The 2021 NFL Draft is exactly one week away, and though the Houston Texans are one of the teams that currently doesn’t have a first-round pick, what happens on day one of the draft will ultimately affect whom the Texans eventually select.
The first round of the 2021 NFL Draft will bring excitement, and here is what the Toro Times believes will happen with our first-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
One of the easiest first overall choices in the history of the NFL Draft. If you’re selecting first overall, your quarterback play isn’t good enough. The Jaguars add a blue-chip prospect that is a strong bet to become the face of the city over the next decade.
What this means for the Houston Texans: Well, it doesn’t mean anything good. With only one playoff appearance over the past decade, the Jaguars have quite literally been an AFC South punching-bag over recent seasons. That is probably about to change as the Jaguars potentially have a young Top 5 quarterback on their hands.
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
The second overall pick is almost as much of a lock as the first. After trading Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers, the Jets taking a quarterback is a formality at this point. With some strong QB prospects still on the board, the Jets will be taking BYU’s Zach Wilson. Wilson features positive arm talent, and his sandlot-style of play is seen as a perfect fit for the direction of the modern NFL.
3. San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
After trading for the third overall choice, the 49ers will also be taking a quarterback. However, the picture isn’t near as clear here. When this trade happened, everyone assumed this would be Justin Fields or Trey Lance. That narrative quickly shifted, as legitimate NFL Insiders began to report that this was likely for Alabama’s Mac Jones. I just don’t see it. There’s a chance Jones could have been had with the 12th selection anyways. This could come back to bite me, but I still think this ultimately winds up being Fields. Just a gut feeling.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
This is where the 2021 NFL Draft truly begins. While San Francisco’s choice is still up in the air, we know that it ultimately will be one of the signal-callers. All the reporting so far makes it sound like the Falcons are legitimately torn. They could take a lethal weapon such as Kyle Pitts and make one more run with Matt Ryan. The Falcons also can trade down for a king’s ransom of draft choices, or they can take their quarterback of the future. With a new head coach and new general manager, they probably end up going with whichever quarterback makes it to them. Trey Lance could be an absolutely perfect fit for what Arthur Smith wants to do on offense.
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.
11. New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The 2021 season is setting up to be the make-it-or-break-it year for quarterback Daniel Jones. If the Giants want to give him the best chance possible to succeed, they should go the offensive route with this choice. Sure, the Giants just gave a huge contract to Kenny Golladay, but in today’s NFL you simply can’t have enough dynamic receivers. When on the field, Waddle was dominant at the collegiate level.
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Philadelphia could be tempted by Devonta Smith here, as the team should be working to put Jalen Hurts in a position to succeed in his audition year. The team could also take a cornerback, but in this mock the two best are already gone. We can argue about positional value here, but Parsons is a freak athlete at the linebacker position.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Chargers struck gold in the 2020 NFL Draft. Justin Herbert exceeded everyone’s expectations and had one of the greatest rookie seasons ever for a quarterback. The next step for the Chargers is building around him and keeping him healthy. The Chargers have an impressive slew of receivers, but the offensive line could use some upgrades. Darrisaw has steadily risen up draft boards over the last few months.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
The run on the offensive line continues here in the Toro Times 2021 NFL Mock Draft. The Vikings would probably love Jaycee Horn or Patrick Surtain here, but I don’t see either lasting this long. Vera-Tucker is a promising offensive line talent that can play multiple positions upfront.
15. New England Patriots: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Count me in as someone that just does not understand the Mac Jones hype. He had a phenomenal season at Alabama, but he’s just not the type of player that I would invest a top 10 or even a top 20 selection in. However, with under two weeks out from the draft, it would be a shocker if he weren’t a top 20 choice. Would the Patriots take him if he fell to 15? Who knows. I almost went with a defensive player here, but the Patriots are clearly interested in adding a new QB.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
After a big time offseason, the Cardinals are heading into 2021 with the mentality that it will be a “playoffs or bust” season. The Cardinals still have some holes at the cornerback position. This could be slightly high for Newsome II, maybe they look to trade down a few slots and pick him up a bit later. He’s undoubtedly a first round prospect though, featuring ideal size and technique.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Since Jon Gruden took the reins of this franchise, Oakland has been one of the more difficult teams to project in the draft, and that includes this 2021 NFL Mock Draft. Gruden certainly looks for a certain brand of player, and it is very difficult to figure out who fits the bill for him. The Raiders need some young talent at offensive tackle, so they can capitalize on this deep class by taking a promising young player like Teven Jenkins at this juncture.
18. Miami Dolphins: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
If the board happened to fall this way, the Dolphins would have an early bid for the league’s best draft. This would be an incredible night one haul. After landing Kyle Pitts sixth, Miami doubles down on weapons for Tua by stopping Devonta Smith’s fall here. This duo would give Miami one of the most exciting stables of pass-catchers in the league.
19. Washington Football Team: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Don’t be too surprised if Washington went all in on a young quarterback. At 37 years old, Ryan Fitzpatrick is very much a short-term solution for a Washington team that believes they are a quarterback away from legitimate contention. If the price is too expensive, Washington could hang tight and select the best player available. Ron Rivera is a defensive-minded coach at heart, and his best teams in Carolina were defined by strong linebacker play.
20. Chicago Bears: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Similar to Washington, it feels like the Bears’ ceiling has a hard cap until they find a long-term solution at quarterback. I wouldn’t totally be blown away if the Bears moved up for a quarterback on draft night, but I don’t expect it. The Bears seem comfortable with rolling with Andy Dalton in 2021, so adding another weapon would certainly make sense. I have Bateman ranked as the fourth best receiver in this draft.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
It is tough not to be impressed with the Colts’ approach to the draft over the past several seasons. They seem to consistently keep all their options open and find quality players, especially on days two and three. Need number one for the 2021 NFL Draft is at offensive tackle, but after the early run at the position in this mock, I’m not sure a first round talent is still available there. The Colts also need more pass rushers, so Kwity Paye would be a really solid value here. The on-field production may not be as promising as you’d like, but Paye is a hard-working player with solid athleticism.
What this means for the Houston Texans:
The Colts have recently established themselves as one of the more consistently strong teams in the NFL. While their ceiling for 2021 will largely depend on the play of Carson Wentz, Paye would be an impressive addition for them on the defensive front at this juncture of the first round, and that’s where he lands in this 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
22. Tennessee Titans: Jaelen Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Perhaps a late run on edge rushers here? The Titans still have a glaring need for pass rushers, most anyone would agree it is far and away their greatest need. Phillips is a very interesting prospect. If his medicals check out he has a true argument to be the best edge rusher in this draft.
What this means for the Houston Texans:
The Titans are running a smooth operation in Nashville. Head coach Mike Vrabel has constructed a team with an identity predicated on smashmouth football. Tennessee’s pass rush has been their largest weakness over the past few seasons, so if Phillips can become a threat off the edge it will make the Titans even more difficult to beat.
23. New York Jets: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
While he had some really bad moments, the Jets failed Sam Darnold by failing to surround him with a strong supporting cast. The same mistake cannot be made with Zach Wilson. It was very tempting to add some sort of weapon for Wilson here, but the glaring need for pass rush can’t be ignored. Ojulari is a young, athletic edge that has the potential to turn into a very dangerous player.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Steelers could go in a few different directions here. If there is a running back they really love, they wouldn’t totally surprise me. However, Caleb Farley is such a promising prospect at this juncture. He would be the top cornerback in this class without injury concerns. The Steelers could use upgrades in the secondary, this is an enormous steal if you’re confident in Farley’s medicals.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
The Jaguars have their franchise quarterback, now it’s time to pair him with as many explosive weapons as possible. This could be seen as a slight reach, but Rondale Moore would be a very exciting addition to bring into the fold. The Jaguars spent a second round pick on Laviska Shenault last year, but Moore would be a different type of receiver that can stretch the field vertically. .
What this means for the Houston Texans:
If Trevor Lawrence is half as good as advertised he will be the best quarterback the Jaguars have ever had. Pairing Lawrence with Rondale Moore would immediately give Lawrence a dangerous big-play threat for the Texans’ secondary to worry about.
26. Cleveland Browns: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
Ever since Andrew Berry took the reigns as Cleveland’s general manager, the Browns have drafted with an emphasis on positional value. They tend to spend their first round choices on the more significant positions, which makes me believe we could see them use this selection on a wide receiver or cornerback. Elijah Moore has steadily risen up draft boards, and considering Odell Beckham Jr.’s tumultuous career in Cleveland so far it might not be the worst idea to bring in a new, young receiver.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
Do six receivers hear their names called in round one? I’m a bit skeptical. but Baltimore is in a position where they do have a strong roster overall, so a slight reach to fill a need may not be the worst thing in the world. The Ravens have to upgrade the receiver position, and I believe Marshall would work well with Lamar Jackson.
28. New Orleans Saints: Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are NFL champions, Atlanta is entering a new era with a promising coaching staff, and the Panthers were a sneaky dangerous team offensively last year. The NFC South is a difficult division, and if the Saints want to defend their divisional crown a versatile defensive playmaker like Moehrig would be a great addition at the end of the first round.
29. Green Bay Packers: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Saying the Packers’ 2020 draft class currently looks like a disaster would be a massive understatement. Despite little to no production from their class of 2020 rookies, the Packers came a few plays away from a Super Bowl appearance. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still playing at an elite level, so there will be a lot of pressure to use this draft to surround him with weapons. They could take a receiver such as Kadarius Toney here, but Zaven Collins is the best player available and would be a legitimate difference-maker on defense from day one.
30. Buffalo Bills: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
The Bills got solid production out of their tandem of Zack Moss and Devin Singletary last year. This may not be the most pertinent need, and I’m sure fans would rather see a cornerback here, but Buffalo already has one of the most dominant offensive attacks in the league. For the first time in ages, the Bills have a legitimate Super Bowl window, a game-changing running back like Harris turns their dangerous offense into an unstoppable one.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the few teams in the league that have the luxury of prioritizing need over best player available. The Chiefs could add a defensive player here such as Christian Barmore, Jayson Oweh, or Asante Samuel Jr., and any of those would be perfectly reasonable choices. However, it was just over three months ago where the achilles heel of the Chiefs vaunted offensive attack was exposed. The Chiefs’ offensive line was absolutely humiliated against Tampa Bay’s vaunted front seven which made the decisive difference in the game. This is a deep class with talent on the offensive line, expect the Chiefs to add multiple bodies to their offensive front.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
This is far from Tampa Bay’s most daunting need. In fact, pass rush is probably the strength of their team. But this Buccaneers’ roster is just absurdly stacked. You can never have too many pass rushers. Oweh didn’t produce at the collegiate level, but he’s an athletic freak oozing with untapped potential. It’s worth the gamble for Tampa Bay.