Matt Miller's Way Too Early 2021 NFLGM Mock Draft
by Cetter44 | 4 years ago | 0 Comments
Matt Miller’s Way Too Early 2021 NFLGM Mock Draft
1.01 Washington Football Team QB, RB, OL
QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
After another disappointing season for the Washington Football Team, it is likely time to move on from Dwayne Haskins. Lawrence is likely the best quarterback prospect out of college since Andrew Luck. At 6’6 220 pound, Lawrence possess everything you want in a modern era signal caller. He will look to improve off an impressive high school and college resume and finally bring hope back to the nation’s capital.
1.02 Minnesota Vikings DE, LB, OL, QB
QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State
The Vikings find themselves on the clock earlier in the draft than they would’ve hoped. Any time a team with Super Bowl aspirations picks second its disappointing. The good news is that they will get to fill their coffers with a high-end prospect. Few players have more unknown and uncertainty than Trey Lance, but many believe he draws Michael Vick comps. The former Bison threw for 28 touchdowns to zero interceptions as a redshirt freshman while adding 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. While he may be a little rawer than someone like Justin Fields, the upside is there, and the Vikings must be willing to take a shot on that.
1.03 Jacksonville Jaguars OT, QB, TE
LT Penei Sewell, Oregon
The Jacksonville Jaguars pick early once again and are tasked with a difficult decision, do they get a franchise left tackle or do they grab their quarterback of the future? The Jaguars are in full blown rebuild and must take the best player available in my opinion. That best player is easily Penei Sewell. Sewell is a big boy at 6’6, 330 pounds but he doesn’t move like he’s that big. Many experts compare him to Jason Peters, a perennial Pro Bowler. The Jags should take the sure thing here, a transcending prospect in Penei Sewell.
1.04 Carolina Panthers QB, OLB, OL
QB Justin Fields, Ohio State
The Teddy Bridgewater experiment needs to come to an end. Sure, the Panthers are somewhat rebuilding but when a great quarterback prospect is available, you jump. Justin Fields is the answer in Carolina. Fields set the world on fire in his first year in Columbus accounting for 51 total touchdowns. Fields possess enough arm talent to make all the throws required. For the last five years Trevor Lawrence have been neck and neck in their class and it is no different here. Fields is a safer pick than Trey Lance, but the Panthers will happily select Fields to be their field general.
1.05 Las Vegas Raiders QB, LT, OLB
LT Samuel Cosmi, Texas
The Raiders pick in the top 5 after another disappointing season with needs throughout their roster. Cosmi is an elite pass blocker but is a little slower developing on the run blocking front. Cosmi probably is a mid-first round talent but the Raiders always love to reach and that’s exactly what they do here. The Raiders would love a quarterback but with Lawrence, Lance, and Fields off the board it would be too big of a reach at this point in the draft.
1.06 Chicago Bears QB, OL, LB
LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
Parsons is a true do it all linebacker. Built at 6’3 244 pounds, he can rush the passer a bit, shut down the run game, and is a good enough athlete to cover tight ends and running backs in space. Parsons paired with Roquan Smith will make a dynamic duo for the next decade.
1.07 Los Angeles Chargers OL, MLB, FS
OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
The Chargers grabbed Justin Herbert in the 2020 class, following a disappointing 6-10 season some fans are ready to move on. Unfortunately, with Lawrence, Fields, and Lance off the board that isn’t an option this high in the draft. The Chargers should show faith in their sophomore signal caller and get him some help. The Chargers desperately need help on the offensive line. With needs at numerous spots, there are few options better than Alex Leatherwood. Alex showed that he had the potential to become an elite tackle during his time in the SEC. While its not sexy, Chargers fans, and especially Justin Herbert, should rejoice at this selection.
1.08 Miami Dolphins OT, DL, RB, WR
WR Ja’Marr Chase, Louisiana State University
The Dolphins enter the 2021 NFLGM Draft with talent scatter throughout the roster, unfortunately following another losing season there is still room for improvement. Chase will likely be the best wide receiver prospect to come out in the last ten years. Chase draws comparisons to Julio Jones despite only being 6’1, 208 pounds. The Dolphins can finally give Tua a true #1 receiver to dominate the AFC East with.
1.09 New York Jets RT, OLB, WR
CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State
The Jets unfortunately find themselves picking in the top 10 after a down season. Pode Mode and company must look to right the ship. Each divisional game they square off again Stefon Diggs, K’Neal Harry, and now Ja’Marr Chase. With that said the Jets must get a true number one corner. In a deep cornerback class, Shaun Wade is the man for the job. Wade would’ve been a first-round pick last season but decided to return to school. After the Big Ten season was cancelled Wade’s father, Randy, lead the “Let us play!” campaign outside the Big Ten league office. The protest was heard, the Big Ten fired Kevin Warren and got the football season back on track. Wade balled out and showed that he wasn’t simply another part of an elite Buckeyes secondary but that he was the Buckeye’s secondary. The Jets get a shutdown corner to help for the next decade.
1.10 Arizona Cardinals IOL, OLB, DE
OG Trey Smith, Tennessee
It is rare for interior offensive lineman to be picked in the top ten but once or twice per decade it will happen. The last one to go top ten was Quentin Nelson and we all know how good he became. Trey Smith is one of the few players in the NCAA to be able to hold his own against Javon Kinlaw. Smith possess elite foot work and is a true brick wall at the point of attack. Due to his athleticism he could easily move outside to play tackle in a pinch.
1.11 Detroit Lions OL, DT, OLB
LB Dylan Moses, Alabama
The Detroit Lions took strides in 2020 but still found themselves out of the playoffs. They have numerous needs including offensive line, defensive tackle, and linebacker. Dylan Moses was thought of as a surefire first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft but after a torn ACL he missed the entire 2019 season. Moses decided to return to Alabama and show that he was completely healed from the surgery. Moses, like Parsons, has everything you want in a modern-day linebacker. He naturally ranges from sideline to sideline and has elite level instincts to stuff the runner.
1.12 Tennessee Titans DT, RT, EDGE
EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Miami (FL)
The Titans fell back to earth after a great run in 2019. The main spot in which the Titans defense struggled was pressure. There are few pass rushers better than Rousseau in the NCAA. As a sophomore, Rousseau finished a great season with 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. While the Titans could use an offensive tackle or defensive tackle, the draft slide for Rousseau must end. Titans fans should be thrilled to grab a great pass rush prospect in the middle of the first.
1.13 Philadelphia Eagles LB, LT, SS
CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
The Eagles have numerous needs following a 7-9 season. They need help at linebacker, left tackle, and safety but in a division with the wide receiver options that Dallas possess, the Eagles go cornerback here. Surtain is an elite corner, some have him ranked higher than Wade, who can do it all. Many compare him to fellow former Crimson Tide cornerback Marlon Humphrey. He has great size, length, quickness, and physicality in coverage. The Eagles get a potential shutdown corner and will be thankful for taking the best player on their board.
1.14 Cincinnati Bengals OT, OLB, TE
OT Walker Little, Stanford
The Cincinnati Bengals invested their future into Joe Burrow in the 2020 NFL Draft. Following an encouraging 2020 season, the 7-9 Bengals should look to further invest into their young signal caller. Walker Little is the man for the job. Little struggled with injuries during the 2019 season which always add for concern, but he has some great features that you look for in an offensive tackle. Little has terrific raw power, solid hands, but he does lack some lateral quickness. With that said, if Little struggles at tackle, expect him to move inside to guard where he should be a perennial pro bowler in his prime.
1.15 San Francisco 49ers OL
OT Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
The San Francisco 49ers had a disappointing 2020 season, ending at 7-9. Unfortunately, injuries derailed a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The 49ers feature few hours but could use some work on the offensive line. Following the surprise retirement of Joe Stanley at the 2020 NFL Draft, the 49ers need to find his replacement. Jalen Mayfield is the man for the job. While former 49ers coach, Jim Harbaugh has yet to defeat Ohio State he sure can develop offensive lineman. Mayfield is the last of the five starters from Michigan’s 2019 offensive line to be draft, but he is likely the best of the bunch.
1.16 Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams) TE, QB, OT
TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State
Once again, the Jaguars need to build for the future. Without a clear quarterback available, the Jags should grab the clear number one tight end. Nicknamed “Baby Gronk” Pat Freiermuth is exactly what you want in a modern-day tight end. He can block, he can catch, and he is athletic enough to make a difference in space. At 6’5, 259 pounds Freiermuth is the versatile tight end that the league is desperate for. While is it unlikely for him to become Travis Kelce, George Kittle, or Rob Gronkowski, he just might.
1.17 Denver Broncos OT, QB, DE, MLB
DT Marvin Wilson, Florida State
Despite having an elite pass rush in 2020, the Denver Broncos struggled in the rush defense department. Luckily for them the best defensive tackle in the draft remains available. Marvin Wilson easily separated himself as the best defensive tackle in this class. Wilson can drive with his legs with the best of them forcing the interior offensive lineman onto their heals in both the rush and pass game. Wilson could’ve entered the 2020 draft and been a late first or early second rounder but decided to return to clean up some of his technique. Broncos fans will be ecstatic about a truly elite front seven but will be left wondering is Drew Lock is the answer at quarterback.
1.18 Pittsburgh Steelers QB, OT, DT
QB Jamie Newman, Georgia
Following an 8-8 season, Ben Roethlisberger decided to hang up his cleats. That surprise retirement left the Steelers in a tough situation. They knew that the answer wasn’t Duck Hodges or Mason Rudolph but also didn’t like the options of Jameis Winston or Mitch Trubisky in free agency. Sure, they could trade for a guy like Kirk Cousins, and maybe they will, but the Steelers need to figure out the future. Jamie Newman has similarities to Joe Burrow in the sense that they both transferred into the SEC and both have some mobile characteristics. Newman set the world on fire as a Bulldog but after the SEC season was cancelled after four weeks due to COVID-19 many scouts were left wondering if Newman was the second coming of Cardale Jones or if he had what it takes to become a franchise quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers will take that chance.
1.19 Baltimore Ravens WR, LG, DL
WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
Oh my, following a disappointing season the Ravens sit with their choice of the non-Ja’Marr Chase receivers. Hollywood Brown is great and so is Mark Andrews, but Lamar simply needs more weapons. Jaylen Waddle has the second most upside of this wideout class. Last season Jerry Jeudy and Harry Ruggs III went in the top 15. Waddle has the speed of Ruggs but the route running and control of Jeudy. Honestly, we likely look at Waddle in a different light as a sure-fire top 10 selection with better quarterback play during the 2020 season. Waddle has all the potential in the world and with Lamar Jackson at quarterback we are about to see a beautiful offense be constructed. Lamar, Hollywood, Dobbins, Andrews, and Waddle for the next 10 years? AFC North, its time to load up on defense.
1.20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers OT, OLB, DE, QB
QB Brock Purdy, Iowa State
How old is Tom Brady now? 45? 50? I heard he applied for social security last week! Seriously though, the Buccaneers have great talent throughout this football team but following a disappointing finish to a 10-6 season they must turn their eyes towards life after Brady. Tom says he wants to play until he’s 50 but that’s simply not realistic. Brock Purdy may be raw, but he has tremendous upside. Purdy has a great arm, shows flashes of good accuracy and placement but he needs to be more consistent. Purdy doesn’t fit many teams but if he can sit a year behind Tom Brady, we could soon be talking about him in the same light as Patrick Mahomes.
1.21 Buffalo Bills OT, OLB, TE
TE Kyle Pitts, Florida
If the Buffalo Bills want Josh Allen to succeed, they must invest more in his weapons. Sure, they got Stefon Diggs last season, but they need to take the second step. Kyle Pitts is likely a better pure receiver than Pat Freiermuth, but he isn’t the same blocker as Pat. Kyle can stretch a field on seam routes and can even be physical in the passing game. Sadly, Pitts is a little one dimensional at this point in his career. If he can clean that up many scouts will be asking how Pitts fell to pick 21.
1.22 New England Patriots QB, RB, WR, DT
WR Devonta Smith, Alabama
The New England Patriots surprised many folks going 11-5 in their first season without Tom Brady. Following the retirement of Julian Edelman, the Patriots must find another weapon for Cam Newton. The Patriots have many great options, but Devonta Smith fits the Patriot way. Smith was a likely first round pick in 2020 but decided to return to school. Smith can shine with the best of them. In a core along with Waddle, Ruggs, and Jeudy its amazing when you can get 5 receiving touchdowns in a game against a SEC opponent but that’s exactly what Smith did in 2019 against Ole Miss. Smith has elite hands and route running but doesn’t have the high end speed of Waddle or Ruggs.
1.23 New Orleans Saints QB, TE, LB
EDGE Quincy Roche, Miami (FL)
The Saints are trying to figure out what to do without Drew Brees, for the moment they intend to plug the hole with veterans. It is a smart decision given that the roster is built to win now. The Saints simply grab the best player on their board in pass rusher Quincy Roche. Roche formed a dynamic duo with Gregory Rousseau for the Hurricanes. In 2019 Roche finished with 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks in 12 games. A former transfer from Temple, Roche will look to form a strong front 7 with Marcus Davenport, Sheldon Rankin, Demario Davis, and Cameron Jordan
1.24 Green Bay Packers MLB, OL, TE, DE
WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
The Green Bay Packers need to do everything they can to make use of Aaron Rodgers but also prepare for life with Jordan Love. Rondale Moore does exactly that. Devante Adams is a big receiver who will win 50/50 balls at the point of attack. Rondale Moore isn’t that, think Randall Cobb but better, that’s Rondale Moore. In the Big Ten with many high-end corners, Moore finished his freshman season with a stat-line of 114-1258-12, plus a pair of rushing touchdowns. Moore struggled with injuries as a sophomore and skipped his junior season due to COVID-19, but he simply showed enough as a freshman to warrant this selection. Moore will become an elite slot guy… think Julian Edelman but with high end explosiveness.
1.25 New York Giants LB, OL
EDGE Xavier Thomas, Clemson
The New York Giants made a huge leap in 2020, finishing with a 10-6 record. The Giants have two clear needs, offensive line and linebacker. Unfortunately, without great fits available the Giants will grab a pass rusher in Xavier Thomas. Thomas is likely the second-best pass rusher in this class. He is a former top recruit who had 10.5 tackles for loss in a reserve role on a defensive line that featured three (now four) first round picks. The Giants will be happy with this pick!
1.26 Dallas Cowboys EDGE, SS/FS, C
S Andre Cisco, Syracuse
The Cowboys have a solid cornerback room but constantly found themselves getting burnt in the secondary due to their safety core. The Cowboys grab the best safety in the class, Andrew Cisco. Cisco has great field awareness, picking up on the offensive players routes with ease. He also features solid closing speed and very good ball skills. Honestly Cisco likely goes much higher if he didn’t pay for the Orange, but Jerry Jones and company won’t complain!
1.27 Miami Dolphins (from Texans) DL, RB, OT
RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
As I stated earlier the Dolphins have talent throughout their team. Unfortunately, one spot they lack a long-term answer is running back. General Manager Kyle Winn has always been a big proponent of having a legitimate every down back. Etienne is just that. During his freshman season he rushed for 766 yards and 13 touchdowns on only 107 carries. As a sophomore he rushed for over 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns. As a junior he continued to tear up the defense by rushing for over 1,600 yards once more with 19 scores. Etienne poses everything you can ask for in a back. He had vision, power, and high-end speed. Throw in the fact that he’s more than a capable receiver, Etienne is easily a true top 5 talent in this draft. The Dolphins pair Etienne with Tua and Ja’Marr Chase and will set the tone by having an elite offense for the next 10-15 years.
1.28 Indianapolis Colts LB, QB, CB
CB Paulson Adebo, Stanford
The Indianapolis Colts had their best season in a while with Philip Rivers leading the offense. Unfortunately, GM Chris Ballard didn’t realize that Xavier Rhodes wasn’t the Xavier Rhodes of 2017 anymore and he simply gave up too many big plays in key moments. The Colts should take the best corner remaining in Abedo. Abedo has good length and elite ball skills although he periodically struggles with elite route runners. Abedo had four interceptions each season in 2018 and 2019. If he can replicate that and improve his coverage in the NFL, the Colts will have a very good corner for years to come.
1.29 New York Jets (from Seahawks) RT, OLB, WR
WR Justyn Ross, Clemson
The Jets, like the Bills, must invest in some weaponry for their young signal caller. Sam Darnold and Justyn Ross would make a great pairing. While Ross has some great attributes such as straight-line speed and the ability to get physical in order to win a contested ball, he struggles with his route running a bit in the middle of the field. Ross has many similarities to former Clemson Tiger Tre Higgins who went 33rd to the Bengals last season. Ross will be very good but simply is a little rawer than the other high-end wide receiver prospects.
1.30 Cleveland Browns LB, OL, FS
S Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State
The Cleveland Browns have a solid roster and things finally clicked in 2020. They made it to the AFC Championship Game following a 13-3 season before falling to Patrick Mahomes and co. With few worthy linebackers at this selection, the Browns grab Hamsah Nasirildeen who draws some comparisons to former Seminol Derwin James. Like James, Nasirildeen is a carries a big, 6’4 215 pound frame. He is an explosive athele with great range. Not only does he have have great range but he can step inside the box and shut down the run game when needed. The Browns get a safety who will truly help them in all aspects on defense.
1.31 Atlanta Falcons OL, OLB
RB Najee Harris, Alabama
The Falcons surprised many teams in 2020 with their impressive run to the Super Bowl. Clearly Matt Ryan still has something left in the tank. With Todd Gurley continuing to battle knee problems, the Falcons should grab Najee Harris. Harris has it all: power, receiving, and he can bust it long with his explosiveness. He is a true top-tier NFL running back prospect
1.32 Kansas City Chiefs CB, MLB, IOL
C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
Following their second consecutive Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs have few holes. With an aging offensive line, it would be wise of them to further invest into Patrick Mahomes and select the best center in the draft. Creed Humphrey is a high-end center prospect who can do it all. He has a mauler mentality in the run game but also possess decent footwork to become an above average pass blocker. Its not sexy but when you’re already winning Super Bowls it isn’t a time to get cute.