2021 NFL Mock Draft: Jaguars land Lawrence, Jets trade down and Patriots find a new quarterback

I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the final Monday of the year than with a brand new mock draft!

All the projections for the 2021 NFL draft got turned on their heads after the Jets won a game and lost control of the No. 1 pick. Jacksonville now takes over that coveted spot, leaving New York with a major decision to make: keep Sam Darnold or start over with a rookie that isn’t Trevor Lawrence.

To make the exercise a bit more fun, I made a trade that I think we could see happen if the draft order were to remain like this. Here is trade that went down in this mock draft.

49ers acquire 1.2 and 6.162 from Jets for 1.14, 2.43, 4.107, 2022 first-round pick and 2022 second-round pick

San Francisco moves up to draft a franchise quarterback. The Jets continue to rebuild by adding extra picks. New York would now have eight selections in the first four rounds of this draft and three first-round picks in 2022. Talk about a chance to turn over the roster!

The draft order is according to Tankathon and updated through the Sunday Night Football game. Let’s get to drafting.

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1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-14) – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
The Jaguars are now on track to win the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes. Jacksonville has played three different players at quarterback this year, and none of them have been overly successful. Lawrence is an instant starter that comes in as pro-ready as we have seen since Andrew Luck. This is a slam dunk.

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2. San Francisco 49ers via New York Jets (6-9) – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Let’s get wild! For the Jets, trading away Sam Darnold seemed like a no-brainer when it was Trevor Lawrence stepping in. Now, they have to weigh him against Justin Fields, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance. For the 49ers, who sit just outside the top 10 right now, they should be aggressive in finding their quarterback of the future. The best fit is Zach Wilson. His athleticism and decision-making should mesh well with Kyle Shanahan’s system. San Francisco gives up a lot, but this team has a lot of the other pieces in place to compete for a championship.

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3. Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (10-5) – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Miami has to like the result of the Laremy Tunsil trade more and more every week. Now they can draft his replacement. Penei Sewell is clearly the top line prospect in this year’s draft. Some even have him as the top overall player. While the Dolphins need a receiver and drafted Austin Jackson in the first round last year, protecting Tua Tagovailoa is essential. This draft is fairly deep at receiver. It is not as deep at offensive tackle. Take Sewell and find Tua a new receiver later in the draft.

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4. Atlanta Falcons (4-11) – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
With the Falcons sliding into the top four, it is hard to pass up the opportunity to take a potential franchise quarterback. Justin Fields has struggled a bit this season in big games, but he still has a big arm and plenty of athleticism to be successful at the next level. The pre-draft process will be crucial to where he falls in the pecking order among quarterbacks. Don’t rule out the possibility of him dominating in the College Football Playoffs and jumping back above Zach Wilson.

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5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-10-1) – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Bengals have won their way out of the Penei Sewell sweepstakes. I don’t think there is an offensive tackle worth taking here, so the Bengals opt to help their talent-deprived defense. Micah Parsons is not as hot of a name right now as some other top prospects because he opted out, but he is a difference maker. He is a sure tackler with pass rushing ability and good range. He would be a major upgrade to Cincinnati’s linebacking group.

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6. Philadelphia Eagles (4-10-1) – Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
While it is tempting to draft Ja’Marr Chase, Sunday’s debacle against the Cowboys was a good reminder that the Eagles need to rebuild their secondary. Patrick Surtain is a tall, physical corner with good ball skills. He is not perfect and certainly needs some fine tuning when it comes to his technique, but he would be a great player to line up across from Darius Slay. It is a passing league and Philly has no way to stop opposing passing attacks right now.

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7. Detroit Lions (5-10) – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
With Matthew Stafford failing to make it through another season and the Lions already heading for a rebuild after firing the coach and general manager, taking a young quarterback to develop is certainly in play. Trey Lance had a fantastic 2019 season, but struggled a bit in the one game we saw from him in 2020. He has a lot of work to do in the pre-draft process to prove he is worthy of a top-10 pick.

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8. New York Giants (5-10) – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Giants fans will be overjoyed to see all of the top receivers still available at their pick. New York desperately needs a go-to playmaker. It is something the team has lacked since trading away Odell Beckham Jr. Ja’Marr Chase has a chance to develop into one of the best receivers in the NFL. He is a great route runner, has displayed good hands and has no problem generating separation. Give Daniel Jones one season throwing to this guy. If he still can’t get it done, then it might be time to look for his replacement.

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9. Carolina Panthers (5-10) – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
James Bradberry is gone. The combination of Rasul Douglas and Donte Jackson isn’t really getting the job done. Adding Caleb Farley should bolster this secondary. He is physical and long. He was arguably the ACC’s top corner in 2019. He continues a string of players selected here that opted out of 2020. His tape from a year ago was impressive. If Farley shows out at the combine, he could easily be the first corner selected in 2021.

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10. Denver Broncos (5-10) – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
For a team that has Bradley Chubb and Von Miller under contract, it might seem odd to see Denver target an edge rusher. Gregory Rousseau can line up as a 3-4 end though and generate pressure on the inside while Miller and Chubb crash the pocket. Miami lined up Rousseau all over last year and he actually looked the most comfortable playing on the interior. The Broncos really need an upgrade along the defensive line, so this feels like a slam dunk.

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11. Dallas Cowboys (6-9) – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Injuries decimated the Cowboys offensive line this season, exposing a clear lack of depth. Beyond that, Tyron Smith turned 30 this month, so it might be time for Dallas to look to the future at the position. Christian Darrisaw is a bit raw, but he has all the physical tools you want to see from an offensive tackle. His draft stock has steadily climbed this year. Cracking the top 10 is certainly a possibility.

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12. Los Angeles Chargers (6-9) – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
You thought Justin Herbert was fun in Year 1? Imagine giving him Jaylen Waddle to work with. Waddle was off to a historic pace, drawing Heisman buzz before an injury ended his season prematurely. He is dynamic in the passing game, has great speed in the open field and brings experience as a special teams returner as well. He would be a great 1-2 punch alongside Keenan Allen.

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13. Minnesota Vikings (6-9) – Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
Regardless of what approach the Vikings decide to take offensively, they need to control the trenches. With tons of great skill players, Wyatt Davis would give Kirk Cousins the best chance to properly utilize them. Davis is a powerful run blocker who can hold his own in pass protection. He could be an upgrade from Dakota Dozier or take over if Minnesota moves Ezra Cleveland to tackle.

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14. New York Jets via San Francisco 49ers (2-13) – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Well, if the Jets are going to hang onto Sam Darnold, they need to go all in on building a supporting cast for him. No one has had a less proven receiving group this year than Darnold. DeVonta Smith could instantly change that. He has game-changing speed, great hands and incredible vision to make big plays down the field. An infusion of playmaking is exactly what this offense needs.

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15. New England Patriots (6-8) – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
I know. I know. Every year, we mock a quarterback to the Patriots and every year they don’t take one. Well Tom Brady is gone and it seems like Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham are not the long-term answers. Mac Jones has had a stellar season with arguably less talent around him than Tua Tagovailoa. His timing and accuracy could make him an excellent fit for Josh McDaniel’s offense.

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16. Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Raiders are in a downward spiral and while some fans might be dreaming of a quarterback change, this is a bit early for Kyle Trask. Between a lackluster pass rush and an overmatch secondary, defense is where Las Vegas should be focused right now. Jaycee Horn is one of the best man coverage corners in this class. He would give the Raiders an intriguing young defensive backfield with Trayvon Mullen, Damon Arnette and Amik Robertson.

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17. Arizona Cardinals (8-7) – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Can you imagine how scary the Cardinals offense would be with Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins and Kyle Pitts? Arizona could use an upgrade at tight end and Pitts would be a great one. His playmaking ability is like that of a wide receiver. He struggles as a run blocker, but I don’t think he will be asked to do that much in this offensive system.

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18. Indianapolis Colts (10-5) – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
While quarterback of the future is a big concern in Indianapolis, this is too early for Kyle Trask. Instead, the Colts can bolster their offensive line and explore the veteran quarterback market in the offseason. Samuel Cosmi is BIG and projects well as an NFL tackle. He has not faced the best competition playing in the Big 12, but the defenses have been better there this year. He has the physical traits any offensive line coach would want to work with.

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19. Washington Football Team (6-9) – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Does Washington pull the trigger on Kyle Trask? I say no at this point. It is likely Haskins will be gone, but maybe the front office rolls dice on a young prospect like Trubisky or aims for a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo. Either way, I think Washington would be better suited continuing to rebuild the offense around the quarterback position. Rashod Bateman is a proven playmaker from his time at Minnesota. He has a great catch radius, solid run-after-the-catch ability and reliable hands. He would pair very nicely with Terry McLaurin.

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20. Chicago Bears (8-7) – Trey Smith, OT, Tennessee
The Bears seemed to be dead in the water. A late-season surge might just save Mitchell Trubisky’s job. Regardless of what Chicago decides to do at quarterback, it needs to invest more in its offensive line. Trey Smith has had a fantastic year from Tennessee. He has played left guard for the Vols, but he has some experience at left tackle as well. His versatility and size will serve him well no matter what position the Bears want him to play.

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21. Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams (1-14) – Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
It is time to switch the focus to the defensive side of the ball, where the Jaguars have really struggled this year. Adding Shaun Wade would give them a versatile corner with solid coverage skills. He needs to improve his consistency, but at his best, he is one of the best nickel corners in college football. Jacksonville will hope he can grow into a reliable starter.

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22. Cleveland Browns (10-5) – Jeremiah Owusu-Kamorah, LB, Notre Dame
This late-season surge from the Browns has been mostly due to the offense. The defense still seems to be a work in progress. Jeremiah Owusu-Kamorah would immediately provide some speed at linebacker. He has great coverage skills as well. Cleveland could use his skill set regardless of the position, but they are also pretty thin at linebacker.

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23. Miami Dolphins (10-5) – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Miami has had success with Myles Gaskin running the ball, but he has struggled with injuries. No one else in this Dolphins backfield has truly stepped up to take the lead role either. Najee Harris would solve that. He brings a unique blend of power and speed. He has solid hands as well out of the backfield. That is too good to pass up, especially with no clear option here at wide receiver. This offense would be scary heading into 2021 with all of these skill players.

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24. Baltimore Ravens (10-5) – Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
Baltimore could certainly use a few more edge rushers, but with the addition of Yannick Ngakoue, that can wait until sometime on Day 2. Instead, the Ravens can upgrade at center to get this offense back on track. Matt Skura has struggled this year and the offense has had some lulls. Creed Humphrey is about as pro-ready a prospect as you can find. He has started the past three years at Oklahoma, blocking for mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts. He fits what this Ravens team wants to do and should be a nice plug-and-play option.

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25. Tennessee Titans (10-5) – Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Tennessee’s defense took a major step back in 2020. It needs an infusion of talent to regain its 2019 form. Patrick Jones was last seen terrorizing opposing quarterbacks throughout the ACC. He has nine sacks this season, giving him 21 in his career. He has the build of a twitchy, 4-3 edge rusher, which should fit very well into what the Titans want to do. He would be a lot of fun to play across from Harold Landry and alongside Jeffrey Simmons.

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26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5) – Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
Tampa Bay seems to have the offense figured out for the most part. They are pretty good defensively as well, but Ndamukong Suh is 33 and a free agent after the season is over. Finding his replacement is likely towards the top of the Buccaneers’ to-do list. Christian Barmore has been very impressive over his past two seasons at Alabama. He disengages well and finds ways to be disruptive from the interior. Pairing him with Vita Vea would be a nightmare for opposing teams.

27. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks (11-4) – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
It is time to go all-in on surrounding Darnold with talent. Between Travis Etienne and DeVonta Smith, this offense would get a whole lot faster. New York has no clear long-term solution at running back. Lamical Perine is a rookie battling through injuries. Frank Gore will play forever, but is not a bell cow. Etienne would end the revolving door and give the Jets a much-needed playmaker at the position. Run him behind Mekhi Becton and just enjoy the results.

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28. Buffalo Bills (11-3) – Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Give Josh Allen a tight end! The third-year quarterback has taken a huge step in his development and the Bills seem set at receiver. Adding in Pat Freiermuth would really complete this group of skill position players. He can play inline and block in the running game. He has earned the nickname “Baby Gronk” in his time at Penn State. Buffalo could certainly use someone with that skill set in this offense.

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29. New Orleans Saints (11-4) – Kadarious Toney, WR, Florida
I think the Saints have shown they have a plan at quarterback after Drew Brees. Adding more speed to the offense is a must. New Orleans has lacked playmakers throughout the season due to lack of depth and injuries. Kadarius Toney has shown all season long that he can make plays in clutch moments. Regardless of who is playing QB in 2021, he would be a welcome addition to the offense.

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30. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3) – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
It is pretty clear that the Steelers’ offensive line is crumbling before their eyes. Alex Leatherwood cannot patch every gap, but he could patch any of them. He has played at every position other than center in his college career. He has excelled in the SEC despite facing some great defensive talent. He would provide a much-needed boost to the whole unit.

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31. Green Bay Packers (12-3) – Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC
Green Bay has been searching for someone to take over at middle linebacker. Chazz Surratt can do just that. He has great instincts and sifts through traffic well to make plays. He plays his gap assignments and will only get better as he learns the position more. He would provide a huge boost to a defense that struggles mightily against the run.

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32. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
The Chiefs need to protect the investment they made at quarterback. Kansas City spent $500 million to keep Patrick Mahomes. Rashawn Slater has been terrific in his career for Northwestern. His size makes him a fit at tackle, but he could even kick inside to guard. Kansas City just needs to focus on keeping Mahomes healthy.

33. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-14) – Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Yannick Ngakoue is gone. Josh Allen needs someone to work with. Kwity Paye has all the physical tools and traits you want to see in an edge rusher. He hasn’t quite put it together yet, but he projects well.

34. New York Jets (2-13) – Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
New York is in desperate need of some edge rushing help. Ranking in the bottom third in sacks for what feels like the 10th year in a row has to end at some point for the Jets to turn things around.

35. Atlanta Falcons (4-11) – Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
Atlanta still needs to rebuild on the defensive side of the ball. Israel Mukuamu is huge for the position and could potentially move to safety. However, he has the skills and technique to play on the outside, especially in this Falcons defense.

36. Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (10-5) – Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Miami finally grabs the receiver fans have been waiting for. Rondale Moore’s production has fallen off significantly from his freshman season, but he still has the speed and vision to be a playmaker for the Dolphins. Line him up anywhere and he can get open.

37. Philadelphia Eagles (4-10-1) – Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
It is no secret the Eagles need help at receiver. Sage Surratt can stretch the field and win jump balls all day. He is the type of receiver Jalen Hurts (or Carson Wentz?) can learn to trust in the red zone and in third-and-long situations.

38. Cincinnati Bengals (4-10-1) – Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
This is a little early for Jackson Carman, but the Bengals need to find offensive line help. Carman is certainly experienced as well. He faced down Chase Young a year ago and mostly held his own. He will not shy away from the moment and Cincinnati can feel confident in him protecting Joe Burrow. Carman is used to protecting No. 1 overall pick-caliber players.

39. New York Giants (5-10) – Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
Defensively, the Giants have played much better in the second half of the year, but they could still use an edge rusher to complement their interior duo. Quincy Roche has not had quite the same success at Miami as he did at Temple, but he still looks like a reliable pass rusher.

40. Carolina Panthers (5-10) – Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Is Teddy Bridgewater the long-term answer at quarterback? It is unclear at this point. Matt Rhule would likely be excited to work with a polished passer like Kyle Trask. He has great accuracy and anticipation. However, he really lacks mobility and does not have the biggest arm. He could be a bit of a project behind Bridgewater.

41. Denver Broncos (5-10) – Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
The Broncos continue to rebuild their defensive front. Jordan Davis has loads of potential. At minimum he will serve as a two-down run stopper early in his career. If he can develop as a pass-rusher, Denver would have a steal on their hands.

42. Detroit Lions (5-10) – Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU
Often overshadowed by Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, Terrace Marshall was an important part of LSU’s championship season a year ago. As the go-to receiver this year, he put up solid numbers again in less playing time. Whether Detroit keeps Kenny Golladay or not, the Lions need someone else for Matt Stafford (or Trey Lance) to look for at receiver.

43. Los Angeles Chargers (6-9) – Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
The Chargers may hope to see Derwin James play again someday, but his return will not fix their secondary woes. Eric Stokes brings a lot of speed to the position and has faced some great competition at Georgia. He would be a nice addition to this defensive backfield.

44. Jacksonville Jaguars via Minnesota Vikings (1-14) – Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
Jacksonville is in desperate need of an upgrade at tight end. Brevin Jordan has not had the fanfare that Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth have, but he plays the position well. He does a lot of the little things right and would give Trevor Lawrence a strong target across the middle.

45. New York Jets via San Francisco 49ers (2-13) – Jevon Holland, DB, Oregon
New York needs secondary help. After trading away Jamal Adams this year, they could use someone like Jevon Holland to help fill that void. He can play in the slot, move up in the box and hold his own in coverage. His versatility would be invaluable to a defense that has struggled this year.

46. Dallas Cowboys (6-9) – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
While Aldon Smith has been a revelation, Dallas needs someone else to get after the quarterback. Adding Azeez Ojulari would definitely improve the pass rush. He is not a perfect fit, but he could look to add to his frame while serving as a situational rusher out of the gate.

47. New England Patriots (6-8) – Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State
New England could use an upgrade along the interior of their defensive line. Marvin Wilson was nothing shy of dominant in 2019. While his 2020 tape has not been quite as impressive, there are still plenty of positive traits here to work with.

48. Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) – Jaylen Twyman, DL, Pittsburgh
The Raiders continue their defensive overhaul with Jaylen Twyman. He opted out of the 2020 season on the heels of a 10.5-sack campaign in 2019. He would help generate some pressure on the interior for a Las Vegas defense with the third-fewest sacks in the league.

59. Arizona Cardinals (8-7) – Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
When you play in a division with Russell Wilson, it is a good thing to have some quality corners. Paulson Adebo opted out of 2020, but was generating some first-round buzz last year before he suffered an injury. He has the size and ball skills to hang in the NFL.

50. Indianapolis Colts (10-5) – Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington
If Indianapolis is serious about another postseason push, it needs to improve its pass rush. Joe Tryon could step in as a situational rusher right away or take over for Justin Houston, who turns 32 in January. Tryon brings plenty of play-strength to the table and a solid motor. He could have a long career ahead of him.

51. Washington (6-9) – Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
Washington’s front seven is among the best in the league. However, their secondary could use some work, specifically at free safety. Andre Cisco is the best centerfield safety in this class. He is a ballhawk with good speed and technique to make plays in coverage.

52. Chicago Bears (8-7) – Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Khalil Mack cannot do it all. Jaelan Phillips has the potential to develop into an every-down edge player who could play across from Mack. He has great speed and has impressed in his one year at Miami. He has the potential to wow scouts at the combine and move his way into the first round.

53. Los Angeles Rams (9-6) – Cade Mays, OT, Tennessee
Andrew Whitworth cannot play forever and Jared Goff is not mobile enough to compensate for a bad offensive line. Cade Mays, like his teammate Trey Smith, has featured mostly at guard, but has the size to play at tackle. Either way, the Rams could use an upgrade and some long-term options along the offensive line.

54. Miami Dolphins (10-5) – Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Dylan Moses has not been the same player since returning from a torn ACL that cost him all of 2019. He has started to come around in recent weeks, but his draft stock could continue to slide if he does not fully regain his sideline-to-sideline capabilities.

55. Baltimore Ravens (10-5) – Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
If you have watched the Ravens this year, you have seen a lack of vertical passing and a lot of receivers struggling to generate separation. Seth Williams can stretch the field and make contest catches. He has had some costly drops, but those are more concentration errors than anything else.

55. Cleveland Browns (10-5) – Jay Tufele, DL, USC
Cleveland could use a boost along the interior of the defensive line. Jay Tufele racked up 7.5 sacks over his first two years at USC before opting out. He should provide some pass rushing presence early on in his career.

56. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5) – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Tampa Bay could use some depth along the front seven and Shaquil Barrett is still not signed long-term. Aidan Hutchinson should be in the mix for that spot right away. He only featured in three games this season, but showed flashes of his potential in a complete 2019 campaign. (Editor’s note: Hutchinson announced he is returning to Michigan.)

58. Tennessee Titans (6-3) – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Flying under the radar for most of the year, Zaven Collins has been a major part of Tulsa’s rise into the rankings this year. He has a good blend of size and speed with the ability to get after the quarterback.

59. Seattle Seahawks (10-4) – Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Seattle has looked better since Carlos Dunap arrived, but still struggles to get home consistently. Rashad Weaver has had an excellent bounce-back season after missing 2019 with a torn ACL. He has the size to play as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 outside linebacker.

60. Buffalo Bills (11-3) – Derion Kendrick, CB, Clemson
The Bills need someone to line up across from Tre’Davious White. Derion Kendrick has taken on the role of Clemson’s top corner this year and done so successfully. He should be a solid No. 2 corner for years to come.

61. New Orleans Saints (10-4) – Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
New Orleans has been searching for linebacking help for a few years now. Nick Bolton could be the answer after leading Missouri on a furious late-season push. He is a bit undersized, but makes enough plays for scouts to overlook that.

62. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) – Mohamed Ibrahim, RB, Minnesota
The Steelers have a decision to make regarding James Conner this offseason. If he goes, running back will be a big need. Mohamed Ibrahim fits Pittsburgh’s hard-nosed approach. He hits the hole with authority and keeps driving for extra yardage. These Steelers could use some of that attitude right now. (Editor’s note: Ibrahim announced he is returning to Minnesota.)

63. Green Bay Packers (11-3) – Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
Even though Aaron Rodgers has proven that he can win with a limited supporting cast this year, it would still be wise to find some more targets for him. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a capable possession receiver, but he has the size and ball skills to make some plays downfield as well. He would be a welcome addition to this offense.

64. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) – Chris Rumph II, EDGE, Duke
Whether planning for the future or just adding depth, Kansas City would do well to add a young edge rusher. He built on a strong sophomore campaign with eight more sacks as a junior. He would need to add to his frame to become a three-down player in the NFL, but at 6’4”, he should be able to bulk up a bit.

Way-Too-Early 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Five QBs go in Round 1

Welcome to the class of 2021! Yes it is definitely really early for me to be starting work on this, but this is usually just a fun way to introduce some of the best prospects heading into the upcoming college football season. The current draft order is based on Super Bowl odds from Caesar’s Sportsbook. If you don’t like where your team is picking, you can take it up with them.

This looks like it has the makings to be a special class with some great quarterbacks and another group of talented wide receivers. Let’s get started!

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1. Jacksonville Jaguars (250-1) – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
If Jacksonville is picking here next year, it’s probably because the Gardner Minshew sequel was not as good as the original. Trevor Lawrence is the clear top prospect heading into the 2021 season. He struggled in the national championship game, but that should not overshadow two years of relative dominance while leading a team to back-to-back title games, winning one of them. He could be a franchise-altering player for the Jaguars.

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2. Washington (150-1) – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Much like Jacksonville, if Washington ends up picking in the top two, I don’t see Dwayne Haskins’ job being safe. He wasn’t drafted by this current regime and if you can upgrade at quarterback, you have to. Fields is a dynamic athlete with a strong arm and lots of impressive film. He will compete with Lawrence for the top spot in this draft class. He would give Ron Rivera a franchise quarterback to go with the star pass rusher he just drafted. The Columbus to D.C. pipeline is taking shape.

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3. Carolina Panthers (125-1) – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
I have to admit I am surprised to see the Panthers picking in the top three, but Vegas knows best. This would give Carolina a chance to continue building a stout defense by adding the best pass rusher in this draft. Rousseau recorded the second most sacks in the country in 2019, trailing only Chase Young. That was his first year of college ball as well after redshirting his first season. Another dominant season would lock him into the top five.

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4. Miami Dolphins (100-1) – J’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Dolphins have their franchise quarterback. Now it is time to get an elite weapon for him to work with in the passing game. DeVante Parker seems to be making strides, but J’Marr Chase was the best college receiver in America as a sophomore. It will be interesting to see how Chase does with a quarterback other than Joe Burrow. His talent alone should stand out though. Even when his number inevitably dip, he will be worthy of a top-five selection.

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5. Cincinnati Bengals (100-1) – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
There was some buzz around the Bengals looking to find an offensive tackle in the 2020 draft. With Jonah Williams set to make his debut, it probably won’t be a huge need, but if you can protect your young quarterback, that seems like a worthwhile investment. Sewell would have been the top tackle selected this year if he had been eligible. He spent the past two seasons protecting Justin Herbert’s blindside very effectively. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him going even earlier than this next April.

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6. New York Jets (100-1) – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Jets fans are excited about landing Denzel Mims in the second round of the 2020 draft. If he has a stellar rookie season, perhaps this won’t be a big need for the team, but the receivers room is still lacking talent in New York. Jaylen Waddle is an electric burner at Alabama and would be an impact player for Sam Darnold. He is dangerous in the open field and projects better to the NFL than his teammate DeVonta Smith given his size. Still, you should expect it to be another year where two Alabama receivers go in the first round.

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7. Detroit Lions (60-1) – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Give Bob Quinn some credit. He put together a solid draft class for the Lions. Detroit added some potential difference makers on defense through both the draft and free agency, but still needs a long-term solution at linebacker. Parsons and Alabama’s Dylan Moses will be vying for the top spot in these positional rankings, but I will give the edge to the Penn State star. He is a sure tackler that comes without Moses’ injury history. That Lions defense would have two really great building blocks in Parsons and Jeff Okudah.

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8. Arizona Cardinals (60-1) – Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
No question about it, this is not the biggest need for the Cardinals. They traded for former Clemson star DeAndre Hopkins and have some developing options in Christian Kirk and Andy Isabella. Larry Fitzgerald is going to retire eventually (right?) and at that point, I think Kliff Kingsberry will be looking to find another top flight receiver to pair with Hopkins. Ross made waves as a freshman for making some spectacular catches in Clemson’s rout of Alabama in the National Championship game. He plays in one of the most loaded receiving groups in the country as well. Based on his talent, this would be great value for Arizona.

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9. Atlanta Falcons (60-1) – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
It was maybe the worst-kept secret around this draft that the Falcons wanted help at corner. They might have reached a bit on A.J. Terrell in the first round. Even if he turns out to be a solid starter, the team could definitely use more help at the position. Patrick Surtain II’s name is familiar because his father was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Dolphins during the early 2000s. The younger Surtain is the latest Alabama corner to catch scouts’ attention. He has the prototypical size and speed to excel in the NFL and faces top competition regularly for the Tide.

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10. Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (55-1) – Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Miami loaded up on offensive line help and grabbed a high-upside corner after selecting Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 draft. Now it is time to add more talent to the front seven. As I mentioned earlier, Moses has some injury questions he will have to answer after missing the entire 2019 season with at torn ACL. However, if you go back to his sophomore year, you will see a leader on the Alabama defense capable of making plays at the line and holding his own in coverage. The Dolphins loaded up on ex-Patriots linebackers in free agency, but they could use a young prospect to rebuild that position group around.

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11. New York Giants (50-1) – Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
The Giants will be disappointed to see both Parsons and Moses off the board already. They could use some help at linebacker. However, this is shaping up to be another great receiving class and New York should take advantage. While Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are both productive receivers, this group seems to lack a go-to playmaker. Moore tore up the Big Ten as a freshman in 2018. He seemed set to do it again in 2019 before injuries derailed his season. He is definitely a bit undersized at just 5’9″, but he is a game-changing player. That is something the Giants need to find for Daniel Jones to reach his full potential.

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12. Chicago Bears (50-1) – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Given his struggles in his third season, the Bears seem reluctant to commit to Mitch Trubisky. They traded for Nick Foles to provide some immediate competition, but it feels like the Bears are ready to find a new prospect to develop. Lance comes from the same school that produced Carson Wentz and he dominated the FCS last year. He became the first freshman to win the Walter Payton Award and he also won the Jerry Rice Award. He throws a really nice deep ball and has good zip on his throws. He is also incredibly mobile. Lance definitely needs to work on his pocket presence and footwork, but from an arm talent perspective, it’s all there.

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13. Denver Broncos (50-1) – Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Garrett Bolles has really struggled in Denver. He picks up way too many penalties for the Broncos to feel comfortable paying him when his contract is up. After neglecting the position all together in the 2020 draft, this should be a priority. Little had a strong 2018 season but missed almost the entire 2019 season with a knee injury. With him returning to school for his senior year, he will get the chance to remind everyone why there was buzz about him being a first round pick before he got hurt. He moves well and plays with enough power to anchor down the left side of the line. He would be an upgrade for John Elway and company.

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14. Los Angeles Chargers (45-1) – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
L.A. tabbed Justin Herbert as it’s quarterback of the future. Now it needs to invest in protecting him. They traded away Russell Okung and did not grab a tackle in the 2020 draft, so this feels like the biggest need remaining for the team. Alex Leatherwood was Alabama’s starting left tackle in 2019, but wasn’t protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside because he was a lefty. He played at guard prior to last season, so another year at tackle will be really good for him. By the end of next year’s draft, he could be a plug-and-play option for the Chargers.

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15. Cleveland Browns (35-1) – Xavier Thomas, DL, Clemson
Cleveland put together a strong draft class ready to contribute right away while also building some depth for the future. Without a ton of obvious needs, the Browns can opt for the best player available, which at this point would be Xavier Thomas. Thomas is the latest Clemson defensive lineman capable of being a difference maker at the next level. He is a bit of a tweener, lacking elite speed but also not being big enough to kick inside at 6’2″, 265 pounds. He is really solid against the run though and has shown flashes of being able to generate pressure as a pass rusher. Thomas likely projects best as a 4-3 defensive end and could take over for the aging Olivier Vernon.

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16. Las Vegas Raiders (30-1) – Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
I really liked what the Raiders did in the later rounds of the draft. Unfortunately, I think they reached big time at a position of need with Damon Arnette. In the end, it does not feel like Las Vegas solved it’s lockdown corner problem. Israel Mukuamu reminds me a bit of Noah Iginoghene given his size and speed. Put on his tape against Georgia and you will see the potential for him to become a ballhawking corner capable of shutting down one half of the field. He is massive at 6’4″ and possesses good speed given that size. If he puts together a strong season, he could be the first corner off the board given his intangibles.

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17. Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams (30-1) – Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State
The direction of the Jaguars as a franchise would take a major U-turn with the addition of Trevor Lawrence. They have a few intriguing pieces to work with, but why stop adding to this defense? Wilson is a local kid who generated some first round buzz before deciding to return to school. He had 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks during his junior campaign. He also only appeared in nine games after a hand injury cut his season short. If he can stay healthy through all 12 games this year, he should put up even better numbers and be in a position to be vying for the top interior lineman off the board.

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18. Tennessee Titans (30-1) – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Full disclosure, I spent a good deal of 2019 mocking running backs to the Titans as well. I know this seems ludicrous given the presence of Derrick Henry, but remember that he is playing on the franchise tag for 2020. Without a deal in place for him to stay in Tennessee, it would not shock me to see the team opt for a young option to anchor their backfield. Replacing one former Alabama back with another seems like a good idea. Harris has not had heavy usage for the Tide given the depth of options they have at the position, but he is easily the most effective and versatile. He caught 27 passes and seven touchdowns in 2019. He has the potential to be a three-down back that would fit well into the Titans’ run-first scheme.

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19. Minnesota Vikings (28-1) – Jay Tufele, DL, USC
Minnesota had one of the best drafts of any team in the league, finding great value and getting some help at much needed positions. That does not leave a ton of weak spots on this roster that I can identify at the moment, so let’s say the Vikings look to upgrade their defensive line. Jay Tufele is built in a similar mold to Derrick Brown. He is big at 305 pounds, but moves well and is capable of generating some pressure. He has 10 tackles for loss through his first two seasons with USC and could be in line for a big year.

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20. Pittsburgh Steelers (28-1) – Jamie Newman, QB, Wake Forest
It is time for the Steelers to start creating a succession plan to Ben Roethlisberger. Newman played really well in his first full season as a starter at Wake Forest. He has desirable size and arm strength to play the position. He will get a chance to really elevate his status playing in the SEC as a transfer. Having Newman here is mostly assuming that he will take the next step in his development while playing at a big name school to raise his profile. I think his arm talent is enough for Pittsburgh to be interested.

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21. New England Patriots (25-1) – Chase Garbers, QB, California
If it turns out the Patriots do in fact need to draft a quarterback in the first round next season, I have a feeling they will be drafting much earlier than this. I might be a bit higher than most on Garbers, but from what I have seen, I think he can be an NFL quarterback. He uses his legs well both to extend plays and pick up extra yardage when the play breaks down. He doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world, but he throws a decent deep ball and has really good touch on sideline throws. Cal was ranked and undefeated before Garbers went down with an injury last year. In fact, the Golden Bears were actually undefeated in games Garbers started and finished last season. Given his play style, injuries could be a major issue for him. If he can stay healthy and put together another good season, I think he will earn this first round hype.

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22. Indianapolis Colts (25-1) – Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
You might not be too familiar with Quincy Roche, especially when you see Miami next to his name. He is a transfer from Temple, where he dominated the AAC. He finished fifth in the nation last year in sacks. Coming into a Miami defense that might already boast the best returning pass rusher in the country, Roche could be in for a monster season. The Colts will eventually have to replace Justin Houston and this might be the best chance they get to do that.

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23. Buffalo Bills (25-1) – Creed Humphrey, OL, Oklahoma
Buffalo seems poised to take over in the AFC East with Tom Brady now in Tampa. To do so, they will need to continue building in the trenches. They landed A.J. Epenesa in the second round of the 2020 draft. Finding someone to bolster the interior of their offensive line is the next step. Humphrey is about as solid as they come for interior offensive linemen. He was voted second-team All-American in 2019 and did not allow a sack while starting every game for the Sooners. Given Mitch Morse’s injury history, this is a smart pick. Worst case scenario, the Bills can start Humphrey off at guard.

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24. Philadelphia Eagles (20-1) – Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
It was an interesting draft for the Eagles, who waited a long time to address their secondary. While I really like their pick of Tanner Muse, I think they need another safety to pair with him. Cisco reminds me a bit of a bigger Antoine Winfield Jr. He is a ballhawking safety with a staggering 12 interceptions over the past two seasons. He has a nose for the football as one of Syracuse’s leading tacklers, despite only featuring in nine games last season. He would be a welcome addition to this Eagles secondary.

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25. Green Bay Packers (16-1) – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
I still don’t understand how the Packers completely ignored their need for receivers. They have a bunch of bodies, but not too many reliable targets capable of making plays. Bateman is an all-around playmaker. He is capable of making post up plays in the red zone and high-pointing the ball down the sideline. Bateman has really impressive run after the catch ability as well. He isn’t an elite route runner, but he understands how to get separation. Even if he can’t, he is more than capable of dunk on smaller corners. I think this would be the type of target Aaron Rodgers can get the most out of.

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26. Seattle Seahawks (15-1) – Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
With Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette moving on to the NFL, it will now be Shaun Wade’s job to lead the Ohio State backfield. He could have potentially come out this season and gone in the first two rounds. A return to school with a chance to be the top dog for a program that regularly churns out NFL caliber defensive backs will probably be a great move. The Seahawks do not have much proven depth at corner and might honestly be looking for a starter across from Shaquill Griffin by this time next year. Wade has the size to work in that Seattle system.

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27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14-1) – Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
It has been a really long time since we have seen the Buccaneers picking this late in the first round. While Tristan Wirfs seems set to start at right tackle this season with the potential to move to the left side later in his career, Tampa Bay could use some help on the interior of this line. For Tom Brady, and honestly for whoever comes after him, protection is essential. Davis is an athletic road grader who is more than comfortable blocking out in space as well. He would provide a huge boost for this run game and help give Brady all the time he needs to pick defenses apart.

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28. New Orleans Saints (14-1) – Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
The Saints have been rotating through former Giants corners trying to find someone to start across from Marshon Lattimore. With only four selections in the 2020 draft, there was no chance to find a young corner to develop either. New Orleans needs an infusion of young talent at the position. Paulson Adebo is a big, physical corner that most teams in the Pac-12 don’t even bother throwing at any more. Part of that is because they are afraid of Adebo and the other part is because the rest of Stanford’s secondary was brutal in 2019. Had it not been for an injury, I think Adebo would have come out this year and likely gone in the second round. He would give the Saints a much more reliable number two corner.

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29. Dallas Cowboys (13-1) – Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
Dallas crushed the 2020 draft, probably producing the best class on paper in the league. This team is set up well to compete into the future, but there are still some areas for improvement. Blake Jarwin is a solid tight end, but far from an elite option. Brevin Jordan is an athletic player who can make plays in space. He isn’t used too much as a blocker, but regularly chips pass rushers. When he is used as a blocker, it is usually just for him to eventually release out into the flat on a delayed route. I think he would give the Cowboys a playmaker across the middle of the field.

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30. Baltimore Ravens (8-1) – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Baltimore is another team that pulled in a strong draft class. They landed some great pass catchers this year, but I think the team will have a tough time passing up on another speedy playmaker. DeVonta Smith would help with that. He is small, but incredible fast. It’s not his height (6’1″) that worries about his ability to translate, it’s his frame. He only weighs 175 pounds. I wonder if he would be able to withstand the punishment handed out by some of the harder hitting defensive backs in the league. If he can add about 10 pounds while not sacrificing too much speed, I think Smith will find himself going in the top 20 come next April.

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31. San Francisco 49ers (8-1) – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
After making a Super Bowl run, the 49ers seemed primed for another deep postseason push. With some new additions to the receiving corps and Deforest Buckner’s replacement already on board, San Francisco can afford to target a game-breaking running back. Etienne has incredible speed and elusiveness. He has shown some signs of development as a receiver. If he can do that more in 2019, he will have a shot to be the first running back selected. He would pair really nicely with Raheem Mostert and after trading away Matt Breida, I think the Niners will be interesting in adding to their backfield.

Chiefs Logo32. Kansas City Chiefs (4-1) – Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee
The reigning champs seem poised to defend their title. Brett Veach added a new running back to the mix and found some much-needed help for the secondary. While the Chiefs have some depth at the tackle spots, they could use some new talent on the interior of their offensive line. They have to protect the quarterback they are going to pay after all. Trey Smith has battled through blood clots in his lungs. When he is on the field, he is an All-American caliber guard. He was actually ESPN’s top-rated recruit back in 2017. If he can stay on the field this season, he has a chance to go even earlier than this in the draft.

NFL Draft Podcast – AFC Free Agency Primer and Draft Implications

After breaking down the NFC last week, it is time to discuss which AFC free agents will impact the 2020 NFL Draft. The Patriots await Tom Brady’s free agent decision while the rest of the division hopes to close the game and patch up their offensive lines. Tennessee’s incredible run came courtesy of a number of players that are not under contract for 2020. Houston, Indianapolis and Jacksonville all enter free agency with at least one major player it needs to bring back. The reigning Super Bowl champs have to figure out what they will do with Chris Jones. Meanwhile, Los Angeles might need to rebuild its whole offense. In the North, the Ravens have some difficult decisions to make regarding Matt Judon and Michael Pierce. The Browns, Bengals and Steelers all need reinforcements in the trenches. Catch up on all the major pending free agents ahead of the scouting combine! Listen to the latest episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://anchor.fm/theaftermath

NFL Draft Podcast Episode 6

There is no shortage of drama in football this week as Jalen Ramsey heads west and the College Football Playoff suffered a major shakeup as Georgia went down. Catch up on all of that and check out this week’s studs and sleepers. Plus find out which games to watch and the prospects to watch in each contest. You can find every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Potential landing spots for Alex Mack

Every year, there is a premier talent that hits the open market in the NFL. Turns out that the hottest commodity is one we did not expect.

Alex Mack
Mack started every game in six out of his seven seasons with Cleveland.

Alex Mack announced at Pro Bowl practice that he would like to opt out of his current deal with the Cleveland Browns. Mack is a three-time Pro Bowler and a former All-Pro. He is widely regarded as a top five player at his position.

Mack is set to make $8 million with his current deal, but he and his agent believe that he is worth a lot more than that and that he can get a lot more than that. With few other centers expected to be available in free agency, we could see that boost Mack’s value even more.

While this does not mean that Mack is definitely leaving the Browns, the possibility now exists. So I figured it was time to find a couple of good fits for when he hits the free agent market. Something to note is that Mack definitely fits better as a pass blocker than a run blocker, so that needs to be considered.

Hue Jackson
Jackson should make retaining Mack a priority in his first days as coach.

Cleveland Browns
Obviously, Mack would have just opted out of his Browns deal, but it seems more monetary than distain for Cleveland. With the Browns under a new direction with Hue Jackson at head coach, Mack might be enticed into hanging around. The Browns would need him too. The closest thing to a backup center is either long-snapper Charley Hughlett or rookie right guard Cameron Erving, who played center at Florida State. Mack would be a center piece on a developing offense that needs a huge makeover already.

Russell_Wilson
Wilson suffered the most sacks of his career this season.

Seattle Seahawks
This past offseason, Seattle outsmarted itself in trading for Jimmy Graham. It was assumed that the former All-Pro tight end would push the Seahawks of the brink and turn them into a true powerhouse. However, the lack of a steady offensive line proved to be the constant issue for the offense all year. Part of the deal to acquire Graham involved sending Pro Bowl center Max Unger to New Orleans. Bringing in Mack would truly make Seattle’s offense scary. If they cut down on the 46 sacks allowed this past season and give Russell Wilson more time to pick apart offenses, look out.

Blake Bortles
Bortles was sacked 106 times over the last two seasons.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Even though spending big every season in free agency hasn’t seemed to work, adding Mack could be a savvy move for this young Jaguars squad. Blake Bortles is clearly coming into his own and the skill positions for Jacksonville look to be improving. Solidifying the offensive line by signing a proven veteran like Mack would make a major impact. Jacksonville allowed the fourth most sacks in the league this season and failed to impress in the running game. Mack would immediately remedy both of those issues, along with replace soon-to-be free agent Stefan Wisniewski. In the end, Jacksonville should push very hard to sign Mack.

NFL: Preseason-Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans
Mariota only managed to start 12 games in his rookie season.

Tennessee Titans
Another AFC South team could use some help on the offensive line, especially when you consider the circumstances. Tennessee has a young quarterback in Marcus Mariota who got banged around this season and missed some time with various injuries. The Titans also match up twice a year with the Houston Texans, which means a nice dosage of J.J. Watt. The Titans allowed the most sacks by any NFL team this season and had a ground game that was average at best. Plugging in Mack and then drafting Laremy Tunsil first overall makes this group look like one of the better ones in the league. Mack’s presence could make a huge difference in whether the Titans continue to falter near the bottom or start showing signs that the rebuild has worked.

Free agency is still a long way off but Mack seems intent on exploring his options. If Mack does leave Cleveland, I think his first choice would be to play in Seattle, but I would not be surprised to see him land in Jacksonville either.