2021 7-Round NFL Mock Draft | Round 3
Listed on this page is the third round of this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. We begin with the Jacksonville Jaguars at pick 65.
65. Jacksonville Jaguars: Landon Dickerson, OC, Alabama
The Jaguars once again make a move for a high-intangibles player. While Dickerson’s injuries are a concern (according to Pauline, he’s off many boards in the first five rounds), he’s worth the investment here for Jacksonville.
He doesn’t have to play right away since Brandon Linder, Andrew Norwell, and A.J. Cann are still in Jacksonville. However, the Jaguars can move on from all three after next season, and Dickerson can easily slide in to fill that spot.
66. New York Jets: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Little has been a career left tackle, but I’m having him flip over to right tackle in this scenario for the Jets. He’s a high-upside tackle, but he hasn’t played in two seasons. Luckily, the Jets have an excellent offensive line coach in John Benton. He can aid Little in his transition over to right tackle. Little is an excellent fit in the Shanahan-style run game that Saleh and LaFleur want to run in New York.
67. Houston Texans: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma
The Texans need plenty on their roster, but with all the turnover going on right now, they need high-character and high-energy players in that locker room — guys that match their play with their intangibles. That’s Ronnie Perkins. Ask anyone involved with the Oklahoma program, and they will tell you the entire team’s culture changed when Perkins returned in 2020.
Perkins didn’t test amazingly, but he wins with length and power. He’s a high-octane run defender who is just as comfortable with his hand in the dirt as he is dropping into space to cover. He’s a defensive player that can kickstart a rebuild in Houston.
68. Atlanta Falcons: Josh Myers, OG/C, Ohio State
The Falcons have some uncertainty in the interior of their offensive line. Alex Mack, the team’s long-time starting center, left in free agency. They don’t have a clear answer at left guard either, with players like Willie Wright and perhaps Josh Andrews vying for that spot. Matt Hennessy, the team’s third-round pick in 2020, played at left guard his rookie year, but his future looks brighter at center. Fontenot and Smith are offensive line-heavy guys, and having such a critical spot left open can’t happen.
Enter Josh Myers, a player I believe can play at both center or guard. New Orleans valued those versatile interior players (Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Andrus Peat, Will Clapp, Nick Easton), and it’s hard to believe Fontenot won’t carry that with him to Atlanta.
Myers is a rugged, powerful blocker who is as rock solid and consistent as they come. He’s still developing physically and has some technical adjustments to make in pass protection but projects favorably as a starting-caliber guard or center early with upside for more.
69. Cincinnati Bengals: Jay Tufele, DT, USC
The Bengals made it official. They released former megastar defensive tackle Geno Atkins this offseason, letting him pursue a championship elsewhere. The team signed D.J. Reader last year and inked Larry Ogunjobi and Mike Daniels to deals, but only Reader is under contract past 2021. A young player in the middle for the future would be a wise investment.
A powerful player with a constant motor, Jay Tufele was a first-team All-Pac-12 member in 2019. His chops as a pass rusher are impressive, and yet, Tufele can still grow. He was consistently disruptive off the snap and converted speed-to-power like a pro.
70. Philadelphia Eagles: Nico Collins, WR, Michigan
With Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson being released, the Eagles need to add an influx of talent to their receiving room. Once again operating from their tendencies toward explosive athletes with great 40 times, the Eagles go with a receiver being held back to his quarterbacks in college.
Nico Collins is an enticing prospect at 6’4″, 215 pounds. Head coach Nick Sirianni has worked with players like Mike Williams, Michael Pittman, and Tyrell Williams. I’m sure he would envision a similar style for Collins in Philadelphia.
71. Denver Broncos: Elijah Molden, DB, Washington
The Broncos have some unheralded talent in their corner room, with players like Bryce Callahan, Michael Ojemudia, and Essang Bassey backing up Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby. However, Callahan’s contract expires next year, and Fuller and Darby have had injuries in their past.
Denver could look to add depth at corner in this draft. Paton comes from Minnesota, who absolutely loved to invest in DBs frequently.
Elijah Molden can slide right in as their nickel of the future. A silky-smooth corner, Molden is a feisty competitor who is one of my favorite players in this class. His size is a knock on him, but he can play both in the nickel and deep as a split safety. He’s instinctive and intelligent, traits that will endear him to Fangio.
72. Detroit Lions: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
Detroit has been heavily interested in safeties this offseason and will likely be interested in one (or more) in the 2021 NFL Draft. Tracy Walker is a fine young playmaker, but Will Harris has struggled so far in Detroit. As such, I’d expect them to address the spot early on, like they do in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Some analysts like Jevon Holland as a nickel defender; others believe he’s a safety. Regardless, he’s an instinctual and fluid player who fills in against the run at an extremely high level. He’s a highly productive player with 110 tackles and 9 interceptions in just two seasons of play.
73. Carolina Panthers: Trey Smith, OG, Tennessee
The Panthers continue to retool their offensive line while building around Darnold. They added Pat Elflein, who will likely take over the right guard spot, but the left guard spot is unknown. Adding in a high-upside player to fill in at left guard would be a great tool here in Round 3.
Trey Smith has seemingly fallen off in terms of public perception, but he’s an absolute bully-ball of a guard. I love the physicality he plays with and his competitive toughness. He tested very, very well this year, too, answering any questions of his athletic ability.
74. Washington Football Team: Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
Despite the addition of JOK, Washington needs to add another free safety to play deep. Troy Apke’s play so far has left a lot to be desired, and that’s not the kind of safety that Landon Collins or Kamren Curl is.
Andre Cisco is a rangy, deep safety who posted incredible interception numbers (13) in college, proving his abilities with the ball in the air. Washington was already an excellent defense, and adding a playmaker of Cisco’s caliber would make it even more so.
75. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via DAL): Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Buccaneers somehow found a way to bring back both Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul, but they still need long-term solutions.
Quincy Roche is a refined rusher with incredible college production. He isn’t an elite athlete, and he’ll need his consistency ironed out, but it’s great working behind two experienced veterans like Barrett and JPP.
76. New York Giants: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
For this pick, I’m projecting Liam Eichenberg moving inside to guard for the Giants. New York stunningly let Kevin Zeitler go in free agency, opening up both guard spots. For a quarterback who struggles under pressure as much as Jones does, it was a mind-boggling move, regardless of cap space.
Eichenberg started every game of his career at left tackle but fell short of the NFL’s 33-inch-arm threshold for tackles. Eichenberg is an agile lateral mover with incredible competitive toughness and an excellent pass protector, having not allowed a single sack since his 2018 season. His mentality and technique fit that style of player Joe Judge has emphasized building upon in his locker room.
77. Los Angeles Chargers: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
The Chargers released Casey Hayward in the offseason, losing a long-time veteran who had logged 1,754 snaps the past two seasons for the Chargers. It was evident he’d lost a step in his game, and there were some question marks about his fit in Staley’s defense. With a hole left, it’s evident the Chargers will look to add a corner or two in this 2021 NFL Draft. Luckily, the perfect fit falls to them in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Paulson Adebo’s length and physicality fit the mold of what Staley values in his corners. Adebo’s athleticism and reactionary ability project him best as a press-man corner. He’s stiff through his transitions, which does open the way against elite downfield athletes, but Adebo’s athleticism and speed aid him in recovering through those.
78. Minnesota Vikings: Elerson Smith, EDGE, Northern Iowa
I mentioned that the Vikings could be on the market for a pass rusher as early as pick 14. While I don’t believe it’s a Round 1 priority, they absolutely should in the 2021 NFL Draft. Newly signed defensive end Stephen Weatherly is on a one-year deal, and he shouldn’t be a full-time starting defensive end.
Zimmer said it best that the 2020 Vikings had the worst defense he’s ever had. Ranking bottom-four in pressure rate and bottom-five in sacks would certainly play a part in that.
The team has athletic freak defensive end Danielle Hunter on one side. Still, they’ve traditionally gone for uber-athletic pass rushers with great success on ends like Hunter, Everson Griffen, and Brian Robison. Zimmer has said the team wants to play faster and faster to combat offenses “these days.”
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them bank on the upside of Smith, who played well at the Senior Bowl and posted a 9.72 RAS.
79. Las Vegas Raiders: Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State
The Raiders’ safety room is a bit of a mess. Johnathan Abram hasn’t lived up to his first-round billing, Erik Harris is now in Atlanta, and Lamarcus Joyner is now in New York. The team signed Karl Joseph, but that’s a temporary stopgap move and not a plan for the future.
Hamsah Nasirildeen is a fluid athlete with excellent length, boasting a 6’3″ frame with a nearly 82-inch wingspan. I love his ability to match up on TEs at the next level with his frame, ball skills, and athleticism. Many FSU coaches rave about his character and work ethic as well.
80. Las Vegas Raiders: Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan
Call me crazy, but I’m not confident in a corner room of Damon Arnette, Nevin Lawson, Trayvon Mullen, Isaiah Johnson, Rasul Douglas, and Amik Robertson. Even if Gus Bradley’s defense is a better fit for a player like Johnson, that’s projecting a lot, considering he’s played just a trace over 200 snaps in the NFL.
Ambry Thomas is a physical, feisty, and smart corner. He opted out of the 2020 season, but his competitiveness shouldn’t be questioned based on his film. He tends to get under receivers’ skin because he just constantly fights and digs at guys. That aggressiveness, athleticism, and his special-teams experience should endear him to coaches in the league.
81. Miami Dolphins: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
The Dolphins have been heavily involved with receivers, especially at the top of the class. However, with them taking Pitts in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft and adding Will Fuller in free agency, I think that drops the priority down.
With some bigger targets in DeVante Parker, Gesicki, and Pitts, plus Fuller stretching the defense, I’d like to see Miami add an underneath reliable slot receiver that Tua can be comfortable with.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is that guy. He’s a sharp and crafty route runner. St. Brown won’t blow by anyone with his speed or strength, but he has a knack for getting open due to his extensive route releases off the line of scrimmage. He is strong at the top of his routes and has excellent hands, demonstrating a level of reliability and consistency that Tua can depend on underneath.
82. Washington Football Team: Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
There’s been speculation that Washington wants to trade up and nab one of the top quarterbacks in Round 1, but I don’t see that happening right now. With Fitzpatrick, Taylor Heinecke, and Kyle Allen on the roster, Washington has their quarterbacks for 2021, but they could look to find one in the future.
Davis Mills is a prototypical “pro-style” quarterback with a good blend of size, progression speed, and touch. He doesn’t boast the strongest arm in the class, but he can put some zip on the ball and is generally accurate. He hangs in the pocket and doesn’t easily get fazed by pressure. I think his skill set will remind OC Scott Turner of some previous quarterbacks he’s coached and had success with.
83. Chicago Bears: Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
I’m not sure I need to detail this pick in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. The Bears put out a tweet with Andy Dalton in a Bears uniform, captioned “QB1.” There’s your summary.
Much like the aforementioned Mills, I don’t buy the Kellen Mond Round 1 (or 2) talk. We seem to have that kind of discussion every year around draft time, and it’s generally never been true. However, the overall talent of Mond isn’t in doubt. He makes some truly wow plays on film with his combination of arm talent and athleticism. His general lack of consistency and accuracy woes are a problem that clouds his evaluation, however.
84. Detroit Lions (via PHI): Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pitt
The Lions’ pass rush was rough (to say the least) last year. The team was dead last in pressure rate, total pressures (105 per PFR), and tied for 27th in total sacks. DC Aaron Glenn came from New Orleans, who dominated the NFC South with Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, and Trey Hendrickson. He may be a defensive backs guy, but he understands the value of pass rush. The team re-signed breakout star Romeo Okwara, but I’d expect them to continue to add to this room.
Rashad Weaver isn’t the most athletic or most physical pass rusher, but he’s arguably the best “technician” in this edge class. He wins with crafty hand usage, a hot motor, and good power. He’s a proven and productive player, with 34.5 career tackles for loss and 17 sacks in his career. He fits the high character and work ethic mold that Campbell and the Detroit staff emphasized this offseason.
85. Tennessee Titans: Alim McNeill, DT, NC State
A combination of explosiveness and power, Alim McNeill is a handful for guards and centers to deal with. McNeill flies off the snap and immediately uses that explosiveness to shrug off blocks and clog lanes. He must, however, continue to improve his repertoire of moves as a pass rusher. He only posted a single sack in 2020, giving many who grade on production pause despite his obvious traits.
86. New York Jets: Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
With the addition of LaFleur and Benton from the 49ers, the Jets are gearing up to run the Shanahan wide-zone scheme.
They reunited with Tevin Coleman on a one-year deal. Coleman is a good back, but he’s dealt with injuries in the past. I’d expect the Jets to add more to that RB room. I believe this is a perfect fit for Michael Carter’s skill set.
While La’Mical Perine had flashes of good play last year and both coaches are familiar with Coleman, the Shanahan scheme rotates multiple runners, and Carter is a fantastic runner in his own right. That’s an excellent RB committee to build with this season.
Carter has some of the best instincts and intelligence among any runners in this year’s class. His smoothness as a runner and receiver completes the picture of an excellent back to build in a committee with that run scheme.
87. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame
With Vance McDonald’s retirement, the Steelers need a reliable tight end who can block and catch. However, Eric Ebron isn’t that kind of player. They’re looking for that physical tight end whose blocking helps boost their run game.
Tommy Tremble wasn’t often targeted, but he excelled in both blocking and receiving. He would provide a security blanket over the middle of the field for Ben Roethlisberger next season and help open up holes for Harris in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
88. Los Angeles Rams: Kendrick Green, OG/C, Illinois
I believe that the Rams need to double up on the offensive line in this draft. Whitworth’s uncertainty, combined with no projected center on the roster and a turnstile at left guard, means the Rams have at least three spots to address on the offensive line soon.
Kendrick Green is an excellent schematic fit with the Rams. He was All-Big Ten at guard but converted to center for four games in 2020 and looked like a seamless transition. His explosive athleticism and ability to reach blocks would make him a scheme fit with the heavy outside-zone scheme Sean McVay favors.
Green showcases excellent body control and movement skills, especially getting to the second level and opening up rushing lanes. He isn’t overly powerful but shows a solid anchor and good ability to handle one-on-ones in pass protection. He’s the starting center for the Rams right away.
89. Cleveland Browns: Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana
Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods wants to go dime-heavy and throw in multiple safety looks. The team landed superstar John Johnson III and will have Grant Delpit and Ronnie Harrison returning. However, I still think they need to invest in that room.
Delpit hasn’t even been cleared by doctors yet, and he’s going to be worked in slowly into the fold. Adding safeties who can play various roles in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft would fit how the Browns are building that defense.
Despite being a one-year starter, Jamar Johnson looked comfortable playing deep and in the slot last year for the Hoosiers. Johnson demonstrated above-average instincts and range last season and made quarterbacks pay with 4 interceptions in eight games. He’s not afraid to crash down as a blitzer and in the run game, either, with scrappiness written all over him. He’s also just 22, meeting the Browns’ age cutoff.
90. Minnesota Vikings: Hunter Long, TE, Boston College
The Vikings released long-time TE Kyle Rudolph this offseason, paving the way for Irv Smith to take the reigns as TE1 in Minnesota. However, that shouldn’t stop them from adding another tight end.
Kirk Cousins heavily targets his tight ends and excels out of 12 personnel. Replacing Rudolph with a tight end with some downfield athletic ability to pair with Smith and the weapons Minnesota already has here in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft would be a strong investment as they go all-in on Cousins.
Hunter Long isn’t a mind-blowing athlete, but he’s smooth and reliable as a catcher. Long isn’t the most dominating presence as a blocker, but he’s steady and wins his fair share of reps in that area. However, he does his best work as a receiver, and that’s what he’ll be drafted on.
Long understands defenders’ leverage and settles into zone coverages quite nicely. Because of his 6’5″ frame and length, he presents a mismatch against linebackers and safeties.
91. Cleveland Browns: Tommy Togiai, DT, Ohio State
With Richardson released, the Browns now have just three interior linemen on their roster. They need to add an influx of talent into that defensive line if they want to continue their recent success.
With Malik Jackson and Jordan Elliott as their pass rushers on the interior, they should look into adding another run-defending tackle. Andrew Billings is still just on a one-year deal and further increasing this need here in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
On a show I did with The OBR this past week, I dropped that I actually had compared Tommy Togiai to Richardson a few months ago. Replacing Richardson with a younger and cheaper version seems like a brilliant idea to me, something the Ivy League guys in Cleveland would likely agree with.
92. Green Bay Packers: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
I tried to find the value of a safety here since Joe Barry places a heavy emphasis on that positional group (more on that later). The free fall of Nick Bolton in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft was too good to pass on here, though. Based on my own perception and the perception of other analysts, Bolton should go much higher than this.
However, he had questions about his athleticism off the film. He answered those questions at his pro day, but it was the wrong kind of answer. Linebackers with poor testing that already have some athleticism questions typically slide come draft day. It’s not necessarily fair, and it draws criticism, but precedent exists for a reason.
Bolton is an absolute headhunter on the field. His instincts and violence show up on tape, as he’s constantly flying in at the ball carrier. He’s an absolute joy to watch on film. With the monsters Green Bay has along their defensive line, they can control gaps and allow Bolton to fly upfield and go wreck shop free of obstruction.
93. Jacksonville Jaguars (via BUF): D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan
The Jaguars have talent with D.J. Chark, Laviska Shenault, Collin Johnson, along with the newly acquired Marvin Jones and Phillip Dorsett. Jacksonville is emphasizing speed with their offense. Dorsett and Jones are each on one-year deals, so I’d expect them to add a long-term speedster in this class. With this in mind, their pick is clear here in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
D’Wayne Eskridge is a vertical threat in every sense of the word. That showed up in his 4.40 40-yard dash at his pro day this spring. He followed that up with an elite 10-yard split of 1.51 seconds, which earned him a 9.68 grade in that section of his RAS. Eskridge threatens corners immediately and practically demands cushion from defensive backs.
Incredibly, he recorded a catch of at least 47 yards in every game this season. Eskridge does an excellent job contorting and fighting for the ball in the air. He’s not an acrobat and doesn’t boast the largest catch radius in the world, but he plucks the ball in the air with ease and doesn’t get punched out of his routes by defenders.
94. Baltimore Ravens (via KC): Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas
Corner isn’t often pegged as a top need for Baltimore, considering their talent in that room. However, it’s a sneaky need for Baltimore that I could see them making an internal priority.
Jimmy Smith is getting older and has one year left on his deal. Tavon Young is a young option there, but he’s missed significant playing time. Anthony Averett, Davontae Harris, and Khalil Dorsey all took snaps last year, but all of them are free agents in 2022 as well. Investing a top-100 pick at the position would be a great investment, one that they’ll follow through in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Robert Rochell is a perfect fit. A member of Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, Rochell posted a 9.65 RAS with an incredible 43-inch vertical and a 4.41 40-yard dash. On the field, he’s a man-coverage corner through and through. Rochell’s athleticism, ball skills, and competitive toughness all scream Baltimore Raven to me.
95. Los Angeles Rams (via TB): Brady Christensen, OT, BYU
The need for an OT of the future skyrockets up in priority for the Rams. Fortunately for the Rams, they can add one here in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Brady Christensen looked like an excellent athlete on film, and he backed it up with his athletic testing. With his movement skills and his use of hands in pass protection, Christensen projects well as an offensive tackle. Therefore, he’s perfect for the Rams. Christensen can kick inside to left guard while Whitworth is still active and playing.
Round 3 Compensatory Picks
96. New England Patriots: Keith Taylor, CB, Washington
The Patriots have an upcoming decision to deal with their corner room. Stephon Gilmore has been floated in trade talks for several months, as he has just one year left on his deal. Rising star J.C. Jackson is on a one-year tender and could hit the market as well next year. With no real long-term answer at corner currently, they could be looking to add to it in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Patriots love long, physical corners who are competitive at the catch point. Keith Taylor fits that mold with enough vertical speed to carry receivers downfield and use his length to win in contested situations. He won’t have to start right away behind Gilmore and Jackson, letting him develop his footwork and technique in the Patriots’ scheme.
97. Los Angeles Chargers: Ar’Darius Washington, S, TCU
Staley loves deploying multiple safety looks, judging by how he ran the Rams’ defense last year. The Chargers have Derwin James and Nasir Adderley returning but lost almost 1,100 snaps in free agency with Jenkins and Jahleel Addae. They’ve not signed anyone in free agency to fill that void either. As a result, I’d expect them to add one or more, which they do here in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Washington’s height will knock him down for some teams, but his versatility to play deep and in the slot is going to intrigue Staley. His athleticism helps him stick with receivers and make plays at all levels of the field. His 5’8″ frame is a cause for concern at the catch point, but he can be a matchup chess piece for Staley to use.
98. New Orleans Saints: Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
If the Saints want to make the Taysom Hill/Jameis Winston experiment work, they must continue to build weapons in that offense. Michael Thomas missed virtually all of 2020, Emmanuel Sanders is in Buffalo, and Tre’Quan Smith is a free agent after 2021. Adding more long-term playmakers outside is a must for New Orleans to maintain their contending status.
Despite his poor testing, I’m still fully on board with Tylan Wallace as a pro. He’s a downfield threat who is right up there at the top of this class at winning at the catch point. He plays so much bigger than his listed 5’11” frame. Wallace rarely drops the ball, boasting excellent concentration and long arms. In this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, Wallace adds a vertical presence and a talented weapon to a room that needs it.
99. Dallas Cowboys: Marlon Tuipulotu, DT, USC
Every single pick so far for the Dallas Cowboys in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft has been on the defensive side of the ball for rather obvious reasons. However, the Cowboys have addressed every level of the defense so far except for the defensive line. They’ll have to do so at some point. I’d like to see them add an interior run stuffer to help control rushing lanes and keep their linebackers clean.
That sounds like Marlon Tuipulotu. He fires off the line of scrimmage and controls gaps with his virtually overwhelming power. Tuipulotu’s motor is hot and constantly active. He’s not an elite pass rusher by any stretch, but as a one-technique in the Dallas front, he’d be an excellent investment.
100. Tennessee Titans: Aaron Banks, OG, Notre Dame
The Titans’ offensive line has been a key cog in their resurgence in recent years. However, they’re getting older along the interior. Ben Jones is a projected free agent next year, and Rodger Saffold’s contract could be a casualty next offseason. It would be smart to get ahead of that and add a young, future replacement along their interior offensive line.
Aaron Banks has played tackle (high school) and both guard spots at Notre Dame but primarily at left. Banks is massive at 6’5″, 325 pounds, and uses that bulk and power well. He isn’t the smoothest mover on the football field, but Banks pulling is a nightmare for any linebackers and safeties caught in his path.
101. Detroit Lions: Shakur Brown, CB, Michigan
The Lions are hoping for a rebound season from Jeffrey Okudah after a disappointing rookie season. They signed Corn Elder to man the nickel spot, which leaves the CB2 spot open for competition between Amani Oruwariye and Quinton Dunbar. However, both Elder and Dunbar are on one-year deals, so I’d expect the Lions to address cornerbacks at some point in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Shakur Brown isn’t the best athlete at CB, but he’s a quick, feisty competitor who can play outside and inside. Brown posted 5 interceptions and 9 pass breakups in just seven games in 2020, proving his playmaking skills.
102. San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Smith, EDGE, UAB
The 49ers have placed a heavy emphasis on the defensive line over the years, dropping multiple high picks on this position group.
An explosive pass rusher with plenty of length and power, Jordan Smith is an exciting pass rusher with upside worth investing in. Smith absolutely dominated C-USA competition to the tune of 27 career tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in just 22 starts.
The 49ers have faced rumors of cutting Dee Ford because of his contract size, and Nick Bosa has had injuries in the past. Adding a high-upside rotational edge rusher would fit the 49ers’ modus operandi and boost an already stout front.
103. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brenden Jaimes, OT, Nebraska
The Buccaneers signed left tackle Donovan Smith to an extension that keeps him at least through 2022. However, Tampa can move on from him if need be next year, and they might need to, judging by their cap space. Adding a developmental left tackle to take that spot in the future would be a wise investment, which they do here in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Brenden Jaimes has played at both tackle spots in his collegiate career. His balance and use of hands, especially in pass protection carrying guys down the arc, was intriguing. Teams might view him as a guard due to his arm length, but I’d like to see him get time at tackle.
104. Baltimore Ravens: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
The Ravens added Sammy Watkins in free agency and went after other receivers, too. They are looking to add to their room and provide Jackson with more weapons.
With Willie Snead gone, Baltimore lost a dependable receiver out of the slot. With Watkins and Marquise Brown likely being the starting outside wide receivers, the Ravens should add another receiver in Snead’s mold. It was evident he and Lamar had great chemistry.
Moreover, Amari Rodgers displayed that chemistry with Lawrence at Clemson last year. Rodgers is a yards-after-catch machine with his play strength and acceleration. He won’t wow scouts with his 5’9″ frame, but he’s strong at the catch point and can hang over the middle of the field to make tough catches.
That kind of dependability out of the slot would be a nice tool to add to Baltimore’s receiving room. The kicker? Rodgers’ dad, Tee Martin, was just named Baltimore’s wide receivers coach.
105. New Orleans Saints: Marco Wilson, CB, Florida
The Saints’ corner room is a bit of a question mark. Marshon Lattimore is obviously CB1, and the team brought back P.J. Williams, who will likely operate the nickel spot. Patrick Robinson currently occupies the CB2 spot opposite Lattimore. The Saints add talent to fill that spot and build more depth in this 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, especially in a division that boasts all the receiving talent it does.
Marco Wilson is already rather infamous in the state of Louisiana (see: shoe thrown), but his talent as an athlete is undeniable. The Saints prefer high-level athletes when they draft corners, and Wilson proved that with a 9.99 RAS. He’s more of a high-upside project than a finished one at this point of his career, but he brings an athletic boost and inside/outside versatility the Saints could use in their secondary.