Chiotti’s Draft | Picks 21-32
21. Miami Dolphins: Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma
The Dolphins rebuilt the majority of their offensive line in 2020. Three of their 2020 starters are rookies, and the Dolphins should continue to build their protection for Tua. Creed Humphrey is a leader on the offensive front with excellent strength. He uses body angles well and turns out defenders with ease. Humphrey’s patience and strength would make for an ideal addition to this young Dolphins offensive line.
Plus, having a left-handed center may help with having a left-handed quarterback. Seems like a match made in heaven for Tua.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jay Tufele, DT, USC
The Bucs invested a high draft pick in Vita Vea a couple of years ago, and Vea has become of the league’s premier interior defensive linemen. Playing alongside Ndamukong Suh has been beneficial, but there’s a good chance Suh could be gone in 2021. Adding another dominant defensive lineman can help keep the Bucs defense near the top of the run defense list in the league.
Enter Jay Tufele out of USC with the 22nd pick in this 2021 first-round NFL mock draft. Tufele can play in several alignments along the interior of the defensive front and does a great job of creating pressure in his pass rush.
23. Cleveland Browns: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
The Browns’ offense saw a big jump in 2020 thanks to new head coach Kevin Stefanski. In this 2021 first-round NFL mock draft, the Browns look to boost the defensive side of the ball. Zaven Collins is an athletic linebacker with good instincts and solid coverage skills. His ability to rush the passer can also give the Browns another threat off the edge to get to the quarterback on third downs.
Collins is a gifted athlete who can offer versatility at different positions on the defense.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Colts got left tackle Anthony Castonzo back for what looks like will be his final season in the NFL. Going into 2021, they’re going to have to look at finding Castonzo’s replacement. In this 2021 first-round NFL mock draft, the Colts select Christian Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech to be their future left tackle.
Darrisaw has a firm anchor and strong hands to stop pass rushers in their place, but he is also an athletic and effective run blocker. Pairing him alongside Quenton Nelson could help his adjustment to the NFL.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams): Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Jalen Ramsey was traded to the Rams and it involved this pick, and the Jaguars select a cornerback in this 2021 first-round NFL mock draft. The Jags selected Florida’s C.J. Henderson in 2020 and go with South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn with their second pick of the first round. Horn is a big, physical corner who bullies opposing wide receivers. Pairing him with Henderson could make for a quality corner duo for years to come.
26. New York Jets (from Seattle): Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
The Jets need quality pass rushers off the edge. With their second selection of this 2021 first-round NFL mock draft, they select a project in Texas’ Joseph Ossai. Ossai isn’t the most explosive rusher off the edge and is still relatively new to the position and football. He does, however, possess some great physical traits that could make him a quality edge player in time.
As he continues to learn and grow into the position, Ossai should help a struggling Jets defense at outside linebacker.
27. Tennessee Titans: Patrick Jones, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Jadeveon Clowney didn’t work out for the Titans, so the team should be looking elsewhere for an edge rusher in 2021. Pittsburgh’s Patrick Jones would be a fun fit for Mike Vrabel’s defense. His quick burst and instincts against the run make him an ideal replacement for Clowney. Jones shows patience when setting the edge and features a great inside rip move to switch up his rush patterns.
With Jones across from Harold Landry, the Titans can start creating more pressure for opposing quarterbacks.
28. Buffalo Bills: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Buffalo Bills offense has been rolling in 2020 with the addition of Stefon Diggs and the continued growth of quarterback Josh Allen. While the team is experiencing success, some areas need to be addressed, specifically on the offensive line. Cody Ford went on injured reserve in 2020, and Daryl Williams has been decent as a replacement, but the Bills could always upgrade.
Texas’ Samuel Cosmi is an athletic offensive tackle who could play either side of the offensive line. He’s consistent in his run blocking and has shown flashes of strength in his pass protection, but he is still a bit raw and will need some time to work on his technique. This pick could be a solid payoff for the Bills down the line.
29. New Orleans Saints: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
This may seem like a bit of a reach to some, but the Saints missed out on selecting a quarterback in this 2021 first-round NFL mock draft, and they need to continue to build up their stingy defense. Picking Shaun Wade here gives them a solid slot defender who has room for growth on the outside.
P.J. Williams will be a free agent in 2021, and the team will need a replacement. Wade has the speed and aggressiveness to play inside or outside but really thrives as a nickel defender. With Janoris Jenkins and Marshon Lattimore manning the outside, Wade could cause issues for speedy slot receivers.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Eric Ebron has reverted to his old self, and Vance McDonald could end up being a cap casualty this offseason. Tight end is suddenly a position of dire need for this Steelers offense. Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth gives the Steelers another dangerous offensive weapon.
Freiermuth has strong hands, great burst, and regularly wins one-on-one matchups against linebackers. His route running is polished and he seems to have no issues with defenders in his face at the line of scrimmage. With Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and JuJu Smith-Schuster proving to be quality receiving threats, adding Freiermuth to the equation might take the cake.
31. Green Bay Packers: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
The Packers could use an upgrade on the defensive line, and Alabama’s Christian Barmore could be that upgrade in this 2021 first-round NFL mock draft. Barmore has risen up draft boards recently due to his explosiveness and power. Routinely making plays in the backfield, Barmore can play from multiple alignments in either an odd or an even front.
He is still considered a raw prospect, but his strength shows that he is ready to make the jump to the NFL.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Nothing like finishing off this 2021 first-round NFL mock draft with some homegrown talent. The Chiefs finish off this first round by selecting one of the biggest climbers in this class at the linebacker position.
Missouri’s Nick Bolton is a punishing linebacker who lays the wood on ball carriers but still has great tackling technique. He might be a little limited in his coverage ability, but the Chiefs drafted Willie Gay in 2020 to help with coverage assignments. Bolton would be great for blitzes and can offer some shallow zone coverage. Bonus: he would get to face off against a fellow Missouri athlete, Drew Lock, twice a year.
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