NFL Mock Draft 2021: Edition 4 (Final Edition)

Ja'Marr Chase, No. 5 to Cincinnati

 1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Although we usually have a good idea who the No. 1 pick will end up being the closer we inch to the Draft, it's rare to see a prospect never move from the top of draft boards throughout the entire process. After an illustrious collegiate career, Trevor Lawrence will make the jump to Jacksonville and team up with Urban Meyer. He'll need improved weapons around him if he is to succeed, making the next few selections for the Jags just as crucial.

Previous Selection: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Other Possibility: N/A

2. New York Jets

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Zach Wilson may not be a complete 100 percent lock at pick No. 2 like Lawrence is first overall, but he's certainly nearing that territory. The former BYU Cougar is coming off a massive 2020, when he went from a solid college quarterback into a bonafide Heisman contender and future NFL starter. He'll start up a new era for the Jets, who will also be breaking in a new head coach in former San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

Previous Selection: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Other Possibility: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

3. San Francisco 49ers

Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

With Lawrence and Wilson locked in at one and two, the No. 3 pick is where things really begin. San Francisco gave up a bunch to ascend from the 12th selection to three, but it's still unclear who they intend to go after. Quarterback is the obvious choice considering the prospects available, but a certain tight end, Kyle Pitts, could also be in play. Recent rumors indicate that it's primarily down to either Trey Lance or Mac Jones, with Jones emerging as the heavy favorite. It could all just be a smoke screen, but the smart money is still on the Alabama product here.

Previous Selection: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Other Possibility: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

4. Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Considering that Trey Lance and Justin Fields are still available in this mock, it wouldn't surprise if Atlanta were to trade down to a QB-needy team. However, I never do trades in my mocks, so the Falcons instead stay firm and draft a potential generational tight end prospect in Kyle Pitts. Pitts is already a matchup nightmare with his blend of size, speed and route running but I'll be curious to see whether the creative coaches in the NFL can take him to an even higher level.

Previous Selection: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Other Possibility: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

5. Cincinnati Bengals

Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The final pick in the Top 5 looks like it will come down to either Penei Sewell, who I've had mocked to Cincinnati for some time, and Ja'Marr Chase, generally viewed as the top wide out in this Draft. Sewell seems to be trending in a worrying direction on boards and the Bengals did sign Riley Reiff this off-season. Things seem to be setting up for Chase to be the selection, and his prior connections with Joe Burrow only add to the possibility.

Previous Selection: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Other Possibility: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

6. Miami Dolphins

Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

In much the same vein as San Francisco, Miami operates as a fascinating wild card near the top of the Draft. They want to supply Tua Tagovailoa with more weapons on the perimeter, but could be in good position to land a sliding prospect, such as Penei Sewell, if need be. Even though wide out is the more obvious need, Sewell is my No. 2 prospect in this cycle, and a safer selection.

Previous Selection: Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Other Possibility: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

7. Detroit Lions

DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Another contender to trade down, or perhaps even select a quarterback, the Lions hold a fair bit of power at this spot. I had mocked Justin Fields to them previously but more and more, I get the feeling they'll give Jared Goff at least one full season to show what he can do in the Motor City. Instead, they turn to the need at wide out, which is currently one of the worst position groups in the NFL.

Previous Selection: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Other Possibility: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

8. Carolina Panthers

Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Yet another selection that could go several different directions. Carolina just traded for Sam Darnold and look like they will operate with him as their franchise QB, at least for the time being. That takes Lance and Fields off the board, even though it's been reported they really like Fields. With that in mind, offensive line makes the most sense, considering it was an incredibly inconsistent group throughout 2020. Rashawn Slater's far from a flashy first-round selection, but he fits a need.

Previous Selection: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Other Possibility: Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama

9. Denver Broncos

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

In my initial writeup of this mock, I had the Broncos taking Trey Lance because it seems extremely unlikely both Lance & Fields last beyond the Top 10. However, the Broncos recently acquired Teddy Bridgewater, giving them a pair of serviceable, if rather underwhelming, signal-callers in Drew Lock and Bridgewater. With quarterback solved for now, they focus on their obvious need at linebacker. Parsons can play on the inside or outside and has proven to be among the most versatile defenders of this year's cycle.

Previous Selection: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Other Possibility: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

10. Dallas Cowboys

Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

An aging offensive line may rank as the top need for the Cowboys entering the Draft but with Sewell and Slater both gone, they instead turn their attention to their pass defense. Dallas has been connected to Patrick Surtain for awhile and the former Tide corner makes the most sense. Surtain has a good chance at being the first defensive player off the board, depending on what comes of Micah Parsons.

Previous Selection: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Other Possibility: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

11. New York Giants

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

New York ranked 31st in the NFL in offense a season ago and while the healthy return of Saquon Barkley will be huge, they need more explosiveness in the passing attack. Freshly signed Kenny Golladay can operate as the traditional No. 1 guy, with the Giants adding Jaylen Waddle as a home run threat over the top, although I think he has the potential to be so much more than that.

Previous Selection: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Other Possibility: Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan

12. Philadelphia Eagles

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

After initially trading down from their perch at No. 6, the Eagles would love if a playmaking wide out were to slip to them. It's a possibility, but with Chase, Smith and Waddle all gone, they instead shift their focus to cornerback. Jaycee Horn has risen up boards quickly over the last several weeks and should seriously challenge Surtain as the first CB taken.

Previous Selection: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Other Possibility: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

13. Los Angeles Chargers

Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Justin Herbert showed more than enough promise his rookie season for Los Angeles to be very excited about his future. However, he won't be able to survive very long in the league unless the Chargers seriously upgrade his protection. They've already overhauled much of the unit so far, but the next step is to add a developmental piece in this Draft. Enter Christian Darrisaw, a capable offensive tackle with a proven pedigree from his time at Virginia Tech.

Previous Selection: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC

Other Possibility: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC

14. Minnesota Vikings

Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

Offensive line has been Minnesota's most obvious glaring weakness for the past half-decade now. At some point the front office will need to figure out a way to solve the issue and drafting in the mid-first round gives them a great opportunity. With Darrisaw taken a pick earlier, the Vikings instead shift to Alijah Vera-Tucker. The USC product was sometimes inconsistent, but has serious upside and could play guard if necessary.

Previous Selection: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Other Possibility: Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan

15. New England Patriots

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

I want to go on record and state that there is absolutely no way we land at 15 with Lance and Fields still available. Simply put, at least one team is going to move up to draft one of them, most likely multiple teams. But in a hypothetical scenario where no trades are made, the Patriots get their choice of the pair. Justin Fields just feels like a New England-type selection, a stud college player who, for whatever reason, slides down draft boards right into Bill Belichick's lap.

Previous Selection: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Other Possibility: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

16. Arizona Cardinals

Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Arizona needs to upgrade their defense with this selection and while front seven could be in play, the most likely scenario is in the secondary. The Cardinals may have solid veterans in the form of Malcolm Butler and Budda Baker, but a young developmental piece like Caleb Farley makes a lot of sense. Farley's draft stock appears to be sliding as of late, but he's still in decent position to be the third corner off the board.

Previous Selection: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Other Possibility: Zaven Collins, DE/LB, Tulsa

17. Las Vegas Raiders

Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan

It's always a fun mystery to see where Mike Mayock, Jon Gruden, and Raider brass go in the Draft. They love to make unique, somewhat out-of-the-box moves that are nearly impossible to accurately mock. My best guess is they will target somewhere in the front seven, but which spot is unclear. Kwity Paye is the best player available in the front seven, making him the smartest bet.

Previous Selection: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

Other Possibility: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

18. Miami Dolphins

Zaven Collins, DE/LB, Tulsa

After taking Penei Sewell with their earlier first-rounder, Miami could choose to add a dynamic playmaker, such as the multiple receivers available, or even a tailback. However, Zaven Collins makes even more sense to me at this spot. The highly accomplished Tulsa product can do just about anything head coach Brian Flores needs, and the Dolphins have a slight need at LB now that Kyle Van Noy is no longer in town.

Previous Selection: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)

Other Possibility: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

19. Washington Football Team

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Again, I find it highly doubtful that Trey Lance will last this long into the first round, but that's just the way things work out. If it were to happen, I'd assume the Washington Football Team would jump on the chance on a first-round talent with this much upside. Although they brought on Ryan Fitzpatrick over the off-season, it's clear the organization will need a long-term face at the position to have any chance in the NFC East.

Previous Selection: Zaven Collins, DE/LB, Tulsa

Other Possibility: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

20. Chicago Bears

Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

If the Bears are truly committed to Andy Dalton at quarterback, and it appears they are, they need to help him out. Receiver is a fairly real possibility with the talent still available at the position, but O-Line appears to be the more likely route. Oklahoma State's Teven Jenkins has some off-the-field concerns, but possesses the raw tools needed to be an effective tackle in the NFL.

Previous Selection: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

Other Possibility: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

21. Indianapolis Colts

Azeez Ojulari, DE/LB, Georgia

Denico Autry and Justin Houston both left Indianapolis over the off-season, meaning the Colts will need to address the pass rush near the top of this Draft. Kwity Paye, Jaelan Phillips, and Gregory Rousseau should all be in play, but Georgia's Azeez Ojulari offers more versatility. He's been an extremely disruptive edge presence for the Bulldogs the last two seasons, but showed real improvement in support in 2020.

Previous Selection: Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan

Other Possibility: Jaelan Phillips, DE/LB, Miami (FL)

22. Tennessee Titans

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

The Titans lost two key components from their 2020 offense, as wide out Corey Davis signed with the Jets and coordinator Arthur Smith is now the head man in Atlanta. They still might have an opportunity to end up upgrading the receiver corps, as Kadarius Toney's speed and dynamic playmaking ability should open up A.J. Brown in the passing game, and Derrick Henry underneath.

Previous Selection: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State

Other Possibility: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

23. New York Jets

Jaelan Phillips, DE/LB, Miami (FL)

New head man Robert Saleh, formerly the DC in San Francisco, desperately wants some new pieces to work with in the New York front seven. Linebacker is a real possibility considering the options available here, but Jaelan Phillips is a Top 15 talent who could slide down boards slightly. He had a breakout 2020 for the Miami Hurricanes, but his injury history is a real concern.

Previous Selection: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

Other Possibility: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

With James Conner officially gone, Pittsburgh is looking at the possibility of their feature back being either Benny Snell Jr. or Anthony McFarland. Neither offer much long-term workhorse abilities, which the Steelers will need as Ben Roethlisberger's career draws to a close. That gives them reason to go after Najee Harris, who has asserted himself as the clear top RB in the class.

Previous Selection: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Other Possibility: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

Getting your franchise quarterback and then going offensive line to help protect him is a common move for teams drafting high, but the Jaguars can easily wait on O-Line, as they draft first in Round Two. Instead they focus on a need at safety and select Trevon Moehrig, who I've very high on. The rangy defensive back can easily plug in and make an impact, with the ball skills to be an interception magnet.

Previous Selection: Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama

Other Possibility: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

26. Cleveland Browns

Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama

Receiver could be in play for Cleveland in the late first, as Odell Beckham Jr.'s future is still up in the air, but front seven is the more pressing need. I've previously mocked linebacker at this spot, but instead turn my attention to the interior defensive line. The Browns got rid of the declining Sheldon Richardson over the off-season; they replace him with the high-upside Christian Barmore.

Previous Selection: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

Other Possibility: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

27. Baltimore Ravens

Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

In most drafts, Rashod Bateman would be a Top 15-20 selection and one of, if not the, top receivers off the board. This loaded receiver class threatens to drop him slightly, but Baltimore could use extra help on the perimeter. Bateman put together a marvelous career in Minnesota and is incredibly polished for his age, with some of the best hands in the draft class.

Previous Selection: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Other Possibility: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)

28. New Orleans Saints

Jayson Oweh, DE, Penn State

Keep your eye on the Saints as a team that could move up to try and snag a quarterback considering Drew Brees is officially retired. However if they stick firm, either wide out or edge rusher should end up being the selection. With the top five wide outs off the board, they turn their attention to pass rusher, where Jayson Oweh drops into their lap. Although incredibly raw, Oweh is an absolute freak athlete, and the Saints have proven they can develop the position.

Previous Selection: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Other Possibility: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

29. Green Bay Packers

Greg Newsome II, CB Northwestern

Greg Newsome II is a name rising up at the right time and he could be in play as high as Arizona at No. 16. If he does last longer than that, Green Bay may be the eventual destination, due to their need at corner. The physical, well-rounded corner might not have the upside of others at his position in this cycle but has a higher floor.

Previous Selection: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

Other Possibility: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

30. Buffalo Bills

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

Buffalo has operated under a "best player available" mentality over the last several draft cycles and I'm sure they'll do the same in this one. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is the best defender available at this point in my opinion and also fits a need. The Bills did resign Matt Milano over the off-season, but linebacker was still a weak point in 2020.

Previous Selection: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami (FL)

Other Possibility: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

31. Baltimore Ravens

Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama

Baltimore recently acquired this selection from Kansas City in the Orlando Brown deal, trading away a proven offensive linemen. They'll use the selection to get younger across the line in the form of Alex Leatherwood, a guy who was a multi-year starter in the brutal SEC and still managed to play incredibly well. Although he's more natural at tackle, Leatherwood began his Tide career playing guard and he could theoretically do it in the pros.

Previous Selection: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan (to Kansas City)

Other Possibility: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

Even though Tampa already has one of the best linebacker duos in the league in Devin White and Lavonte David, Jamin Davis could still fit in. For one, David is now 31 years old and while he hasn't shown signs of decline just yet, he'll be out of his prime soon. Additionally, Davis could be able to play some outside linebacker, although that's not his natural position.

Previous Selection: Jayson Oweh, DE, Penn State

Other Possibility: Landon Dickerson, OL, Alabama

NFL Draft 2021 Player Position Rankings: Defense

Micah Parsons, Penn State

 Defensive Line

1. Kwity Paye, Michigan -- In a fairly weak defensive line class, Kwity Paye takes the cake as the top at his position. Paye is an inspirational story; he was born in a refugee camp in Guinea before making the trek to the United States and Michigan, where he developed into one of college football's most disruptive pass rushers. Paye has always been an elite athlete, with incredible quickness off the line and a constant motor that never ceases to amaze. However, he is still developing some of the fundamental parts of being a defensive linemen, refining his pass rushing moves and technique. He's made progress in that regard since arriving in Ann Arbor, but any NFL team will still need to help him take that next step. If he lands in the right spot to unleash his potential, there's no question he has superstar-level upside.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round

2. Jaelan Phillips, Miami (FL) -- Jaelan Phillips has had a fascinating career arc so far, and that's even before he reaches the NFL. He was the top overall recruit in the country when he arrived at UCLA, but was never able to reach that pedestal with the Bruins as he slogged through injuries. He eventually transferred to Miami and after sitting out 2019, exploded onto the scene this past fall, with eight sacks in a shortened season. I'm a much bigger fan of Phillips than his Hurricane counterpart, Gregory Rousseau, as he has battled through adversity and proven can be a productive piece on a well-known, Power Five program. Phillips also is much faster than Rousseau, as his 40 time checks in at 4.6 compared to Rousseau's 4.8. He's also just a much smoother and fluid athlete, with the potential to develop into either a true defensive end or standup outside linebacker in the pros. Injury concerns could threaten to drop him slightly, but he's still likely a first-round lock.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round

3. Jayson Oweh, Penn State -- Jayson Oweh is a classic example of why it's so difficult to project college players to the NFL. Based solely on his physique and freakish athleticism, Oweh should be a Day One lock. However, his production while at Penn State was very underwhelming, especially in 2020, as he finished the campaign with zero sacks. He still proved he could be an asset in run support and create some disruption, but so much of his game is very raw at this point. If he lands in the right system that is willing to be patient, he can absolutely be a star pass rusher and perhaps the top D-Linemen in this cycle. Oweh may end up being the most significant boom-or-bust prospect in the later first round. I think his chances to boom are there but again, patience will be key.

Projected Range: Late first round to mid-second round

4. Christian Barmore, Alabama -- Following the theme of talented, but relatively raw, defensive linemen is Alabama's Christian Barmore. Barmore follows a host of former Tide interior linemen that have gone onto the NFL, including Marcel Dareus, Da'Ron Payne, and Quinnen Williams. He has a lot of traits NFL scouts adore, as a natural fit in a 4-3 defense with impressive athleticism and a proven track record. However, NFL personnel believe that he has to become a lot better as a run defender to be worthy of a first-round selection and there are some character concerns here. It's never easy to know whether those concerns are valid and will impact his career, or simply nitpicking the closer we get to the Draft. I was really impressed with Barmore while at Alabama and I felt like he had his moments where he absolutely shined, even on a defense loaded with future NFL guys. His range is tough to call right now, as he could go anywhere from Top 15 to out of the second round.

Projected Range: Late first round to late second round

5. Gregory Rousseau, Miami (FL) -- As a redshirt freshman in 2019, Gregory Rousseau emerged as one of college football's premier pass rushers, totaling 15.5 sacks and 19.5 TFL. He looked well on his way to establishing himself as a household name, but instead chose to opt-out of the 2020 campaign. Rousseau still looks he will end up somewhere in the first-round, and at 6'7", 265 pounds, he already looks like an NFL vet. I'm not as high on Rousseau as others for a couple reasons; for one, he is somewhat of a one-hit wonder for me. I would've liked to see a full body of work beyond just one incredible season to really be convinced. If you watch his tape, you'll notice that Rousseau gets most of his sacks from pure craftiness, as well as broken plays. Rarely will you see him overpower opposing offensive linemen with his athleticism or quickness off the edge. He still has potential to continue to develop because he is fairly young, but he pales in comparison to some of the other names near the top of this cycle.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round

Sleeper: Jonathon Cooper, Ohio State

Since 2016, Ohio State has done better than any other school in the country in producing highly drafted defensive linemen, from the Bosa brothers to Chase Young. They likely won't have a first-rounder from the D-Line in this cycle, but Jonathon Cooper's a name to keep an eye on come Day Two or Three. Cooper waited his turn in Columbus before earning a starting spot in 2018, and he went for 6.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks. Bigger things were hoped for in 2019 for the veteran but he dealt with injuries, before a farewell 2020 campaign. Cooper's numbers were never extremely impressive and as a prospect, he doesn't jump off the page. However, he proved he could be a quality, productive player with the ability to play at several different spots on the D-Line and make an impact. To be a starter on Ohio State's defensive line you have to be an effective player and even through injuries, Cooper proved to be. I like him in the later rounds as a developmental piece without much risk attached to him.

Projected Range: Early fifth round to undrafted

Linebackers

1. Micah Parsons, Penn State -- Yet another player who opted out of the 2020 college football season, Micah Parsons enters this Draft a little bit underrated, at least in how I view him. The talented defender joins a long list of former Penn State linebackers who have made the jump to the NFL, but it's rare to see a prospect with his ability to impact games on the defensive end. While at Penn State, Parsons was able to play defensive end, inside linebacker, or on the outside. He proved that he could be a major factor in run support or pass coverage, while also impacting the game as a pass rusher. If you want to see just how tremendous he can be, go back and watch the 2019-20 Cotton Bowl, where he essentially clinched a victory for PSU against Memphis with his play down the stretch. I consider Parsons a Top 5 prospect in this class and I'm fairly surprised at how little attention he is receiving. If he drops anywhere outside the Top 10, he's the steal of this Draft.

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

2. Zaven Collins, Tulsa -- It's not too often we see first-round talents at Tulsa, but Zaven Collins is not your typical Golden Hurricane defender. A former quarterback in high school, Collins has been an instrumental piece of the Tulsa defense the last several seasons, capped off with a massive 2020. He took home the Bednarik Award as the nation's best defender, posting a statline of 54 tackles, four interceptions, and four sacks. It's not just his college statline that makes me a fan of Collins, but his combination of speed and size, as well as his versatility. He can line up just about anywhere in the front seven and make an impact and he also played some safety in high school. It's rare we see a player with his production still have the potential to get even better, but Collins is a rare case.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round

3. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame -- Speaking of accomplished defenders, Notre Dame's Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is coming off a 2020 season in which he won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker. The rangy linebacker can help out defenses in a variety of different ways. He probably won't rush the quarterback too much, but his real strength is out in coverage. While at ND, he proved that he could cover running backs, receivers, and tight ends extremely well. In an NFL that is utilizing tight ends more and more, having a strong coverage linebacker like Owusu-Koramoah is a major advantage. I'm not sure he has the upside of others in this cycle, but he still has the tools to be a really productive NFL player.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to mid-second round

4. Azeez Ojulari, Georgia -- Even in a Georgia front seven loaded with former four and five-star prospects, Azeez Ojulari emerged as one of their most reliable pieces. In 2019 and 2020, he recorded the same 5.5 sack total, although he played a higher percentage of snaps this past fall. Ojulari is more limited as a linebacker than others in the class, operating more as a pure pass rusher than anything else. However, he did show an improved ability in the 2020 season as an important piece in rush defense, showcasing solid instincts and closing speed. As a pass rusher, he's not the most explosive athlete but is still able to get by with his power and toughness. Although slightly more limited, Ojulari is worthy of a flier in the late first or early second.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to late second round

5. Jabril Cox, LSU -- Jabril Cox is a great case of betting on yourself, and it working out. Cox was a former FCS All-American during a stellar career at North Dakota State but decided to head south and join up with the defending National Champion LSU Tigers. Although LSU had a frustrating season, especially defensively, Cox proved to be a complete defender with great sideline-to-sideline speed and range. He can help out in coverage if necessary and is a dangerous blitzer in certain packages. The instincts and natural feel for the game that Cox possesses are difficult to teach, and he's already very accomplished for his age. I don't think he will end up going on Day One, but should be a quality pickup somewhere in Rounds 2-3.

Projected Range: Early second round to late third round

Sleeper: Hamilcar Rashad Jr., Oregon State

Prior to the 2020 season, Hamilcar Rashad Jr. was drawing some buzz as a potential first or second round prospect if he was able to build on a 2019 season where he had plenty of impressive moments. The shortened and chaotic 2020 Pac-12 season presented a real challenge to the Beaver defender, who was unable to record a sack on the "season". Rashad Jr. still showed he could be a positive asset as a run defender, with decent coverage abilities. A poor showing in the Senior Bowl combined with the quiet 2020 contributed to Rashad's descent to likely mid-round selection, but I still like some of his tools. Although he needs to bulk up to play outside linebacker at the next level, he has impressive length and an extremely high motor. If the Pac-12 had a normal 2020 season and Rashad played through it all, I think he'd be discussed as a fringe first or second-round prospect. Instead, some team could get a potential steal later on.

Projected Range: Mid-third round to early sixth round

Secondary

1. Patrick Surtain, Alabama -- The son of a former NFL Pro Bowl corner, Patrick Surtain has had lofty expectations on the football field his entire career. He played immediately at Alabama in 2018 and evolved into the team's top cover corner during his time in Tuscaloosca. That proven experience should be a major benefit for the former Tide defensive back, and he has a bunch of other attributes NFL teams like. For one, he has an ideal build for a professional corner, at 6'2", 205 pounds and yet still moves extremely well. Surtain consistently went up against other team's best receivers in the loaded SEC and still consistently put up good numbers. He might not have the ceiling of past No. 1 corners, but has the experience and physique to be an effective defensive back. 

Projected Range: Early to late first round

2. Trevon Moehrig, TCU -- Playing on an average TCU team the last few seasons, Trevon Moehrig didn't receive the recognition he deserved. He established himself as not just one of the best safeties in the nation, but one of the best pure defenders. As we inch closer to the Draft, you'll see most mocks feature Moehrig somewhere in the late first round, or even into the second. For me, he's one of the more underrated players in the Draft, no matter the position. Also standing 6'2" with long arms, he's a consistent presence in passing situations, with the ball skills to turn into a real interception machine at the next level. He's not as rangy as other safeties in the class, but makes up for it with solid instincts and the ability to line up just about anywhere. Additionally, he's one of the hardest hitters in the class, with a few pops that should be featured on highlight reels. Safeties rarely go very high so it's unsurprising to see Moehrig floating near the bottom of the first, but he has the talent to be much better than that selection would imply.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to late second round

3. Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech -- Caleb Farley was the first major college football player to opt out of the 2020 season, beginning an exodus that includes a host of future first-round selections. That shouldn't be considered a negative against him, but there are some who wonder if he would have benefitted a lot from having more game tape, especially considering how inconsistent he was during his college career. There's still a ton to like about him, with good size and impressive athleticism. He's probably the fastest pure runner in this corner class and his closing speed is particularly excellent. However, the concerns surrounding Farley are just as notable. For one, he had two serious injuries in college, a torn ACL back in 2017 and back problems in 2019. While he's at 100 percent now, those questions are going to be monitored. The inconsistency is also worrisome, as he had moments where he was a dominant, All-ACC player, but just as many moments where he disappeared on the field. I still like Farley enough to view him as a first-rounder, but I have him rated lower than others I've seen.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to mid-second round

4. Jaycee Horn, South Carolina -- Jaycee Horn is another one of the cornerbacks in this class with famous bloodlines as his dad, Joe, was a star receiver for the Saints for a number of years. Jaycee entered 2020 as a fringe first-round prospect but has worked his way into top cornerback range, even with South Carolina struggling mightily. Scouts love Horn's natural, fluid athleticism and his feel for the game that you can tell he learned from his father. He's a solid all-around athlete who improved each season he played for the Gamecocks, which is not always the case for young corners in the SEC. He isn't as fast as a Farley may be, but is still able to keep up with pro-level receivers and can play in a variety of different defenses. I'm not quite as high on Horn as others, as I've seen him rated as the top defensive back in the class. He's got a nice skill set, but never popped out on film or in games when you were watching South Carolina. I would've liked to see a little more in 2020 and while it's somewhat understandable why he opted out following the firing of Will Muschamp, it didn't help his NFL case.

Projected Range: Early to late first round

5. Jevon Holland, Oregon -- A bunch of corners could lay claim to this No. 5 spot, including Gregg Newsome, Tyson Campbell, or Eric Stokes, but I'm a huge fan of Oregon safety Jevon Holland. Holland arrived in Eugene and immediately made his presence felt, totaling 44 tackles and becoming one of the nation's leaders with five interceptions. His sophomore season he continued to make an impact picking off passes, with four, but he also improved as an all-around defender, improving in tackles and pass breakups. I truly believe he would have been a Jim Thorpe Award favorite for 2020 but opted out prior to the Pac-12's eventual return. He rates as a Day Two or Three prospect by most scouts, but I think he's a first-round talent. It's not everyday you see a player with his type of instincts and awareness, who also passes the test as a great athlete. On the field Holland looks small for some reason, but he measures in at 6'1", 195 pounds and should have the chance to bulk up once he's in the league. Only adding to his value is his potential as a playmaker on special teams, although it's unclear how much that will factor in at the next level.

Projected Range: Mid-second round to late third round

Sleeper: Paris Ford, Pittsburgh

Although this safety class is considered somewhat weak at the top, it's incredibly deep, which means there will be great value in the later rounds. That should be a big win for an NFL team looking to add a piece like Pittsburgh's Paris Ford, who is a human highlight reel. Ford had a huge 2019 campaign for the Panthers, leading the team in tackles and gaining a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the nation. He was well on his way to another big season in 2020, but opted out with four games remaining in the season. His production and closing speed should earn him some credit from NFL personnel, but some wonder if he has the necessary size to survive in the pros. He definitely will need to bulk up, but Ford has never been shy of contact or playing physical. 

Projected Range: Early fourth to late sixth round

NFL Draft 2021 Player Position Rankings: Offense

Zach Wilson, BYU

Following the wacky 2020 college football season, the 2021 NFL Draft process has been just as weird. Without many of the usual benchmarks, such as a true NFL Combine or abbreviated pro days, this year's NFL Draft should once again be fairly unique. With that being said, there's a lot to like about the cycle as a whole, with tons of talent at the skill positions, and an interesting list of defenders. For the third straight year, I'll be breaking down my Top 5 prospects at each position group, as well as some sleepers set to go on Days 2-3. These rankings aren't where I think they will go, but are how I am evaluating them, and where I would select them if I were a GM.

Quarterbacks

1. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson -- There's no debate about who the best QB prospect in this Draft is. From the time Trevor Lawrence was a high school senior, he's been labeled a "cant-miss" NFL prospect, and he's done little in his three years since then to dispel that notion. He checks quite literally every box you could have: size, arm talent, mobility, toughness, etc. He's an extremely well-rounded guy on and off-the-field, and there should be no questions about his commitment to the sport. I'm still not entirely sure whether the Urban Meyer experiment is going to work in Jacksonville, but having a signal-caller like Lawrence to work with is an awfully good start.

Projected Range: Early first round

2. Justin Fields, Ohio State -- I'm not sure whether the Justin Fields dropping talk is all just a smoke-screen, or if the former Buckeye QB is going to actually drop outside the Top 5. I still have him as the second-best QB prospect in this cycle, a spot he has been locked into for some time now. Just look at his numbers while at Ohio State: 78 total touchdowns compared to just nine interceptions, nearly 6,000 yards of total offense and a completion percentage in the high 60 range. Those would be eye-popping numbers with two full seasons, but become even more impressive when you consider the shortened 2020 Big Ten season. It's not just the numbers either; he's an incredible athlete for the quarterback position, is an extremely tough kid, and I don't doubt his work ethic. The fact that he lost to Clemson in that heartbreaking semifinal game in 2019-20 and then come back and dominated a Tiger defense full of future NFL guys a year later says a lot to me about his competitiveness and comittment. He's not quite at Lawrence's level in my eyes, but is only just a step below.

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

3. Zach Wilson, BYU -- More and more it appears that Zach Wilson is going to be the No. 2 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, especially now that Sam Darnold is in Carolina. I can understand why NFL people are high on him; he's probably got the best arm out of any QB prospect in this Draft and plays with a certain flash that you can't really teach. What I will say is that I think too many people are overlooking his flaws, and he does have some. For one, he did deal with injury problems throughout his time at BYU that limited his body of work quite a bit. He had a tremendous 2020 season, but are we reading into a shortened season too much? Particularly when you consider BYU's competition, through no fault of their own, was one of the worst among Top 25 teams? Wilson also did play behind a Cougar offensive line, which was rated the 12th best in the nation last year, according to Pro Football Focus. I'm not sure he'll enjoy that luxury in 2021, playing behind a New York Jets offensive line that could be among the worst in the NFL. I still think Wilson is probably worthy of a Top 5 selection, but I still remained fairly shocked at how many people are not just rating him the No. 2 QB in this Draft, but even putting him over Lawrence for the top spot.

Projected Range: Early first round

4. Trey Lance, North Dakota State -- Lawrence, Fields and Wilson all used impressive 2020 seasons to either rise up draft boards, or strengthen their respective positions near the top of the Draft. NDSU's Trey Lance didn't get that opportunity, as the 2020 FCS season was moved to the spring, making it nearly impossible for him to compete in any serious manner. Lance still did a chance to play in 2020 thanks to an exhibition contest versus Central Arkansas in October, where he went for 149 yards and two touchdowns, but there's not very much you can take away from that. Instead, any tape we have on Lance is from 2019, where he threw for 28 touchdowns and zero interceptions, the most attempts in NCAA history without an INT. That type of efficiency is mind-boggling, and he did it in an offense that utilizes a lot of NFL concepts. With that being said, I'd still like to see a fuller body of work from Lance to propel him up boards and over the trio in front of him. He's a great athlete with a tremendous arm, but there are some finer points of playing quarterback that i'm not sold on just yet from him. Even so, if he does drop a little bit, potentially outside of the Top 10, he could be a real steal in the right system.

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

5. Mac Jones, Alabama -- No matter where he ends up being drafted, Mac Jones is a great story. He was a three-star prospect out of Florida who signed in the history-making 2017 Alabama recruiting class, before waiting his turn behind both Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa. When he finally got his chance, in 2020, he had to fend off five-star true freshman Bryce Young to hold onto the starting job. He did just that, and proceeded to put together a Heisman-level season, tossing for 4,500 and 41 touchdowns. As he prepares for the next step, he's enjoyed a bunch of positive media attention, rising from a fringe first-rounder to potential Top 3 selection. I'm not completely shocked at the adoration coming his way, but to me, Mac Jones is a fairly average quarterback prospect. His arm talent is good but far from great, he's not exactly a world-class athlete, and he was aided by potentially the greatest receiver corps in the history of college football. He still has many of the attributes that can make him solid and I get the feeling he's the type of prospect that can be a ten-year, productive starter in the NFL. I don't see him ever being a Pro Bowler or superstar, which gives me a first or second-round grade on him.

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

Sleeper: Feleipe Franks, Arkansas

I have to give credit where credit is due. When Feleipe Franks transferred to Arkansas after losing his job at Florida to Kyle Trask, I didn't think there was any chance he would put together a productive season for the rebuilding Razorbacks. Instead, he went for 2,107 yards and 17 touchdowns (just four INT), while showing excellent command of an Arkansas offense that was much better than expected. It wasn't enough to push him into the upper echelon of this QB class, but should be enough to land him on an NFL roster. In fact, I'm surprised there isn't more attention being given to the SEC veteran, as he has a lot of attributes the NFL loves, such as size (6'6") and pure arm strength.

Projected Range: Late fourth round to early seventh round

Runningbacks

1. Najee Harris, Alabama -- On just about any other team than the 2020 Crimson Tide, Najee Harris would have been a Top 3 Heisman finisher and a first-round lock. He pounded opposing defenses to the tune of 1,466 yards and 26 touchdowns despite the shortened SEC schedule. He just so happened to play on an Alabama offense that had record-setting production from both their quarterback and top receiver, overshadowing what he was able to do on the gridiron. Harris shouldn't be overlooked when it comes to the Draft, as he checks box after box. He's not exactly a burner and has always been considered a power runner, but he's also shown more elusiveness and shiftiness than given credit for. Harris is also a really soldi receiver out of the backfield and a good blocker. The fact that the NFL continues to devalue the running back position likely drops him to the late first or early second, but he's a better prospect than that.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round

2. Travis Etienne, Clemson -- Etienne is another guy whose collegiate career was overshadowed by a superstar quarterback playing with him in the backfield, but he still wraps up in his Tiger career as one of the best to ever put on a Clemson uniform. The speedster came to Clemson as a relatively unheard of three-star recruit before exploding for 766 yards as a true freshman. He built on that with two consecutive 1,600 yard campaigns before a 914-mark in 2020. His speed and explosiveness fills a highlight tape well, but he's actually a fairly proven workhorse for his size. I don't think he's as well-rounded of a prospect as Harris, but can still add some much-needed playmaking to any NFL roster. The jury's still out on whether he can be an every-down back in the league, but he's still worthy of a pick anywhere in the second round.

Projected Range: Early to late second round

3. Trey Sermon, Ohio State -- Recency bias may be playing a role in Trey Sermon's ranking here, but how could you watch that Big Ten Championship and semifinal against Clemson and not be blown away by the Buckeye back? He followed up a 331-yard performance against a physical Northwestern defense by going for 193 against Clemson in the national semifinal. If not for an injury sustained on the first drive in the National Championship, he would've done much the same against a Tide defense that proved it was susceptible against the run in 2020. Considered more of a change-of-pace guy during his time at Oklahoma, Sermon's play in 2020 proved that he can be a legitimate every-down running back. He has an innate sense of patience and vision, and his ability to catch the ball and create could add an interesting layer to any NFL offense. He'll probably last into the middle rounds of this Draft, potentially giving an NFL team a really nice value play.

Projected Range: Early third round to late fourth round

4. Javonte Williams, UNC: Javonte Williams split time with Michael Carter over the past few seasons in Chapel Hill and still produced, including a 1,140 yard 2020 campaign. He's getting significant NFL buzz because of a nice mix of pure power and ideal speed, and he's also a real impact blocker out of the backfield. Williams is the type of runner that plays like there's no tomorrow, a battering ram in pads who loves contact. Despite playing each of the last three seasons for UNC, at 366 career carries, he doesn't have too much wear and tear, giving him fairly nice value in the second or third rounds. He's not as big of a name as a Harris or Etienne, but could still challenge him to the top RB off the board.

Projected Range: Early to late second round

5. Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis: Another prospect whose career track likely changed in a major way because of COVID-19, Kenneth Gainwell is somewhat tough to get a read on. He was absolutely dominant in 2019, totaling over 2,000 yards of total offense and 16 touchdowns. Gainwell was well on his way to becoming one of the biggest names in college football before opting out prior to the 2020 season, due to the fact his family had suffered severe health ramifications due to COVID. His opt-out was understandable, but it left with him with less game tape than others in the cycle. We know he's a speed demon with an impressive amount of versatility, but he was sometimes inconsistent in college, and played in an offense quite different than what is ran in the NFL. Some team will still be creative in how they're able to use him, but he's probably a Day 2 or 3 prospect at this point.

Projected Range: Early third round to mid-fourth round

Sleeper: Pooka Williams Jr., Kansas

Even though Kansas football won six games over two-plus seasons when Pooka Williams was on the field, he still asserted himself as one of the premier playmakers in the Big 12. In his first two seasons with the Jayhawks, Williams recorded 2,500 yards of total offense and 14 touchdowns, even though the entire stadium knew he was going to be fed the football. Despite being undersized at 5'9", 175 pounds, he showed no fear of fighting through contact, and he also displayed real burst in the open field. There are concerns here which are likely to drop him to the later rounds. In addition to being undersized, Williams was charged with domestic battery in late 2018 and served just a one-game suspension. The talent is there for him to be really interesting, but the lack of size likely means his NFL career will be short, but exciting.

Projected Range: Mid-fifth round to undrafted

Receivers

1. DeVonta Smith, Alabama -- DeVonta Smith is coming off not just a record-setting, Heisman 2020 but an illustrious Alabama career that will lock him in as one of the best to ever play at the position in Tuscaloosca. Yet, most mocks have him as the No. 2 wide out off the board and usually dropping outside of the Top 10. The primary reasons are that he weighs in a little light for an NFL receiver, as well as the fact he may not have as high of a ceiling as others in this Draft. Fair concerns in some ways, but Smith is still my favorite wide receiver prospect of this cycle. He opted to come back to Alabama to polish his skill set and did just that, improving his burst off the line and his route running. His ball skills and catch radius have always been elite, but he's worked to take that to another level as well. Simply put, there are no mysteries with Smith; while other wide outs may have more long-term upside, Smith is not going to bust. 

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

2. Ja'Marr Chase, LSU -- There's a lot of split opinions when it comes to Ja'Marr Chase. On one side, scouts and personnel see him as a generational type receiver prospect who will acclimate to the pace and speed of the NFL incredibly fast. On the other, there are those who would've liked to see him come back in 2020 and build on his Biletnikoff-winning 2019, and have concerns about his route running and overall polish. I'm somewhere in between both camps; I loved Chase as a college wide out and there's no question he dominated a host of future NFL defensive backs while at LSU, but he occasionally took plays off, and some of the finer fundamental parts of the game are questions. He's built stronger than Smith, although their speed and ball skills are pretty much even. There's more boom-or-bust potential here than in his Alabama counterpart, so landing in the right system will be of extra importance.

Projected Range: Early first round

3. Jaylen Waddle, Alabama -- It's easy to forget that, prior to his broken ankle, Jaylen Waddle was putting together the best impressive season of any Tide wide out, not DeVonta Smith. However, Waddle was lost for pretty much the entire year and even when he did come back, like his appearance in the National Championship, it was short-lived. Waddle has undeniable breakaway speed and explosiveness that you can't teach and can be an impactful piece on special teams as well as receiver. He still has areas of his game to polish, but the physical attributes are truly tantalizing. The injury concerns have a chance to drop him somewhere in the 10-15 range, but he's the type of prospect that can really add a dynamic element to any offense. In most cycles, he'd probably be the top wide out off the board, without much question.

Projected Range: Mid to late first round

4. Kadarius Toney, Florida -- As fun as the top three receivers in this Draft are, there's perhaps none more exciting than Florida product Kadarius Toney. Toney reminds me so much of Percy Harvin coming out of college, and they played a similar role in Dan Mullen's offense. He can line up on the outside, in the slot, or even in the backfield if needed. You can run him deep to occupy a safety, set him up for a screen pass where he can take it the distance, or run him over the middle and see what he can do. Toney won't be able to completely blow things open quite the way he did in college, but players with this type of playmaking ability can still make things happen. Injury concerns could threaten to drop him to the late first round or early second, but he'll make an impact wherever he goes.

Projected Range: Late first round to early second round

5. Rashod Bateman, Minnesota -- As a huge Minnesota Golden Gopher fan, I'm obviously a huge fan of Rashod Bateman, and I've watched him develop from a freshman oozing with potential to a bonafide superstar. In just about anything other draft, I'd say Bateman was a Top 15 prospect and the top receiver in the draft but with this loaded class, he falls down the board slightly. With that being said, Bateman still has just about any tool an NFL team could want, from speed and route running to NFL-ready hands. Some of the catches he made during his Minnesota career were truly astounding, and he proved that he could play in the slot or on the perimeter and make things happen. Bateman will probably last until the middle or later first round, giving some team another huge steal possibility.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round

Sleeper: Tamorrion Terry, Florida State

As a redshirt freshman in 2018, Tamorrion Terry set multiple Florida State records, with the most receiving yards by a freshman in program history (744) and the most receiving touchdowns (8) since 2011. Terry built on that with a huge 2019 season in which he had 1,188 yards, before returning for an incredibly frustrating 2020 season in which the FSU passing game was nearly nonexistent. Even without a reliable QB to get him the ball, the Seminole wide out was able to flash elite hands, with the ability to catch and control the ball in traffic. At 6'4" with impressive leaping ability, he has the raw tools to be a tremendous jump-ball receiver, and continue to be a factor in tight spaces. Despite impressive production given the circumstances in Tallahassee, Terry is projected to go anywhere from the third to fifth rounds. He's much more talented than that range, but will have to regain focus after the frustrating fall.

Projected Range: Early third round to late fifth round

Tight Ends

1. Kyle Pitts, Florida -- Even though tight ends are being drafted higher and higher in today's NFL, it's been awhile since we've seen a player at this position enter the Draft with as much hype as Kyle Pitts. Pitts is coming off a history-breaking 2020 season in which he finished Top 10 in Heisman voting, the first TE to do so since Ken MacAfee in the late 1970s. Pitts is an absolute matchup nightmare; he's got a true NFL tight end frame, but his quickness and burst off the line resemble a receiver. He's got a tremendous feel of finding space against zone coverage, and will blow apart nearly any defender in man coverage. He was aided by all the weapons on Florida's offense this year, but that shouldn't be a knock against him, considering he was the most lethal of them all. Pitts is a legitimate Top 10 prospect in this cycle, if not Top 5. He's the type of generational tight end prospect that you simply don't see very often, and I'd be shocked if either San Francisco or Atlanta didn't take a stab at him.

Projected Range: Early first round

2. Brevin Jordan, Miami (FL) -- There's a pretty notable drop-off at this position following Pitts, although Brevin Jordan's still a Day One or early Day Two talent. Jordan was a multiyear, consistent contributor for the Hurricanes in his collegiate career, and was by far and away their best pass-catcher in 2020. He still had his games where he would disappear for a few series, but seemed to play with more confidence and poise this fall than in year's past. The big question for him is whether he can improve as a blocker, where he has shown potential, but still needs work. I like him more than Pat Freiermuth because of Jordan is a superior athlete in my mind, but either one would be a nice second round selection.

Projected Range: Early second round to mid-third round

3. Pat Freiermuth, Penn State -- After a productive freshman season in 2018, Pat Freiermuth really exploded onto the scene in '19, going for 507 yards and seven touchdowns. He proved to be the most reliable part of the Penn State aerial attack, beyond do-it-all K.J. Hamler. 2020 was supposed to be the year where he took the next step and asserted himself as the best in the country, but PSU's passing game was atrocious, and he wasn't healthy. Even so, the former Nittany Lion has proven to be a really effective pass-catcher with good height and an ideal build. He's not as fast or naturally athletic as a Pitts or Jordan, but is more of your traditional, throwback tight end. 

Projected Range: Mid-second round to late third round

4. Hunter Long, Boston College -- There's another drop-off beyond the top tight end trio, although Hunter Long is vastly underrated in my mind. He showed flashes in 2019 as part of an underwhelming Boston College offense, but really broke out this past season, when he went for 57 receptions, 685 yards, and five touchdowns. Long proved that he was a crisp route runner, excellent at catching the ball in traffic, and a decent blocker. He isn't anywhere close to the athlete that other tight ends are in this class, but will probably have to get by as a role player in an NFL offense. He does offer some upside as a middle-round selection, if he can continue to get stronger.

Projected Range: Early fourth round to late fifth round

5. Kylen Granson, SMU -- Kylen Granson began his collegiate career as a little-known pass-catcher at Rice before eventually transferring to SMU, where he evolved into one of the country's best tight ends. In 2019, he recorded 721 yards and nine touchdowns before following it up with a 536-yard, five touchdowns performance in 2020. He leaves with a host of Mustang tight end records, but projects somewhere late in the NFL Draft, or possibly even undrafted. One of the primary concerns is that he's undersized for the position, at 6'2", 242 pounds. That really limits him as a blocker, especially once he gets to the NFL, a whole different animal than what he saw in the American Athletic. As a pure pass-catcher he has a lot of interesting tools, but the lack of size really limits what he can end up being.

Projected Range: Mid-fourth round to undrafted

Sleeper: Matt Bushman, BYU -- With how successful BYU was in 2020, it may be easy to forget that they were missing possibly their best pass-catcher in tight end Matt Bushman. Bushman led the team in receiving each of the last three seasons before rupturing his Achilles prior to the fall. He's the classic case of a guy getting hurt at the wrong time, particularly when we saw what Zach Wilson was able to do in 2020. When he was 100 percent, Bushman was about as reliable as you can get, dropping just two passes on 140 catchable targets over his career. He also showed fairly impressive wiggle and elusiveness for a player of his size, and he could end up being a pretty decent athlete at the next level if he can get back from the Achilles. 

Projected Range: Early sixth round to undrafted

Offensive Line

1. Penei Sewell, Oregon -- If not for the host of QB-needy teams at the top of this Draft, Penei Sewell would be undoubtedly the No. 1 overall pick. After becoming the first Oregon freshman to start in over two decades, Sewell dominated in 2019, where he was an All-American and even received Heisman votes. Sewell ended up opting out of the abbreviated Pac-12 season, but that shouldn't effect his stock too much considering all the chaos surrounding the 2020 campaign. He's still the top edge blocker in the cycle, with excellent footwork, a well-built frame, and a very natural feel for the position. Sewell will still need refinement, especially now that he has missed about a year of real game speed, but I really don't see a lot of notable weaknesses in his game. If there any questions about what this guy can do against NFL talent, simply go back and watch the game tape of his play against Auburn in 2019. He absolutely dominated a group that included Derrick Brown and several other future professional pass rushers.

Projected Range: Early first round

2. Rashawn Slater, Northwestern -- Much like Sewell, Rashawn Slater choose to opt out of his league's shortened 2020 season and instead prepare for the NFL Draft. However, Slater still asserted himself as an incredibly reliable blocker at the collegiate level as a two-year starter through 2018 and '19. The Northwestern product really fit the mantra and attitude of the program, as a physical mauler who might not jump off the page physically, but produces week-in, week-out. The questions about Slater surround what exactly he's going to be in the NFL; he's played primarily tackle through college, but some NFL folks think he'll be a guard in the pros. He's got the athleticism to play either, and moved incredibly well for a 304-pound tackle. Much like Sewell, Slater's also got some game tape that probably earn him a spot in the Top 10, as he shut down Chase Young back in 2019.

Projected Range: Early to mid-first round

3. Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State -- There's a bunch of differing opinions on Oklahoma State's Teven Jenkins the closer we get to the Draft. There's a significant contingent of people who think he'll end up somewhere in the late first, but there's also some thought he could slip into Day Two. Part of the differing opinions is because Jenkins has the tools and makeup to be a highly successful starter, but there's questions about his work ethic and commitment. He was an experienced piece of the Cowboy offensive line the last three seasons and helped spur the way for Chuba Hubbard's success, while gaining a reputation for being a particular ferocious blocker. Jenkins moves pretty well for his size (6'6", 320 pounds) and has excellent footwork for his age. I think he will end up being a reliable contributor at the next level, but the off-the-field concerns are there.

Projected Range: Late first to late second round

4. Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech -- Most mock drafts you'll see have Christian Darrisaw usually listed somewhere in the Top 20, but there's also quite a bit of debate surrounding the former Virginia Tech Hokie. Darrisaw does have a healthy amount of experience, as a three year starter in Blacksburg who primarily played left tackle. He earned a reputation as a superb athlete who played with quite a bit of finesse as a blocker. It worked well in college, as he was All-ACC in both 2019 and 2020, but NFL people wonder if he has the necessary toughness and mean streak needed to be a successful tackle in the pros. It may be a valid concern, but Darrisaw checks enough boxes for me that I'd be surprised if he busted. He might not have the potential of other linemen in this class, but his floor is higher.

Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round

5. Alex Leatherwood, Alabama -- Alabama is an absolute factory for just about every position group and that includes the offensive line, where they've sent a host of talented blockers to the NFL in recent years. Next up is Alex Leatherwood, who contributed from Day One with the Tide and leaves as an incredibly accomplished blocker. After appearing in seven games for 'Bama in 2017, he took over as guard in 2018 before moving to his more natural tackle spot the last two years. Although he still had some issues with consistency each of the last two years, he was still impressive enough to win the Outland Trophy as the nation's best O-Linemen in 2020. His long list of accomplishments, as well as his ideal weight and height makes him a really interesting prospect. You'd assume a guy like that would be a first-round lock, but there's a fairly good chance he drops into the second round. I don't claim to be an expert when projecting offensive linemen, but I can't imagine any reason why a guy like this would last so long.

Projected Range: Late first round to mid-second round

Sleeper: Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater

After an incredibly successful career at Division III powerhouse Wisconsin-Whitewater, Quinn Meinerz has become somewhat of a cult hero in this year's NFL Draft. He came out an dominated at the Senior Bowl against top-notch competition, allowing him to rise from a fringe draft selection to a likely mid-rounder. A former wrestler, Meinerz plays with the type of bruising strength and power you need on the interior O-Line. He's also got the chip on his shoulder mentality that he needs to go from a small-school to the bright lights of the NFL. I wouldn't be shocked at all if he goes a lot higher than projections have him, which is somewhere from the third to fifth rounds.

Projected Range: Mid-third round to late fifth round

Spring Football 2021: Top Quarterback Competitions to Watch

Myles Brennan, LSU

Most of the attention around the college football world has turned to the upcoming NFL Draft, but it's also an important time for programs all across the country. Spring practices and spring games are officially taking place as teams look forward to a (hopefully!) more normal 2021 season. Spring football is oftentimes the first chance players get to make an impression in position battles, especially at the quarterback position. While these competitions will likely last into fall camp, spring practice provides the initial first step. Here are the QB battles sure to garner the most interest this college football off-season:

Arkansas Razorbacks

Competitors: K.J. Jefferson (RS Soph.), Malik Hornsby (RS Fr.), John Stephen Jones (RS Jr.)

Arkansas flashed enough in Sam Pittman's first season for this team to be an interesting watch heading into 2021. Feliepe Franks had a productive final season in the SEC after multiple years at Florida, but his absence shouldn't be completely impossible to replace. The early prognosis for this job is that it will likely be a two-man race between redshirt sophomore K.J. Jefferson and redshirt freshman Malik Hornsby. Jefferson has seen playing time in both of the last two seasons, including a start in 2020 against Missouri when he went 18-33 for 274 yards. That edge in experience should make him the early favorite, but Hornsby is talented enough to see the field. The former four-star recruit is a proven dual threat who has is more elusive as a runner than the 6'3" Jefferson. He's still extremely raw as a passer but could be a better fit in Kendall Briles' offense than either Jefferson or dark horse John Stephen Jones. In the first major scrimmage of the spring, Jefferson got the "start" and played well, going 10-15 for two touchdowns. It's foolish to read too much into scrimmages, but Jefferson is still likely to leave spring with the slight edge, although this could be really fascinating to watch.

Favorite: Jefferson

Florida State Seminoles

Competitors: McKenzie Milton (RS Sr.), Jordan Travis (RS So.), Chubba Purdy (RS Fr.)

After a frustrating 3-6 debut campaign, Mike Norvell knows he needs to show that this Florida State program is progressing in Year Two. The offense in particular really needs to make some leaps forward, and there is a really complex three-way race shaping up here. McKenzie Milton is the biggest name, a former UCF transfer who was once a Heisman Trophy finisher under Scott Frost. He suffered a scary leg injury near the conclusion of the 2018 season and is still working his way back to 100 percent. Milton has been cleared to play by the FSU staff and he is the most proven out of this trio, but he will still get pushed by Jordan Travis and Chubba Purdy. Travis made six starts in 2020 and while he isn't much of a passer, he proved he could handle running the offense. Purdy, the younger brother of Iowa State's star QB Brock, was a pretty big recruiting get for Norvell and made one start a season ago. He was never fully healthy last fall, but the expectation is that he should be at full health going forward. All three quarterbacks have an edge in some aspect of this competition; Milton is extremely accomplished and a star talent when healthy, Travis was the primary starter last season, and Purdy is probably the future of the position. A Milton at 100 percent will be tough to unseat, but it is a real possibility.

Favorite: Milton

LSU Tigers

Competitors: Myles Brennan (Sr.), T.J. Finley (Soph.), Max Johnson (So.), Garrett Nussmeier (Fr.)

LSU's National Title defense never quite got going in 2020, as the Tigers limped to a 5-5 mark that led to a major staff overhaul under head coach Ed Orgeron. Replacing Joe Burrow proved to be awfully difficult, although Myles Brennan was putting up solid numbers prior to a torn oblique after three games. His injury forced youngsters T.J. Finley and Max Johnson into extended action. Naturally, there were both growing pains, but both quarterbacks showed potential. Johnson in particular had a tremendous end to the 2020 season, leading LSU past Florida in an upset that spoiled any Gator CFB Playoff hopes. With Brennan healthy and Finley and Johnson both remaining on the roster, there could be a three-way race here. The LSU staff seems to still believe that Brennan is their guy, but I was super impressed with Johnson last year. He showed a toughness and grit that you really can't teach, and he seems to have more long-term potential than Brennan, who is a senior. It really is the classic QB competition scenario, with the veteran attempting to hold off the talented youngsters, who have shown flashes but are still relatively unproven. I would once assume Brennan enters fall camp in the lead, but Johnson is talented enough to not just push him, but take the starting job.

Favorite: Brennan

Michigan Wolverines

Alan Bowman (Sr.) , Cade McNamara (Jr.), J.J. McCarthy (Fr.)

Another team coming off a frustrating 2020 campaign, Michigan will oversee a three-way race that represents a modern college football QB battle. On one hand, there is the veteran transfer in former Texas Tech QB Alan Bowman, a grad transfer who had his moments in Lubbock but just couldn't stay healthy. Then there's junior Cade McNamara, a signal-caller who appeared in four games and made one start in 2020. Finally, there's the highly touted true freshman, five-star J.J. McCarthy, who is considered the future at the position. There's really no clear favorite at this early point in the process; Bowman's edge in experience is notable, and he does appear to be a good fit in this Josh Gattis offense. However, he won't join the team until the summer, opening the door for McNamara and McCarthy. McNamara is the type of tough-minded quarterback that Jim Harbaugh loves, and he flashed enough in 2020 to have a real shot at the job. I'd assume McCarthy is unlikely to jump up the depth chart this soon, but the program is thrilled about his potential to be the difference-maker at a position that has been mostly average for much of the Harbaugh tenure. It's extremely tough to get a read on this race so soon, with Bowman and McNamara likely to enter summer as 1A and 1B. The fact that McNamara is here for spring and got valuable experience in 2020 might give him the slight edge.

Favorite: McNamara

Ohio State Buckeyes

Competitors: C.J. Stroud (RS Fr.), Jack Miller (RS Fr.), Kyle McCord (Fr.)

The quest to replace Justin Fields in Columbus begins this spring, with a trio of youngsters set to square off. Both C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller are former big-name recruits who arrived on campus prior to last season, but never really got an opportunity to show what they can do. Stroud scored a long rushing touchdown in the blowout win over Michigan State but outside of that, didn't see the field. Miller is much the same, not throwing a single pass in backup duties for Fields. Both have a long list of high school accolades and offer loads of potential, but the lack of experience makes it unclear who will be the early favorite. My guess would be that Stroud has the early advantage as a proven dual threat, but Miller should be able to push him. Arriving in the spring was yet another talented young quarterback, in five-star pro-style QB Kyle McCord. While McCord has been in the program for just a matter of weeks, he's already impressed onlookers with his arm talent, and ability to pick up the offense. The April 17th spring game may give us some indication of how this race is shaping up, but it will likely extend into fall camp. My guess is that Stroud will earn first-team reps, but any of these three could come out on top.

Favorite: Stroud

Oregon Ducks

Competitors: Anthony Brown (Sr.), Ty Thompson (Fr.), Jay Butterfield (RS Fr.), Robby Ashford (RS Fr.)

Oregon used a two-quarterback system throughout the extremely short 2020 Pac-12 slate, splitting time between Tyler Shough and former Boston College transfer Anthony Brown. Brown seemed to gain the upper hand later in the year, and the arrival of freshman Ty Thompson essentially forced Shough's hand, as he transferred to Texas Tech. That leaves Brown and Thompson as the primary leaders in the QB race, with a pair of redshirt freshmen, Jay Butterfield and Robby Ashford, also factoring in. Brown is the experienced option, starting with both BC and Oregon over his collegiate career. He's a strong runner that can be a playmaker, but he leaves a lot to be desired as a passer. Thompson isn't projected to be as skilled of a runner, but people have raved about his arm strength throughout his high school career. He also stands 6'4", 215 pounds and the expectation is that he will one day have an NFL future. So far, Brown has been taking first team snaps in the spring and I expect him to likely begin the year as the starter. However, Thompson is probably a better fit for what OC Joe Moorhead wants to do, and he has the higher ceiling. It could be a classic scenario where the veteran enters the year with the job, before the younger talent takes over the reigns.

Favorite: Brown

Tennessee Volunteers

Hendon Hooker (Sr.), Harrison Bailey (So.), Brian Maurer (RS Soph.), Kaidon Salter (Fr.)

It's a new era for Tennessee football, as Josh Heupel arrives as head coach and works to break in a new quarterback. Jarrett Guarantano, who has been the primary starter for the last four years, is off to Washington State, ushering in a new starter for Heupel to develop. Sophomore Harrison Bailey saw a healthy dosage of action in his first year in Knoxville, appearing in six games and making three starts. As a freshman thrown into the fire of the SEC, Bailey understandably had some major ups-and-downs, but he appears to have significant long-term potential. Another holdover from the Jeremy Pruitt era is Brian Maurer, who had eight starts in 2019 but saw his role diminished last season. He's talented enough to win the job and has some experience, but Maurer will need to have a tremendous spring to have any shot at overtaking others on this list. Heupel also welcomes in two newcomers in former Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker, as well as true frosh Kaidon Salter. Hooker had a very productive 2019 season after taking over as starter for the Hokies, with a 13-2 TD-INT ratio while displaying playmaking ability with his legs. He dealt with COVID issues in 2020 and never quite got going, so a change of scenery may be just what he needs. If Heupel is looking for the best option to win right away, one would assume Hooker has the edge. He was one of the top transfer quarterbacks on the market, and seems like he could be a nice fit in this offense. But, Bailey is the guy most around the program feel like is the future, and he will put up a strong fight going forward.

Favorite: Hooker

Texas

Casey Thompson (Jr.), Hudson Card (RS Fr.)

It's a brand new day in Austin as well, with the Longhorns beginning Steve Sarkisian's tenure and also breaking in a new signal-caller now that Sam Ehlinger is gone. Sarkisian has become well-known for leading explosive offenses just about everywhere he's gone, and the pieces are in place for this group to do much the same. While losing Ehlinger will hurt, Casey Thompson's tremendous performance in the Alamo Bowl victory over Colorado has fans excited. Thompson's not going to be the runner that Ehlinger was, but that could be a good thing, as his arm talent is an ideal fit for what Sarkisian and OC Kyle Flood want to run. Thompson still has to secure the job, as former highly touted recruit Hudson Card will give him a fight. Card appeared in just two games as a freshman, allowing him to retain his redshirt. It's certainly not enough of a sample to give us an idea of what type of signal-caller he will be, but those that have seen him in action are very high on him. Reports out of spring practice indicate that Thompson is taking most of the first team reps, but I wouldn't be shocked if this race lasts deeper into fall camp. 

Favorite: Thompson

Texas A&M

Zach Calzada (RS Soph.), Haynes King (RS Fr.), Eli Stowers (Fr.)

For the first time since taking over in College Station, Jimbo Fisher will be overseeing a quarterback competition. Departed Kellen Mond put together a tremendous Aggie career, but never was quite able to get over the top. His absence opens the door for a new quarterback to potentially do just that, although life in the SEC West is never that straightforward. The two primary favorites are redshirt sophomore Zach Calzada and redshirt freshman Haynes King. Calzada has the experience edge, although that isn't saying too much right now. He played in three games in 2019, which were all blowouts, coming against Texas State, Lamar, and UTSA. King appeared in two games last fall, rushing for 43 yards against Alabama and throwing for a score against South Carolina. The gem of the 2020 recruiting cycle, King is well-regarded in the state of Texas, and the expectation is that he should be able to acclimate to the new role quickly. Calzada may be able to push him, but he doesn't appear to have the long-term upside of King, at least not from what we've seen or heard. The dark horse in the race is true freshman Eli Stowers, a dual threat who enrolled early. He provides more playmaking potential than either Calzada or King, but you wonder how quickly he'll be able to acclimate to Fisher's offense.

Favorite: King

Other Races To Keep An Eye On

Boise State: Hank Bachmeier, Jack Sears

Florida: Emory Jones, Anthony Richardson

Kentucky: Beau Allen, Will Levis, Joey Gatewood

Memphis: Grant Gunnell, Peter Parrish, Keilon Brown

Notre Dame: Jack Coan, Brendon Clark, Tyler Buchner

Utah: Charlie Brewer, Ja'Quinden Jackson, Cam Rising, Peter Costelli

NFL Mock Draft 2021: Edition 3

Mac Jones, No. 3 to San Francisco

With the college basketball season now officially in the books, it's time to turn our attention to the next major sporting event on the calendar: the NFL Draft. It has been over two months since my last mock draft, and plenty of shuffling has occurred. San Francisco swapped spots with Miami to take pick No. 3, with the Dolphins then moving back up by swapping with Philadelphia. Sam Darnold has been dealt away from New York to Carolina, making it fairly obvious the Jets will be taking a new signal-caller at No. 2. Plus, pro days across the landscape have both helped and hurt the draft stocks of certain players. In short, there's plenty to update, so here we are.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

While we often have a good indication of who the No. 1 overall pick will be the closer we get to the NFL Draft, it's rarely this plainly obvious. There is absolutely no way Jacksonville doesn't draft Trevor Lawrence with the first pick, concluding a storyline that has persisted around Lawrence since his freshman year of college. Whether or not Urban Meyer was the right pick for the Jaguar head coach job, he gets a premier prize to work with right away.

2. New York Jets

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

It's beginning to look more and more like a foregone conclusion that Zach Wilson will be the second quarterback taken here. Sam Darnold is now officially gone, and Wilson helped his draft stock with an impressive showing at his pro day. I'm not as high on Wilson as others, but I do think he checks a lot of boxes as an accurate, athletic QB with loads of upside.

3. San Francisco 49ers

Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

San Francisco's decision to move up from pick No. 12 wasn't altogether shocking, but it made the Draft a whole lot more interesting. The Niners are firmly expected to go quarterback with this selection, but will it be Justin Fields, Trey Lance, or Mac Jones? All the current rumors seem to point to Jones being the guy, and he is fresh off a historical 2020 campaign. He might not have the upside of others at the top of this cycle, but he has a much higher floor.

4. Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Atlanta would love to take a long-term replacement for Matt Ryan in this Draft but with the top three off the board, I get a feeling that won't happen. A trade seems more likely but if they choose to stay put, Kyle Pitts is the move. The dynamic tight end was the first at his position in decades to receive Heisman votes, and he put up freaky numbers at his pro day, likely cementing him as a Top 10 pick.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

Penei Sewell, OL, Oregon

Recent scuttlebutt indicates that wide receiver may be in play for Cincinnati at pick five, but I still think that Penei Sewell is too good to pass up. The Oregon product is one of the most dominant O-Linemen prospects I can remember and he'd be a lock to go in the Top 3 in just about any other draft. The Bengals need to keep Joe Burrow upright and healthy, making this is a top priority.

6. Miami Dolphins

Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The decision by Miami to move back up to pick No. 6 seems to indicate they are hunting for a pass-catcher. Either Ja'Marr Chase or DeVonta Smith make sense, but Chase seems to be trending as the move here. The former Biletnikoff Award winner has all the tools to be a dominant wide out in the NFL, and his catch radius is superhuman.

7. Detroit Lions

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

I'm amazed at the fact that Justin Fields' stock seems to be trending in the wrong direction. This is still my second favorite QB prospect this cycle, and I think people have been quick to forget just how absolutely dominant he was during the full 2019 season. However, if he does drop, Detroit gets a great chance to get their QB of the future, as Fields has more long-term upside than newly acquired Jared Goff.

8. Carolina Panthers

Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern

Does Carolina make Trey Lance the fifth QB taken in the top eight picks? Perhaps, but they gave up quite a bit to acquire Darnold, seeming to indicate they might want to see what he has first. Instead, the Panthers go with offensive line, where Rashawn Slater offers quality value at No. 8. Although he opted out of 2020, Slater has a proven pedigree and should be a Top 10 selection.

9. Denver Broncos

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Another potential landing spot for Lance is just one pick later with Denver at nine, but I believe they'll give Drew Lock one more season. If that's the case, Denver turns to linebacker, where they lack athleticism to keep up with evolving NFL offenses. Micah Parsons should probably go higher based on his ability to impact the game, but the Broncos will be just fine if he slides to them at nine.

10. Dallas Cowboys

Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

All signs indicate that Dallas will either go offensive line or corner with the final selection of the first round. With both Sewell and Slater off the board, corner seems the most likely route. Patrick Surtain was a three-year contributor at Alabama who often played well beyond his years. At 6'2" and a shade over 200 pounds, he has ideal size for the cornerback position.

11. New York Giants

DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

The Giants are at a really interesting spot at pick No. 11. They have a few notable needs, from pass rusher to linebacker, as well as offensive line. However, it's not everyday a prospect of DeVonta Smith's caliber slips down this far. While New York upgraded their receiver corps by bringing on Kenny Golladay, Smith can be the long-term option at the position for Daniel Jones.

12. Philadelphia Eagles

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Receiver is a position Philadelphia has been mocked throughout the pre-Draft process, but their decision to move down might indicate they aren't putting a major emphasis on the position. Instead, they choose to focus on another key concern: cornerback. If Patrick Surtain were to last to them he'd be the pick, but Jaycee Horn is not a bad consolation. He continues to rise up draft boards, and there's a good chance he could sneak into the Top 10.

13. Los Angeles Chargers

Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC

The Chargers have a massive hole at left tackle they'll need to address some time in this Draft. One would suspect they will do it early on, even with Sewell and Slater off the board. I suspect Los Angeles stays in the area to snag Vera-Tucker from USC. The former Trojan won the Morris Trophy in 2020, given to the Pac-12's best linemen on either offense or defense.

14. Minnesota Vikings

Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

The recent incident involving former first-rounder Jeff Gladney makes cornerback a possibility here, but I still suspect the Vikings go offensive line. Christian Darrisaw doesn't have the name recognition of other linemen at the top of this Draft, but he was a multi-year contributor at Virginia Tech and one of the most consistent blockers in all of college football.

15. New England Patriots

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

I think there's probably a good chance that Trey Lance goes much higher than this, with a QB-needy team likely to move up to grab him. But if not, this has the feeling of a typical New England draft pick, snatching up a sliding talent. While the Patriots brought back Cam Newton for 2021, he clearly is not the long-term answer. With his athleticism and arm strength, Lance could be.

16. Arizona Cardinals

Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

I contemplated Jaylen Waddle going here because of his fit in that explosive Arizona offense, but the more likely scenario is at cornerback. The Cardinals really struggled to defend the pass in 2020 and they reside in a division that now includes Russell Wilson and Matt Stafford. Caleb Farley makes the most sense, as a high-upside talent that can work in a variety of different defenses.

17. Las Vegas Raiders

Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

I get the feeling that Las Vegas will either go offensive line or pass rusher here. There are plenty of options available at both spots, but Teven Jenkins' rise up draft boards makes him a superb candidate. The physical blocker played primarily tackle in college but could shift inside to guard at the next level. Either way, Jenkins is the type of mauler Jon Gruden would love to have leading his rush offense.

18. Miami Dolphins

Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)

I'm split on Gregory Rousseau and what he projects to be at the next level. On one hand, he was incredibly productive during his time at Miami, and has ideal NFL size. On the other, he really only played one full season for the Hurricanes, and his pro day showing was less than ideal. He should still land in the Top 20 somewhere, and why not stay in the area by adding to the Dolphin pass rush?

19. Washington Football Team

Zaven Collins, DE/LB, Tulsa

Chase Young and Washington's D-Line is tremendous, but they lack the type of athletes at linebacker needed to really make this front seven formidable. Enter Zaven Collins, one of the most impactful defenders available in the first round. A former high school quarterback, Collins put together a historical Tulsa career that concluded with him taking home the Nagurski and Bednarik Awards as the nation's best defender.

20. Chicago Bears

Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

I'm never quite sure what Chicago's game-plan is entering the NFL Draft, and that's especially true in 2021. Andy Dalton is not the future guy at QB, but it's highly unlikely they trade up for one of the top five at this point. They need help at corner as well, but the top three at that position are also off the board. That makes offensive line sort of a default selection right now, although it could use an upgrade. Samuel Cosmi is a tremendous athlete who stands 6'7".

21. Indianapolis Colts

Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan

Indianapolis is yet another team with a variety of different needs. Either offensive line or defensive line could be in play, as well as cornerback. Kwity Paye is one of the best players available here, and adds a dynamic pass rusher to the Colts roster. Paye is one of the best athletes at his position in this Draft, and still made his impact felt in 2020, despite only playing in four games.

22. Tennessee Titans

Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State

Adoree' Jackson signed a big contract with New York a few weeks ago, opening up a hole in Tennessee's secondary. They would obviously love if one of the bigger-name corners were to drop to them at this spot, but Asante Samuel Jr. is still worthy of this selection. Although he was extremely inconsistent while at Florida State, he flashed NFL speed and ball skills.

23. New York Jets

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

It's difficult to project where Jaylen Waddle will land in this Draft. He's the consensus No. 3 WR prospect behind Chase and Smith, but could go anywhere from Top 10 to the bottom of the first round. His speed and versatility are a major plus, but you wonder if his ankle injury in 2020 could scare some teams away. The Jets should be willing to take a chance on him at this pick, opening up a new target for Zach Wilson.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

James Conner is still a free agent at the time of publishing, and it's likely that Pittsburgh chooses to move on at the position. Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland have shown flashes, but I doubt that they will be the workhorse back Mike Tomlin covets. Najee Harris proved he could be an every-down option with Alabama, and he's fresh off a dominant 2020 that was overshadowed by teammates DeVonta Smith and Mac Jones.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama

With Trevor Lawrence in the fold, Jacksonville does the classic NFL Draft move of using their next selection to protect him. Most of the bigger name offensive linemen should be long gone by the time the Jaguars make this pick, but Alex Leatherwood still offers great value. He likely would have been a first-rounder in 2020, but decided to stay for one more year in Tuscaloosca.

26. Cleveland Browns

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

Linebacker was a major weak spot for Cleveland in 2020 and they'll likely address it early on in this Draft. There are a wide variety of options available, but few are as impactful as Notre Dame product Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. He had a breakout 2020 with the Irish, winning the Butkus Award given to the nation's best linebacker.

27. Baltimore Ravens

Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Pass rusher could be in contention at pick 27 for Baltimore considering Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon are gone, but it will be difficult to pass up Rashod Bateman. The former Golden Gopher was 2019's Big Ten Receiver of the Year, and his ball skills and route running are already at NFL levels. Bateman is a Top 15 talent in just about every draft but this one, which is absolutely loaded at wide out.

28. New Orleans Saints

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

With Drew Brees officially retired, New Orleans will turn to either Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston at QB. For a team that has Super Bowl aspirations, neither choice is very promising. The Saints can remedy the situation by bringing in further receiver help. Enter Kadarius Toney, a dynamic playmaker who reminds me a lot of Percy Harvin when he was coming out of Gainesville.

29. Green Bay Packers

Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

Picking which direction Green Bay chooses to go in the Draft is always difficult, and that's the case once more in 2021. Receiver, O-Line and corner should all be in play, but Nick Bolton is a tremendous value play at this spot. Bolton is slightly undersized, which could drop him to the late first or early second, but he was incredibly productive at Missouri and you can't teach his natural instincts.

30. Buffalo Bills

Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami (FL)

Buffalo's draft strategy the last few seasons has been all about "best player available" wherever they are, and I suspect that strategy will be utilized in 2021. Jaelan Phillips is undoubtedly a first-rounder, but he could slide slightly based on how many quality pass rushers are available in this Draft. He's a former high-profile recruit who transferred from UCLA and had eight sacks in the shortened 2020 campaign.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

The struggles by Kansas City's offensive line in the Super Bowl likely moved the position group up on their priority list and that was before Eric Fischer and Mitchell Schwartz were cut. Ideally, a guy like Cosmi or Leatherwood would slide to the bottom of the first, but Jalen Mayfield is instead the selection. Mayfield's incredibly young, just 20, and a little bit of a project, but the upside is there.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jayson Oweh, DE/LB, Penn State

Even though the Buccaneers choose to resign Shaq Barrett, edge rusher is always at a premium in the late first round. Jayson Oweh is a really interesting prospect; he's an athletic freak that will blow you away with some of the stuff he does. However, his production never quite matched his talent while at Penn State, and he will need to land in the right situation to really get going.