Newman’s First Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 11-20
11) Philadelphia Eagles – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Patrick Surtain II excels in zone coverage due to his elite football IQ. He knows just how much space to give up, how WRs will attack him, and when to attack the ball. His instincts, combined with the technical training he’s gotten at Alabama, have turned him into a well-rounded zone corner prospect.
That makes him an ideal fit in the Eagles defensive scheme, which has evolved into a zone look over the years. Surtain would fit well into Jim Schwartz’s defense and should turn the Eagles pass defense into a strength.
12) Miami Dolphins – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Gregory Rousseau is incredibly raw. He’s a one-year starter who dominated the ACC in 2019 with elite physical tools. He doesn’t have any real pass rush moves or technique to speak of. He’s just a physical freak. NFL teams love physical freaks, especially at premium positions.
This is a risk-reward pick for the Dolphins. If they hit on Rousseau, they could have the steal of the draft, an elite pass rusher. If they miss, then it’s likely Rousseau goes the way of Dion Jordan. That’s a risk the Dolphins can take, considering this will be the fifth of five first-round picks in the last two drafts.
13) Los Angeles Chargers – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
I’m down on Alex Leatherwood. I don’t like Alabama offensive linemen in general. They’re usually overrated due to their quick passing and run-heavy offense. That said, Leatherwood is an above-average athlete at left tackle and is likely to excel in 2020.
In reality, Leatherwood lacks key technical skills and struggles with any pass rusher who can match his physical tools. Still, Alabama gets offensive tackles drafted way higher than they should year in and year out. Expect someone to reach for Leatherwood in the first round. In this first-round NFL mock draft, that’s the Chargers.
14) Arizona Cardinals – Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma
Creed Humphrey is a perfect center prospect. He’s a heavy-hitter with elite play strength, and his technique doesn’t lag behind. He’s nasty in the run game plowing open holes into the second level. In the passing game, he’s an immovable object. In all honesty, he’s the best center I’ve ever scouted.
The Cardinals can replace Mason Cole with Creed Humphrey and immediately see their entire offensive line improve. Just like that, Kyler Murray’s struggles passing against pressure become a little less worrisome.
15) Carolina Panthers – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Lance will not make it this far in the real draft. Someone will trade up to take the North Dakota State product, probably in the top 10. Since there are no trades in this first-round NFL mock draft, Lance is still on the board for the Panthers.
Trey Lance is the perfect modern quarterback. He’s strong in the pocket, he’s mobile enough to hurt you with his legs if you let him, and he rarely turns the ball over. The big question about him is the talent level he’s played.
Playing at North Dakota State, Lance has been a big fish in a small pond. NFL teams can dream of his tools and talent level, but how much confidence is there that they will translate to the NFL level?
16) New England Patriots – Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
It’s downright criminal that Rondale Moore made it this far before coming off the board. He’s a top-10 talent, and the Patriots get him at 16 in this mock draft.
The NFL might not have ever seen an athlete like Moore. He could realistically break the 40-yard dash record while having the strength to run through players twice his size. Moore is what happens when you cross Tyreek Hill’s speed and Steve Smith Jr.’s play-strength. He’s not a technical marvel, but he’s above-average. He can run the whole route tree, and he has good enough hands.
If not for his injury history, then Moore could be challenging Chase for the top WR spot in the draft. Alas, Moore’s injury history is real. He missed nearly all of 2019 with a hamstring injury. Considering his size — he’s only 5’9″ and 181 pounds — injuries are a major concern.
17) San Francisco 49ers – Trey Smith, OG, Tennessee
There’s not a lot that the 49ers need to fix (other than staying healthy, of course). In this first-round NFL mock draft, they decide to go with the best player available. At this point in the draft, that player is Trey Smith.
Smith is a monster of a guard. He’s athletic, strong, and a mean finisher. His health has slowed him down and remains a major concern, but that is about the only concern with Smith. If he can remain healthy, then there’s a real chance he could be one of the best guards in the NFL in short order.
18) Indianapolis Colts – Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
The Colts need to start preparing for life after Anthony Castonzo. The 32-year-old contemplated retirement this past offseason before signing a new two-year deal. When his contract comes up after 2021, they’re going to want to have his replacement lined up.
Dillon Radunz is the perfect pick for the job. He’s raw due to his competition level, but he has all the tools to be a future franchise cornerstone. Give him a year on the bench to learn from Castonzo and build up his technique, and the Colts could see a seamless transition from the old guard to the new.
19) Dallas Cowboys – Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
The Cowboys are desperate for safety help. Over the last few months, they’ve been connected to both Earl Thomas and Jamal Adams. Well, Jevon Holland fills a similar role.
Holland is a do-it-all safety. He can cover tight ends, and he’s a stout run defender. All the pieces from a technical and football IQ sense are there for Holland to be a starter at the next level at either safety spot. The concern lies in his athleticism. Holland isn’t the fastest, the biggest, or the strongest. He’s going to need to prove that he can overcome those limitations at the next level.
20) Las Vegas Raiders – Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh
The Raiders whiffed on Clelin Ferrell, and it’s been a blow to their pass rush. They need someone who can play opposite Maxx Crosby and set a strong edge in the running game. The easy fit is Patrick Jones II.
Through five games, Jones has seven sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. He’s shown that he’s refined his technique to match his above-average athleticism. Polished young pass rushers are hard to come by, especially ones that can also set the edge in the running game.