Here we go!
With the regular NFL 2020 season in the books, it’s time to look at the NFL’s 2021 Draft.
What will the Jacksonville Jaguars do with overall choice # 1? Which quarterback will the Jets choose as number 2? Could the Eagles get another quarterback for the factory? What will the Giants do before Joe Judge’s second season?
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Here is a complete simulation sketch from the first round to prepare you for what should be a wild ride out of season.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Consensus # 1 chooses, but don’t be surprised if we start to hear reasons why Lawrence is not a block to being truly special in the NFL. Maybe it’s Urban Meyer ignoring them and making the choice easy.
2. New York Jets: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio
He’s tough. He’s athletic. He has a chance to be the kind of defender who thrives in the modern NFL. The Jets lost to Lawrence, but they will not hesitate to place a big bet on Fields’ advantage.
3. Miami Dolphins: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
There will be a lot of defender talk here, but a big weapon outside is movement here. If Miami improves the position of defender, it may be through a surprise exchange for a veteran.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Thirteen years after selecting Matt Ryan from the top five, Atlanta discovers that his heir is evident. Wilson is a fascinating prospect and could give the Falcons another decade of good play in the position.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Protect Joe Burrow at all costs. The Bengals would be doing jumping jacks if the board worked that way.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Will they switch to a quarterback to add to the factory? Expect the Eagles to hint at this, but only to spark interest in a potential exchange. If the Eagles remain at number 6, many will call for another wide receiver in the first round. But the Eagles will meet another long-standing need, this time on the defensive side. Surtain and Darius Slay could be an excellent duo in 2021.
7. Detroit Lions: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
8. Carolina Panthers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
9. Denver Broncos: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
10. Dallas Cowboys: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
11. New York Giants: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Smith’s fall to 11th position could be the shock of the draft, and an easy choice for those in charge of the Giants squad.
12. San Francisco 49ers: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
14. Minnesota Vikings: Micah Parsons, LB, PSU
15. New England Patriots: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
18. Miami Dolphins: Wyatt Davis, OL, Ohio
19. Washington Football Team: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
20. Chicago Bears: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
22. Indianapolis Colts: Joseph Ossai, OLB, Texas
23. Cleveland Browns: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
24. Titans of Tennessee: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
26. Baltimore Ravens: Creed Humphrey, OL, Oklahoma
27. New York Jets: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Harris is a Joe Douglas back, and the perfect backfield partner for Fields.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
29. New Orleans Saints: Pat Freirmuth, TE, Penn State
30. Buffalo Bills: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
31. Green Bay Packers: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, State of Florida
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Joe Giglio can be reached at [email protected].