Buffalo Bills: Eric Stokes, CB Georgia
Prior to the start of this season, the Buffalo Bills locked up shutdown cornerback Tre’Davious White on a new deal, and they could seek to add another cornerback to play opposite him early in the 2021 NFL Draft. Although Stefon Diggs has become the go-to guy for Josh Allen and Gabriel Davis has made progress through 2020, they could add another pass catcher. Interior offensive line should also be a consideration for the Bills.
The junior cornerback led the Georgia Bulldogs in pass breakups in both of his first two seasons with the program, which is a testament to his playmaking ability in the secondary. He tied teammate Deandre Baker in 2018, who went on to be a first-round selection of the New York Giants. Stokes has the ability to disrupt the passing game as an outside cornerback, using his prototypical size at the position combined with a sound football intelligence. Can Stokes be the next Georgia cornerback to hear his name called in the first round? Concerns over his ability to turn breakups into interceptions have been addressed early in 2020 with his first career interception.
29) Green Bay Packers: Zaven Collins, LB Tulsa
Wide receiver is a popular 2021 NFL Draft need for the Green Bay Packers, but is it really the prime one? The defense has been poor at times this season, particularly against the run, and upgrades on the defensive line and at linebacker seem inevitable. Cornerback also stands out as a pressing need for the Packers, with Kevin King set to become a free agent at the end of the year. They may also add reinforcements to an aging offensive line.
It’s been 23 years since Tulsa had a linebacker selected in the NFL Draft and 43 years since they had a first-round prospect. That could all change this year with Zaven Collins receiving serious first-round buzz. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker has been the heartbeat of a Tulsa defense that has been one of the most impressive in the nation. Collins has the athleticism, versatility, and tackling ability to be a starter in the NFL as a rookie.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Jones, EDGE Pittsburgh
What do you get for the team that seemingly has everything? With several wide receivers set to hit free agency, they may add a pass-catcher to give Patrick Mahomes even more offensive weapons — although addressing the interior of the offensive line could also be a possibility. Adding another elite pass rusher to a unit led by Chris Jones would be a terrifying prospect for opposition offenses. Cornerback and linebacker are other defensive possibilities.
After a productive 2019 campaign, Patrick Jones figures to be one of the best pass rushers in college football this season as a part of one of the nation’s best defensive lines. Jones fits the mold of the modern NFL pass rusher, combining athleticism and flexibility with enough power to win both outside and inside.
31) New Orleans Saints: Nick Bolton, LB Missouri
Did Taysom Hill do enough in his short relief of Drew Brees to reassure the New Orleans Saints that he can take over when Brees retires? I think it would be a surprise if the Saints don’t add a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft. There are multiple potential free agents in the linebacker room, and the Saints could also look to add another cornerback across from Marshon Lattimore.
Question marks over Nick Bolton’s size at the linebacker position may impact his stock, but there is no denying that the man from Missouri can play football. Outside of Parsons and Moses, Bolton could be the best all-around linebacker in the 2021 NFL Draft as he is seemingly as comfortable in pass coverage as he is in flying downhill to disrupt the run game.
32) Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Leatherwood, OT Alabama
With a number of offensive linemen due to hit free agency at the end of this season, offensive tackle looks to be the key offensive need for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft. With time not on Ben Roethlisberger’s side, the Steelers could use a later-round pick to select his successor. The Steelers have had one of the best, if not the best, defenses in the NFL in 2020, but may add depth at several positions, including safety and EDGE.
A potential early-round pick last year, Alex Leatherwood returned to Alabama to improve his stock ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. Leatherwood utilizes strength and aggression in pass protection, but his strongest suit maybe his run blocking ability. The debate will be whether he best projects as a tackle or guard in the NFL. Either way, he will be a stellar addition to any offensive line.