The NFL free agency starts on Monday, with the opening of the negotiation window.
The subscription period starts Wednesday.
Sign up for Giants Extra: Receive exclusive news, behind-the-scenes remarks and the ability to send text messages directly to reporters
Obviously, what happens at the free agency will affect how teams approach the NFL’s 2021 Draft. But as you prepare for the free agency, here’s our latest simulated first-round projection.
1. Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
The draft starts in second place this year.
two Jets – QB Zach Wilson, BYU
There is no reason for Joe Douglas to think about it too much, unless he can negotiate with Deshaun Watson.
3. Dolphins (of the Texans) – WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
Is he the best receiver in a big draft for the position? Maybe not. But he is very good.
4. Hawks – Edge rusher Kwity Paye, Michigan
The Falcons could also negotiate, in an agreement with the Jets, to obtain Matt Ryan’s successor.
5. Bengals – CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
After choosing defender Joe Burrow in first place overall last year, the Bengals gets a stoppage corner.
6 Eagles – WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
Size will be a concern in the NFL for the winner of the Heisman Trophy.
7. Lions – OT Penei Sewell, Oregon
Detroit, after negotiating with Jared Goff, will be thrilled to see Sewell fall here.
8. Panthers – QB Justin Fields, Ohio
Teddy Bridgewater is obviously not a long-term response for the Panthers.
9. Broncos – OT Rashawn Slater, Northwest
Some protection for Drew Lock, while the Broncos try to determine if he’s the guy.
10. Cowboys – Edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
He had 8.5 sacks in 10 games last season, significantly increasing his draft stock.
11 Giants – WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
The Giants are in dire need of a No. 1 receiver for Daniel Jones.
12. 49ers – LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
He is one of the best candidates in this draft, so 49ers would rush to make that choice.
13. Chargers – OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame
The Chargers have a potential star in quarterback Justin Herbert. It’s time to keep you upright.
14. Vikings – TE Kyle Pitts, Florida
It would be a surprise if Pitts – one of the three or four largest general prospects in this project – falls so far. But you can also design some surprises, right?
15. Patriots – QB Trey Lance, North Dakota
Will he remain the long-term replacement for that guy, Tom Brady, after Cam Newton’s experiment failed in 2020?
16. Cardinals – OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
No, he is not a Quenton Nelson-level guard. But it will solidify the cardinals’ line.
17. Raiders – LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
A do-it-all linebacker that can cover and speed up the draw frame.
18. Dolphins – Edge rusher Joe Tryon, Washington
He opted out of the 2020 season. Will it hurt your draft stock?
19. Washington – OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma
We are designing Washington to switch to Sam Darnold of the Jets. As Washington won the rotten NFC East in 2020, negotiating with a quarterback draft this spring will be very difficult.
20. Bears – C Creed Humphrey
Now the Bears just need to resolve their quarterback situation – easier said than done.
21. Colts – OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
Carson Wentz has concerns about durability, so Colts need to protect you.
22. Titans – Edge rusher Jayson Oweh, Penn State
He is testing well in the pre-draft process, but has had no sack in seven games last season. A concern?
23. Jets (from Seahawks) – CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama
Douglas would be very happy to see Surtain fall in love with him. If it doesn’t, Jaycee Horn is an option.
24. Steelers – OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
Ben Roethlisberger is back, and if he fails to stay healthy, the Steelers are fried.
25. Jaguars (from Rams) – CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
Although Surtain can go much further than 23rd, Horn is designed as a late pick for the first round.
26. Brown – DL Christian Barmore, Alabama
The Browns will have a very defensive line, as Barmore teams up with Myles Garrett.
27. Ravens – Edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Another exclusion option in 2020. Talented player, but with many unknowns here.
28. Santos – WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
Dominant 2018 season (1,258 yards, 12 touchdowns), but he played only seven combined games in 2019 and 2020.
29. Packers – WR Kadarius Toney, Florida
It was designed for the Giants in 11th place, but this is a more likely place for it.
30. Accounts – Edge rusher Carlos Basham, Wake Forest
Sixteen combined serves over the past two seasons, in 20 games in total.
31. Bosses – LB Nick Bolton, Missouri
Undersized linebacker that can be an asset in the coverage, but can he get away with it?
32. Buccaneers – CB Eric Stokes, Georgia
Another piece for the defense of Todd Bowles, while Tampa Bay tries to win another Super Bowl.
Receive text messages from Giants: Eliminate social media and text clutter directly with traditional copywriters. In addition, exclusive news and analysis. Sign up for a free trial now.
Thank you for trusting us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a signature.
Darryl Slater can be reached at [email protected]. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip on here.