It’s finally April. The 2021 NFL draft is nearly here, with Round 1 on April 29. Free agency has cleared up team needs a little bit, and pro day workouts are giving scouts one last on-field look at this talented class of prospects.
Round 1 is already getting a shake-up, with the San Francisco 49ers moving up to No. 3, the Philadelphia Eagles sliding down to No. 12 and the Miami Dolphins settling in at No. 6 after trades with both of the aforementioned teams. Whom do the Niners have their eyes on? And how might the Dolphins use their four selections over the first two rounds? There is still time for all 32 NFL teams to settle their personal draft boards and focus in on the players they might target with their selections, but the picture is certainly — albeit slowly — becoming more clear as draft day approaches.
So as we flip the calendar to draft month, it’s time for another mock draft. But this time, I’m going two rounds deep, predicting the first 64 picks of the draft. And in what is quickly becoming a norm for this year’s mocks, I have multiple projected trades atop the board, even after last week’s wild first-round swaps. Who moves up the board? Who lands one of the seven quarterbacks I have going in the first two rounds? Here’s how I’m projecting Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2021 draft, starting with the Jaguars at No. 1.
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ROUND 1
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect I’ve seen in nearly a decade, and the Jaguars obviously want a game-changer under center as the Urban Meyer era begins. But can they surround the Clemson QB with talent? Jacksonville signed Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency to pair with James Robinson, DJ Chark Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. in what should be a much-improved offense, but also remember that the Jags have 10 picks, including three more over the first two rounds. Stay tuned!
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Could a team move up to No. 2 and send the Jets a package similar to — if not exceeding — what the Dolphins got from the 49ers? It’s possible. But the Jets could very well move on from Sam Darnold and start fresh with Wilson at quarterback. He fits so well with the modern NFL, showing the ability to make plays on the run, the arm strength to drive the ball vertically and the instincts to tuck and run for big gains when necessary. But similar to the Jags, the Jets have to get Wilson support. They brought in Corey Davis, Keelan Cole Sr. and Tevin Coleman over the past few weeks and have nine total picks to work with.
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
The Niners sacrificed first-rounders over the next two years and then some to skip the line. Which player did they do it for? Coach Kyle Shanahan surely has his guy in mind already, and it’s going to be a QB — teams don’t make these types of massive early deals for non-QBs. I’m hearing a lot of noise about Jones being the 49ers’ preference. He is accurate and reads the field so well, which helps assuage mobility concerns. Plus, he excels when passing in the pocket or off play-action, two staples of Shanahan’s system. San Francisco paid a hefty price, but quarterback was in need of an upgrade. Now it just has to hope it selects the right one.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Man, this one was tough. Do the Falcons take advantage of the opportunity to take their QB of the future while they have the high pick, or do they turn their attention to the elite offensive playmakers available? QB Trey Lance (North Dakota State) could be the pick, with the chance to learn behind Matt Ryan, but frankly Pitts is just too difficult to pass on. He is a unique talent and a mismatch for any opponent. His 6-foot-6 size, speed and hands would cause fits for defensive coordinators, especially when they already have to account for Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Chase is the best wide receiver in the class, and he set then-SEC records in 2019 with Bengals QB Joe Burrow under center for LSU. An opt-out in 2020, Chase is a physical matchup for any cornerback, and he is incredible at tracking and adjusting to the ball in the air. Tight end Kyle Pitts could be the guy if he were available, and no one is claiming that the Riley Reiff signing closed the door on the draft’s top two tackles — Oregon’s Penei Sewell and Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater — here either. But Chase is a dominant playmaker who would make an immediate impact outside. Also watch for a potential trade back: There are plenty of teams eyeing quarterbacks Trey Lance and Justin Fields (Ohio State) in this range.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
I love Miami trading out of No. 3, picking up additional draft picks — including a 2023 first-rounder — and still getting one of the players it would have been looking at in its original slot. Will Fuller V is on only a one-year deal, and bringing in Smith to join him and DeVante Parker would give Tua Tagovailoa the weapons he needs in the passing game. Smith is an explosive and savvy route runner, and let’s not forget that he was one of Tagovailoa’s favorite targets in Tuscaloosa.
Trade: The Panthers slide up one spot to secure their QB
Why jump just one slot? Well, Atlanta wouldn’t trade within its division, and I think Cincinnati and Miami are happy with their choices in their spots. That leaves a swap with Detroit, blocking another team’s trade up and giving the Panthers their pick of Trey Lance or Justin Fields. The Lions, meanwhile, aren’t in the QB market and would probably be able to draft the same player at No. 8 whom they would have at No. 7 — all while picking up assets. I think a third-round pick (No. 73) would make sense, given the top-10 nature of the move and the fact that it’s for a quarterback.
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Teddy Bridgewater didn’t do enough in 2020 to instill confidence that he’s the guy for coach Matt Rhule, and Lance has a big arm, reads the field well and is productive as a runner. But with a 17-game résumé at the FCS level, he will require time to learn and develop before he is given the reins in Joe Brady’s offense. Drew Brees retired, and Matt Ryan (35) and Tom Brady (43) aren’t getting any younger, so why not draft a franchise QB now to set the Panthers up in the evolving NFC South?
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
There is one of the top four pass-catchers left here and a glaring void in the Detroit wide receiver room after Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. signed elsewhere. (Sorry, Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman aren’t going to cut it as No. 1 options in a division that includes Davante Adams, Allen Robinson II, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.) Waddle is an elusive burner, giving new QB Jared Goff someone to look for early and often each week.
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Our first defensive player checks in at No. 9. Depending on what GM George Paton thinks of QB Drew Lock, Justin Fields could be in play — as could a trade back with another QB-needy franchise. But Surtain is instinctive and a natural playmaker, and the Broncos’ 2020 opponents had an 86.3 QBR when targeting receivers. Even after they brought in Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller, cornerback sticks out as a position seeking impact players. (Fuller is on a one-year deal.)
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Jourdan Lewis is back in Dallas, but the Cowboys still want to upgrade the cornerback position opposite Trevon Diggs. Perhaps it’s Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley, though his back procedure might cause concern. Instead, I’m tabbing Horn, a speedy and versatile press corner. The Cowboys gave up 34 passing touchdowns last season, so expect them to address that area here — unless they opt to help protect the $160 million man, QB Dak Prescott, with one of the class’ top tackles.
Trade: The Patriots go get the final ‘Big Five’ QB
I’m not sure the Patriots would jump into the top 10 for a QB, but hopping four spots for one is very much a possibility. The Giants could certainly stay put and draft Penei Sewell, but they could also be looking at defense — which means a slide back makes some sense. And for their troubles, the Patriots would likely send them something in the ballpark of a third-rounder this year (No. 96) and either a second- or third-rounder in 2022.
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Even after the Niners’ move up the board, it doesn’t appear Jimmy Garoppolo is in the cards this season for the Patriots. And while they brought back Cam Newton, the veteran is only signed for a year at $3.5 million guaranteed. The Pats haven’t spent a first-round pick on a QB since 1993 (Drew Bledsoe), but now is the time. Fields is accurate downfield and can develop into a top-tier starter for a team searching for stability at the position in the post-Tom Brady era.
1:13
Dianna Russini reacts to Justin Fields falling to No. 11 in Todd McShay’s Mock Draft 4.0.
Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State
Let’s start with the bad news: As we thought might be the case, the Eagles miss out on the top four pass-catchers in the class after their trade out of No. 6 overall. That’s a problem. The WR room has Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward and Travis Fulgham as the top three options, not leaving QB Jalen Hurts in the best position to find success in an evaluation period. But here’s the good news: The Eagles hold 11 picks this year (the most in the NFL) in a draft with a deep receiver class, the 2022 first-rounder received in the trade will certainly prove valuable, and Philly can still land a guy like Parsons here. He can do a little bit of everything in the middle of this defense.
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Because he opted out in 2020, scouts are watching Sewell’s game tape from 2019 — when he was blocking for Justin Herbert at Oregon. Let’s reunite them. It’s a bit of a shock to see my third-ranked prospect fall this far, but nine of the top 12 picks were QBs or offensive playmakers, causing a mini-slide. The Chargers aren’t complaining. Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler were solid signings in free agency, but this offensive line still needs work. And Sewell is the best lineman in the class.
Rashawn Slater, OT/G, Northwestern
Slater is super versatile and could play any of the five positions along the Vikings’ line. That’s a good thing, because it has a lot of holes — Minnesota gave up 39 sacks in 2020, lost Riley Reiff and added only Mason Cole to the mix in the offseason. After rebooting the secondary, the Vikings now have to be focusing on protecting Kirk Cousins and opening lanes for Dalvin Cook.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Giants look at USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, but they just took three linemen in the first five rounds last year, including Andrew Thomas at No. 4 overall. And while the defense was stellar last season, getting defensive coordinator Patrick Graham a versatile, rangy, fast, instinctive linebacker like Owusu-Koramoah will help keep it that way.
Trade: Dolphins make yet another first-round move
With this deal, every NFC West team will have made a first-round trade, and the Dolphins will have made four moves in all involving 2021 first-round picks. But when you have four picks in the first two rounds, you can afford to hop around a bit if there’s a player you’re enamored with. The Dolphins move from No. 18 to No. 16, and the Cardinals walk away with more draft capital. I’d say it could return a third-rounder (No. 81) or perhaps something like a fifth-rounder (No. 156) and a 2022 fourth-rounder for Arizona.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC
With DeVonta Smith off to help Tua Tagovailoa, we can now look to protection. Vera-Tucker has played tackle, but he’s a better fit at guard in the NFL. Miami took 34 sacks last season, and Tagovailoa was blitzed at the fourth-highest rate in the league (35.3% of his dropbacks).
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
The Raiders were one of seven teams to allow north of 260 passing yards per game last season. In a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, that’s a significant issue. Moehrig is the class’s top safety and has terrific ball skills, which might help improve the Raiders’ total of 10 interceptions in 2020. Las Vegas could also look at Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech) or Alijah Vera-Tucker if he is still available after dismantling its offensive line over the past month.
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Patrick Peterson is off to Minnesota, both starting outside corners — Malcolm Butler and Robert Alford — signed one-year deals and Byron Murphy Jr. is mainly a nickelback. Farley had a back procedure at the end of March, and though it isn’t expected to impact his training camp availability, it’s a concern. Still, he is the best cover corner in the class and fits what the Cardinals are looking for on the outside.
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The signing of Curtis Samuel means Washington likely won’t take Florida receiver Kadarius Toney, who has a similar skill set, and there really isn’t another receiver in this range. Other big-need areas don’t have any value here either, including quarterback, linebacker and tight end. I think it’s slightly early for Darrisaw — a smooth and powerful zone blocker — but he is certainly one of the top tackles, and Washington would be able to beat the OT rush that likely begins toward the end of Round 1.
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Chicago is likely out of reach to trade up for a top-five QB, at least without completely leveraging the organization’s future. So it might as well give Andy Dalton — and his eventual replacement — another playmaker to work with, even after placing the franchise tag on Allen Robinson II. Toney is a different kind of receiver: He isn’t polished, but he’s versatile and explosive. Get the ball to him and he’ll make things happen. The Bears could use that skill set on offense.
1:35
Check out highlights from Alabama’s Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle and LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase as all three look to be top picks in the NFL draft.
Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
The Colts lost Denico Autry to the division-rival Titans, and Justin Houston remains unsigned. That means DeForest Buckner is the only player with at least five sacks in 2020 set to return for 2021. Indy’s defensive strength is a big part of its identity, and Paye has explosive speed off the edge. The production hasn’t caught up to the ability just yet, but his ceiling is very high. Alternatively, the Colts could target a defensive back or maybe reach a little bit for a receiver.
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
Tennessee could use reinforcements along the offensive line, but to me, this pick is all about either a pass-catcher or a cornerback. The Titans lost Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith, Adoree’ Jackson and Desmond King II from those positions in free agency. So let’s look at the board. LSU’s big receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. would be an option, but the better value falls with Newsome. He’s a shutdown corner who would fit nicely with Janoris Jenkins and Kristian Fulton in the Tennessee CB corps. But I’d like to see a few more interceptions.
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
With Wilson being the pick at No. 2, New York now has to help him out. I liked the Jets bringing in Corey Davis and Keelan Cole Sr., but this is another potential spot for Terrace Marshall Jr. or perhaps Ole Miss’ Elijah Moore. And don’t rule out an offensive tackle like Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State). I’m going with Etienne, though. He has breakaway speed and can catch passes out of the backfield. The Jets need a true game-changer at running back, and he’s exactly that, scoring 78 touchdowns from scrimmage over his time at Clemson.
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Teven Jenkins is tempting here. He’s a mauler on the offensive line, and the Steelers must rebuild that unit from the ground up. Ultimately, I went in a different direction because the lineman class is deep — I have more than a dozen in this mock — and running back is just as much of a concern. Harris is a powerful back who is nearly impossible to stop between the tackles. The Steelers’ 3.6 yards per carry ranked dead last in the NFL last season, and it doesn’t appear that James Conner is returning, currently leaving the rushing to an unproven group of Benny Snell Jr., Anthony McFarland Jr., Kalen Ballage and Jaylen Samuels. Let’s get an impact running back.
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
We’ve mentioned Jenkins a few times already, but the Jaguars seem like a perfect match. They are investing in Trevor Lawrence as their franchise QB, and you have to protect franchise QBs. Cam Robinson is back on the franchise tag, and Jawaan Taylor is occupying the opposite tackle position, but Jenkins could slide inside to guard as a rookie before eventually taking over an outside role. He can hold his ground against power rushers without issue.
Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
Takkarist McKinley isn’t the Browns’ badly coveted impact pass-rusher opposite Myles Garrett — he has totaled just 4.5 sacks in 18 games over the past two years. Rousseau opted out in 2020 but posted 15.5 sacks in 2019 with the Hurricanes — second in the nation to Chase Young. He needs some polish to his game, but he has a quick first step and the versatility to kick inside at times. He fits a need and comes with good value here at No. 26.
Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
The Ravens were the only team in the NFL with fewer than 2,000 passing yards when targeting wide receivers last season — they were well short of even the second-worst team at 1,729 yards — and their current solve is adding Sammy Watkins, who hasn’t played 16 games since his 2014 rookie season and hasn’t broken 700 yards since 2015. So while a pass-rusher could be in play with Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue departing Baltimore, this one is a no-brainer for me. Marshall has 6-foot-4 size, is explosive downfield and caught 10 TDs last season for LSU.
Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
The cap-strapped Saints roster took a hit in March, with multiple impact players heading elsewhere for more money or, in the case of Drew Brees, retiring. Will it be Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill at quarterback — or both? Regardless, New Orleans has to have more weapons in the pass game, especially with Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook not coming back. Moore operates mainly out of the slot, and he has the hands and burst to pick up big chunks of yardage. He was second in the nation to DeVonta Smith in catches and yards last season.
Jamin Davis, ILB, Kentucky
Davis could replace Christian Kirksey, who signed with the Texans. He is an off-the-ball linebacker who can impact multiple facets of the defense, and he’s a very good tackler in space. As for the WR-sized elephant in the room, Louisville’s Tutu Atwell and Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman are worth a look, but this class is deep, and Davis’ game could be perfect for the Green Bay defense.
Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami
The top two running backs are off the board, and it’s a little early for Javonte Williams (North Carolina). So why not inject some life into a middle-of-the-road pass rush instead — especially with Jerry Hughes turning 33 before the season. Phillips had 8.0 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 2020.
Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia
It’s difficult not to force an offensive tackle in here, and maybe the Chiefs reach a little for Notre Dame’s Liam Eichenberg or Michigan’s Jalen Mayfield. But the class is deep enough that they could find a solid tackle in Round 2, and the signings of Joe Thuney and Kyle Long — along with the return of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif — at least help shore up the interior. Edge rushing is a big concern too. Ojulari is a real specialist there, and a quartet of Chris Jones, Frank Clark, Jarran Reed and Ojulari could be problematic for opposing QBs.
Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa
It’s best available player for a team that is returning all of its starters from a Super Bowl-winning roster. Collins is a 3-4 OLB who could replace Jason Pierre-Paul if the Bucs don’t bring him back in 2022. He sneaks in to close Round 1, marking Tulsa’s only first-round pick in the common draft era (since 1967).
ROUND 2
Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
The Jags kick off Round 2 still on board the “Get Trevor Lawrence help” train. Atwell is an undersized yet lightning-quick receiver who can work out of the slot.
Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
The Jets also stick to building the offense around Zach Wilson. Eichenberg excels in pass protection and can play inside or outside. The Jets hit on Mekhi Becton in the first round last year and will try to do it again here in the second. And remember, they also have two third-rounders.
Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
Williams has burst through the hole and has excellent contact balance, making him a nice complement to the newly signed Mike Davis. He’s a complete running back, and Atlanta ranked No. 31 in the NFL last season with 3.7 yards per carry.
Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma
After two offensive picks on Day 1, Miami pivots to the other side of the ball here and gets an edge rusher who closes quickly on the quarterback. Perkins had 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in just six games last season.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
OK, exhale, Philadelphia. The Eagles got a receiver — and a good one — in the second round after missing out on a top guy in Round 1. Bateman has a little JuJu Smith-Schuster to his game — he is versatile with good hands and underrated speed, and he isn’t afraid to work the middle of the field.
Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
After opting for Ja’Marr Chase in Round 1, the Bengals can now grab the top available tackle in a deeper class. Mayfield is a powerful drive blocker who could end up as the starter opposite Jonah Williams.
Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
Both of the Panthers’ projected starting corners — Rashaan Melvin and Donte Jackson — could be free agents in 2022, and Samuel is an instinctive corner with great change-of-direction skills. Plus, Samuel can slide into a nickel role if needed.
Joe Tryon, DE, Washington
Tryon has solid pass-rush moves and is scheme versatile, which are skills that could fit nicely with the Broncos. Von Miller is under contract for only one more year, and Denver needs more youth off the edge with Malik Reed and Bradley Chubb.
Nick Bolton, ILB, Missouri
Bolton could be the heir to the middle linebacker spot for Jamie Collins Sr. He shows range in coverage, strong tackling and an excellent ability to read the quarterback. He had 95 tackles for Mizzou last season, along with five passes broken up and a pair of sacks.
Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest
Maybe the Giants go offensive line here — Texas’ Samuel Cosmi or Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Quinn Meinerz could fit — but their biggest need is on the edge. Basham is powerful and disruptive.
Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
San Francisco got its QB, and now it gets its cornerback. I love Joseph’s instinctive play and the way he can start and stop on a dime. He could slide into Richard Sherman‘s vacant spot.
Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Not only does Barmore fill a hole in the Dallas defense, he also comes at a great value. He is my 33rd-ranked prospect, as he’s super disruptive from the interior.
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Four picks on offense in the first two rounds might seem excessive, but the Jags are going to build around Trevor Lawrence, and the Jacksonville offense was one of four in the NFL last season to average fewer than 20 points per game. Freiermuth is a matchup player for offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
Molden is a nickelback who would join Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson to form an elite CB trio. He is excellent in zone defense and has good hands, hauling in five interceptions over his past 17 games.
Creed Humphrey, C/G, Oklahoma
The Chargers just signed Corey Linsley, so I’d take Humphrey — who is versatile, strong and a good zone blocker — and move him from center to guard. Suddenly, with the free-agency signings, Penei Sewell and Humphrey, this unit has a lot of upside.
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Raiders tore down their line this offseason, meaning it will be a focus at the draft. Cosmi is massive and agile for his 6-foot-7 size, but his technique could use some work. And it’s worth pointing out that he could pop inside to guard.
Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Arizona has DeAndre Hopkins for a while, but A.J. Green and Christian Kirk will play 2021 on expiring contracts. Moore is an explosive slot receiver who makes guys miss with his speed, and he showed what he can do with a full season in 2018, when he went for 1,258 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns.
Jabril Cox, ILB, LSU
After fixating on offense in Round 1, the Dolphins now continue to concentrate on defense. They took an edge rusher at the beginning of Day 2, so linebacker seems like a good fit here. Cox excels in coverage — he has nine career interceptions — and could be a replacement for Kyle Van Noy.
Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
The next-best QB was out of range for Washington in Round 1, but selecting Mond — who could sit behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and Taylor Heinicke all season — here is smart. His accuracy and mechanics will have to develop, but Mond has arm strength and the ability to extend plays. He’s my sixth-ranked QB but comes in at No. 89 overall.
Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Similar to Washington, the Bears dip into the QB pool on Day 2 with Trask, who has great touch and anticipation on his passes despite some shortcomings with arm strength. He could learn behind Andy Dalton and Nick Foles and be given a change to develop into a potential down-the-road starter.
Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
Again without much receiver value on the board, the Titans continue to look to the secondary (they took Greg Newsome II in Round 1). Cisco had 13 interceptions over 24 career games and is a rangy, instinctive center fielder.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
The Colts crave some cornerback depth behind Xavier Rhodes, Kenny Moore II and Rock Ya-Sin, and Melifonwu has the skills to develop into a really strong press corner.
Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
Dickerson would be the Steelers’ post-Maurkice Pouncey plan, after the longtime Pittsburgh center retired this offseason. Dickerson has some durability issues — for one, he tore his ACL in December — but he has strong awareness in pass protection and can drive back defenders on run plays, opening lanes for the Steelers’ projected first-round pick, Najee Harris.
Quinn Meinerz, G, Wisconsin-Whitewater
The Seahawks not only lack a first-rounder, they also have just three total picks in the draft — this second-rounder, a fourth-rounder and a seventh-rounder. I like the Gabe Jackson addition, but the offensive line still has holes, considering it allowed 48-plus sacks for the third straight year in 2020. Wisconsin-Whitewater hasn’t had a draft pick since Derek Stanley went in Round 7 in 2007, but Meinerz has the talent to make an impact.
Chazz Surratt, ILB, North Carolina
The Rams are also without a first-rounder, but they do at least have a pair of third-rounders coming shortly after this pick. Cap space was a little tight this offseason, but L.A. re-signed Leonard Floyd. Still, the Rams could really use a weakside linebacker, and Surratt has sideline-to-sideline range and natural instincts.
Jayson Oweh, DE, Penn State
The Ravens need to add pass-rush help after Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue signed elsewhere, and Oweh is my top-ranked edge rusher still available. After posting five sacks in 2019, he didn’t tally any in 2020, but he has the tools to produce at the next level.
Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Campbell has some serious speed and is aggressive in run support, but the ball skills will take some developing. And he is versatile, which works for Cleveland after it signed Troy Hill to play opposite Denzel Ward.
Alex Leatherwood, OT/G, Alabama
The Saints don’t need an immediate walk-in-the-door-and-start lineman with their current unit, but there isn’t much depth there. Leatherwood can play multiple positions and could potentially step in at tackle if New Orleans isn’t able to re-sign Ryan Ramczyk before the 2022 season.
Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
The Bills finally halt Onwuzurike’s slide down the board. He is my No. 35 prospect, but there aren’t many teams searching for a defensive tackle right now. And while Buffalo might have preferred a running back, tight end or offensive tackle, Onwuzurike is sudden and creates havoc. He could slide in next to Ed Oliver.
Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
Sound the alarm, we got Aaron Rodgers a receiver! Wallace is only 5-foot-11, but he plays bigger than his size and is a smooth route runner. He was a top-20 receiver in college football in 2020 with 922 yards.
Walker Little, OT, Stanford
I couldn’t finish off a two-round mock without giving the Chiefs an offensive tackle. The value wasn’t there in Round 1, and Little might even be a stretch here at No. 63, but the Chiefs have to use an early pick on an OT. Little is massive and an effective run blocker, but he missed essentially the entire 2019 season and then opted out in 2020. There’s plenty of risk here.
James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati
Hudson is a former defensive lineman who is still working through his technique, but he’s a nasty finisher and can be a starting tackle in the NFL. He’d serve as depth early in his career behind Tristan Wirfs and Donovan Smith.
The best available players heading into Round 3 would be: Patrick Jones II, DE, Pittsburgh; Jevon Holland, S, Oregon; Payton Turner, DE, Houston; Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia