2021 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks will be on demand
By Brian Emory
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Most experts agree that the Bengals will select either Ja’Marr Chase of LSU or Oregon’s Penei Sewell here. A lot of Bengals supporters passionately want Penei Sewell, as protecting Joe Burrow has to be priority number one. However, Burrow is apparently campaigning hard for his former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase. This is a deep offensive tackle class, so perhaps the Bengals add Chase here and still land a promising offensive tackle prospect at the top of the second round.
6. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Kyle Pitts is actually the number one player on my big board for this entire draft. I am that high on him. I think six to Miami is his floor, he could go fourth overall to Atlanta or perhaps someone moves up a few slots for him. Miami will gladly scoop him up here, and give Tua Tagovailoa a generational weapon at the tight end spot to work with.
7. Detroit Lions: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
This was the first pick where I truly did not have a clue what direction to head in for the 2021 NFL Mock Draft. If Chase slips past Cincinnati and Miami, there’s a great chance the Lions sprint to the podium to select him. Detroit needs wideouts, so in this scenario perhaps they take either Jaylen Waddle or Devonta Smith out of Alabama. The best player on the board at this point is Oregon’s Penei Sewell, while this isn’t the most pertinent need at the time Sewell could become a staple on Detroit’s offensive line. Let’s say the Lions go best player available here and snatch up Sewell.
8. Carolina Panthers: Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
Not the most ideal scenario for the Panthers, who are most likely hoping for either Sewell or Pitts. The team has a huge need at left tackle, so Rashawn Slater makes for a great consolation prize here. Slater is another elite prospect on the offensive line, his film against Chase Young in 2019 is as impressive as it gets.
9. Denver Broncos: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Broncos could be one of the busiest teams on draft day. If you spend your days looking at multiple mock drafts, you have probably seen multiple projections that have the Broncos trading up for a QB. If the board plays out like this, Denver most likely elects to give Drew Lock one more chance. The Broncos have a huge need in the secondary, and Jaycee Horn is my top cornerback prospect in this draft. He will bring some attitude and be a shutdown presence in Denver’s secondary.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
It would be a surprise if the Cowboys didn’t select a defender here. The Cowboys’ defense struggled mightily at times during the 2020 season, and with the first nine picks of this draft being so heavy on the offensive side of the ball there are some bluechip defensive talents still on the board. Many would consider cornerback the most glaring need on this Dallas roster, and Surtain has the potential to be one of the league’s premier lockdown corners.