Cecil Lammey’s official 2021 first-round mock draft is here

The work has been completed and it’s time to put together my first-round mock for the 2021 NFL Draft. This is a process that takes a few days to complete, as I will check in with team sources around the league just to gauge interest on how things should go.

I’m not going to include trades in this mock, but expect at least a few to go down in the first round. Teams are going to be active and there’s a ton of teams who want to move back in this draft. There are a few teams who want to move up too, so let the chaos ensue! I will include in the notes section whether the pick will be shopped or not, swapped or otherwise different from how it’s currently expected to be.

Without further ado, let’s get to mocking!

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1. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pick: Trevor Lawrence | QB | Clemson

The Reasoning: Lawrence has looked like a “can’t-miss” prospect since he was a true freshman at Clemson. New Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer gets a tremendous start with his new team as Lawrence will start from day one and could be a rookie sensation much like Justin Herbert (Chargers) was last season in the NFL.

What They Could Do: The clear choice is Lawrence. Doing anything else here could be the dumbest move in the history of the draft. Forget having intrigue to start off, Lawrence is the pick.

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2. New York Jets
The Pick: Zach Wilson | QB | BYU

The Reasoning: Wilson was a fun quarterback to watch on film, and his breakout 2020 season catapulted him up draft boards. The Jets traded away Sam Darnold to the Panthers to clear the spot for Wilson. He’s not Patrick Mahomes (a player many compare him to), but he’s athletic enough to be a dangerous runner if need be. Wilson also has a tremendous arm the ultimate confidence in his ability.

What They Could Do: There are five quarterbacks who could go in the first round, so pick any of the four available to the Jets here with the second pick. It’s going to be Wilson, so the draft really doesn’t have any intrigue until we get to the next pick.

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3. San Francisco 49ers (from Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans)
The Pick: Trey Lance | QB | North Dakota State

The Reasoning: The 49ers need a quarterback of the future to groom behind Jimmy Garoppolo – that’s if he’s not traded away during the draft. Lance reminds some in the scouting community of a young Cam Newton and is more pro ready than some think. In college, Lance worked from under center and did a good job of utilizing his rushing ability to attack a defense. He could push to start from day one.

What They Could Do: The buzz about the 49ers having interest in Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is real, so that’s a direction they could go if Lance is not the pick. I like the idea of them getting Lance, the player I thought they moved up for when they moved mountains to move from the No. 12 pick.

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4. Atlanta Falcons
The Pick: Kyle Pitts | TE | Florida

The Reasoning: The Falcons are going to have a high-powered offense under new head coach Arthur Smith, so that’s why they take Pitts here. He’s basically a super-sized wide receiver and a player who has always reminded me of Raiders tight end Darren Waller. With an aging Julio Jones (who could be on the trade block), the team needs to keep adding young weapons to the offense. Pitts is a rare talent.

What They Could Do: Based on the way this draft has fallen, the Falcons would have a choice of quarterbacks Justin Fields (Ohio State) or Mac Jones (Alabama). They might draft a quarterback here, so they have someone to groom behind Matt Ryan for a year or two.

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5. Cincinnati Bengals
The Pick: Penei Sewell | OT | Oregon

The Reasoning: They have their franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, and now the Bengals need to do a better job of protecting their asset. Sewell is my top-rated offensive tackle in this class and would be a fine blindside protector of Burrow. He has the upside to one day be a Pro Bowl player at his position.

What They Could Do: There is a chance the Bengals go with a wide receiver like Ja’Marr Chase (LSU) here. This isn’t fantasy football, but it is exciting to think about Burrow and Chase connecting in the NFL just like they did for the Bayou Bengals in college.

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6. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia Eagles)
The Pick: Ja’Marr Chase | WR | LSU

The Reasoning: Like the Bengals, the Dolphins got their potential franchise quarterback in the draft last year when they selected Tua Tagovailoa in the first round. Now, the team needs to upgrade the weapons around him on offense. That’s where Chase, my no.1 wide receiver in this draft class, comes into play.

What They Could Do: Sticking with the wide receiver position, either Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith – both former teammates of Tagovailoa at Alabama – would make sense. It would not surprise me at all if one of those Crimson Tide receivers is the play. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Dolphins moved this pick.

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7. Detroit Lions
The Pick: DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama

The Reasoning: The Lions top receiver at this time is Tyrell Williams… seriously. The need at wide receiver is huge, and this team won’t get much of anything out of new quarterback Jared Goff if they don’t upgrade the position. Smith has a ton of speed and big-play ability. Think of DeSean Jackson when you think of how Smith could perform in the NFL.

What They Could Do: There is a chance this is a quarterback. The Lions traded away Matthew Stafford and picked up Goff in the process. That’s not a great starting option, but the team is on to the next chapter. Perhaps a rookie passer here to shock people would work. This pick is up for grabs too.

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8. Carolina Panthers
The Pick: Rashawn Slater | OT | Northwestern

The Reasoning: The Panthers may have gotten the most versatile offensive lineman in this draft class. With Sam Darnold as their new starter and plenty of weapons around him, they need to invest more in the protection up front. Slater projects as a left tackle in the NFL, but he can play all five positions on the offensive line.

What They Could Do: Like the previous two selections, this pick is up for bidding. Cornerback is a need for the Panthers, so they could take the first defensive player off the board with this pick if they decide to go in that direction.

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9. Denver Broncos
The Pick: Justin Fields | QB | Ohio State

The Reasoning: The Broncos have tried to upgrade their quarterback position this offseason. They were unable to trade for Stafford, they did not pick up anyone in free agency or via trade so going with a rookie is the call. Fields is smart, goes through his progressions fully – more than any other FBS quarterback in this draft – and is athletic enough to hurt a defense with his legs. He reminds me so much of Dak Prescott, except he’s a more polished passer than Prescott was when he came out of Mississippi State in 2016. Who knows what happens to Drew Lock if Fields is the pick, but he’s going to start sooner rather than later in the NFL.

What They Could Do: I believe the Broncos will work diligently to move up for a quarterback – either Fields or Jones. Fields may be their quarterback, but they may feel moving up a spot or two for him to secure his services is the best idea. If they pass on a quarterback, then linebacker Micah Parsons would fill the only weak spot in the Vic Fangio defense (inside linebacker).

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10. Dallas Cowboys
The Pick: Patrick Surtain | CB | Alabama

The Reasoning: There are some picks in the draft that are projected for months. That seems to be the case with Surtain and the Cowboys. They added Trevon Diggs in last year’s draft (second round) and now Surtain will complete the duo on the outside. Surtain is smart, physical and has the aggressiveness to disrupt opponents he’s tasked with covering. He’ll start from day one in Dallas.

What They Could Do: Like many teams, the Cowboys need more pass rushers. If they weren’t so forward with their love of Surtain then I might mock them one here.

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11. New York Giants
The Pick: Jaycee Horn | CB | South Carolina

The Reasoning: The primary needs for this team are on the defensive side of the ball in my opinion. The Giants love Horn – and for good reason. Horn is one of the most confident players in this class, regardless of position. Horn does not back down from any challenge in coverage and can frustrate his opponent with his skill and his brashness. I see Aqib Talib when I watch Horn on the football field.

What They Could Do: The Giants could use a wide receiver here. This class may not be as deep as last year’s historic class of wideouts, but it’s talent heavy at the top. Giving Daniel Jones a quality wide receiver here would make sense. If not a corner or a wideout, then more pass rushers could be the order of the day.

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12. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins via San Francisco 49ers)
The Pick: Jaylen Waddle | WR | Alabama

The Reasoning: With Jalen Hurts as their starting quarterback, the Eagles need to put better weapons around him in the passing game. They went with a first-round wide receiver last year (Jalen Reagor) and could do it again this year. Waddle is a big play waiting to happen as evidenced by his four catches of 75-plus yards in college. He’s dangerous before and after the catch because of quickness and elusiveness. That’s why he’s drawn some Tyreek Hill comparisons by some in the scouting community.

What They Could Do: If they don’t go with a wideout, expect the Eagles to look for linebacker help. Micah Parsons could be the top target here if they choose to strengthen their defense.

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13. Los Angeles Chargers
The Pick: Christian Darrisaw | OT | Virginia Tech

The Reasoning: The Chargers hit it out of the park with the selection of quarterback Justin Herbert in the first round last year. Like the Bengals before them, it’s time to find more protection for their young passer. Darrisaw should be in the conversation with Sewell and Slater as the best tackles in this class. Plus, like Slater he can be moved around the offensive line if need be.

What They Could Do: They need cornerback help to go along with Chris Harris Jr. If Caleb Farley (fellow Hokies player like Darrisaw) checks out medically then he could be the pick.

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14. Minnesota Vikings
The Pick: Kwity Paye | Edge | Michigan

The Reasoning: The Vikings only had 23 sacks last year as a team, so adding a rusher like Paye would be a wise move and a safe move. Paye is relentless with his pressure and could be the team’s best pass rusher from day one. He needs to learn more tricks and is a little underdeveloped in his technique. Paye could be one of those players who is a better pro than he was a collegian.

What They Could Do: The interior of the offensive line could use some work. Alijah Vera-Tucker (USC) is considered the top interior player up front, and I could see the Vikings going with him instead of Paye.

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15. New England Patriots
The Pick: Mac Jones | QB | Alabama

The Reasoning: If the 49ers go with Lance instead of Jones, then the Patriots will add the rookie quarterback here. In the Josh McDaniels system, Jones could thrive with his accuracy in the short-to-intermediate passing game. Jones is known as a strong leader and might not take that long to prove himself as the best starting option – no matter where he lands.

What They Could Do: The Patriots are going to try and move up for Fields. In this exercise, Jones falls to them, but Fields may be the passer they prefer. Look for them to be active moving up. If all quarterbacks are gone, then I’m expecting a linebacker here. A player like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has the versatility, football intelligence and talent the Patriots could use.

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16. Arizona Cardinals
The Pick: Caleb Farley | CB | Virginia Tech

The Reasoning: There was a time when Farley was in the mix to be the top cornerback selected in this draft. He’s still got the natural talent, but his medical reports are going to impact his draft stock more than any other day-one pick. Farley had back surgery earlier this offseason and will still be recovering when training camp starts, although he is expected to be ready by the time the regular season begins. After losing Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals could use a young CB1 like Farley.

What They Could Do: If they don’t go with cornerback, then I expect more defensive help for Vance Joseph – specifically at the linebacker position. In this exercise, Micah Parsons is still on the board and could be the player the Cardinals add.

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17. Las Vegas Raiders
The Pick: Teven Jenkins | OT | Oklahoma State

The Reasoning: When the Raiders traded away Trent Brown it opened a hole on the offensive line that can be filled with this pick. Jenkins plays with a nasty disposition which would fit right in with the Raiders mystique. He didn’t allow a sack over his junior or senior seasons and is known as a wide and powerful player who could open rushing lanes for Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake.

What They Could Do: The top three cornerbacks in this class are off the board, but the Raiders might decide to pluck one further down the list. I’ve heard the team would move this pick if they can collect more selections this year.

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18. Miami Dolphins
The Pick: Najee Harris | RB | Alabama

The Reasoning: It’s past time for the Dolphins to take their rushing attack more seriously. Harris has a lot of Josh Jacobs to his game and is better than either Myles Gaskin or Malcolm Brown – the two current players at the top of their running back depth chart. He’s not a big-play back but he’s steady, powerful, patient and proven as a receiver out of the backfield.

What They Could Do: All teams need pass rushers, and the Dolphins are no different. I could see them going with Miami Hurricane pass rusher Jaelen Phillips in this spot. There are some who think the Dolphins could go with a safety here.

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19. Washington Football Team
The Pick: Micah Parsons | LB | Penn State

The Reasoning: Washington coach Ron Rivera knows a thing or two about quality linebacker play. He built a tremendous unit with the Panthers years ago, and he could turn Parsons into one of the best in the league. Parsons shouldn’t fall this far but, in this exercise, I see Washington getting a value pick.

What They Could Do: They are looking for a quarterback but all of the top five are gone. They also need help on the offensive line with this pick. Help in the secondary is needed as well.

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20. Chicago Bears
The Pick: Zaven Collins | LB | Tulsa

The Reasoning: The Bears have more pressing needs, specifically at quarterback but good luck filling that need this far back. Collins is one of my favorite players in this draft, so I’m kind of shoehorning him in here but I think Bears fans would be happy with his play. He’s basically a chess piece on defense who can rush the passer, drop into coverage (four interceptions last year, including two pick-sixes) or be consistent as a run defender.

What They Could Do: There are many ways for the Bears to go here – if they keep the pick. I’m hearing the team wants to move up in the draft, so we’ll see if they do that or must stay put. Wide receiver is also a distinct possibility here.

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21. Indianapolis Colts
The Pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | LB | Notre Dame

The Reasoning: The Colts already have some nice defenders and add to the mix here with one of the most versatile players in this class. J.O.K. isn’t really a linebacker as he’s built like a safety, but he has no problem taking on larger players and stuffing the run. His safety-like ability means that he can be used effectively in coverage. Teams are trying to find Devin White-type of players, and J.O.K. could be that guy for the Colts.

What They Could Do: The Colts have multiple needs on the offensive side of the ball. They could use offensive tackle help; a wide receiver wouldn’t hurt here either.

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22. Tennessee Titans
The Pick: Azeez Ojulari | Edge | Georgia

The Reasoning: Speed and violence is the name of the game with Ojulari. He has the ability to dip and rip past would-be blockers, and Ojulari has tremendous burst to get to the passer. Ojulari does a good job of stacking moves and does not slow down when he’s going through his progressions. The Titans get a potential Pro Bowl rusher with this pick.

What They Could Do: They lost Corey Davis (Jets) in free agency, so a wide receiver makes sense. I could also see them looking for help in the secondary either at cornerback or safety.

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23. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)
The Pick: Jaelen Phillips | Edge | Miami

The Reasoning: You have to get after the quarterback in the NFL, so that’s why the Jets go for Phillips here. He looked like a bust with UCLA but transferred to Miami and was a standout player. Medical checks will be important for his draft stock, but if he checks out then he clearly has first-round ability. Phillips has a nose for the football and always seems to be in on the play.

What They Could Do: There is a possibility the Jets select a running back here. They’ll have a young quarterback with Wilson and need to help him out by running the ball effectively. This is a deep running back class, so perhaps they’ll nab a back on Day 2.

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24. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker | OT/OG | USC

The Reasoning: Ben Roethlisberger has one more year left in the pros. He is declining with his skill set, and the Steelers need to protect him better than in years past. Vera-Tucker projects as an interior player in the NFL although he does have experience outside at tackle.

What They Could Do: So many people think the Steelers will take a running back here. With James Conner moving on to the Cardinals, that selection would make sense.

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25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)
The Pick: Alex Leatherwood | OL | Alabama

The Reasoning: With Lawrence at quarterback, the Jaguars need to build a line to protect him. Leatherwood started 26 games at left tackle for the Crimson Tide, and he also started 15 games at right guard. Some think that guard is his best position in the NFL. His workman-like ability and leadership qualities make him a solid and safe pick for the up-and-coming Jaguars.

What They Could Do: I could see a wide receiver or a safety here for the Jaguars. They are not close to competing yet but could get back there faster than some think with a solid first round in 2021.

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26. Cleveland Browns
The Pick: Jayson Oweh | Edge | Penn State

The Reasoning: I believe that the biggest need for the Browns is pass rusher. Oweh is a pure hustle player who can be described as a high-risk/high-reward type of player. He had zero sacks in 2020, but Oweh has the relentless motor that will stand out in the NFL. With better coaching and refined moves, we could see him develop into a dangerous player for the Browns defense.

What They Could Do: The Browns are an exciting team, but there are a few more holes on the roster than some think. I could see them going with interior defensive line help with this pick if they don’t add to the edge. If they go offense, then watch out for a wide receiver here.

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27. Baltimore Ravens
The Pick: Trevon Moehrig | S | TCU

The Reasoning: Now armed with two first-round picks, the Ravens pluck the best safety in this class and hope that Moehrig can become the next legendary Ravens safety. He only allowed two touchdowns over the last two seasons while compiling a whopping 26 pass breakups and six interceptions. He is a versatile player who can line up at both safety spots and start from day one.

What They Could Do: Offensive line has not fallen the way the Ravens wanted it to in this exercise. Because of the way this mock has unfolded, they go defense with this pick. Offensive line is a need, especially after trading Orlando Brown to the Chiefs.

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28. New Orleans Saints
The Pick: Greg Newsome | CB | Northwestern

The Reasoning: The Saints need help in the secondary, and some in the scouting community think Newsome should go much higher than the end of the first round. Newsome led the FBS in passer rating against (15.77) and allowed zero touchdowns. He plays with reckless abandon and throws around his body which leads to nagging injuries, and that’s why he’s fallen this far in my mock.

What They Could Do: It would be nice for the Saints to add another wide receiver to start opposite of Michael Thomas. I could see them going for a pass rusher with this pick too.

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29. Green Bay Packers
The Pick: Elijah Moore | WR | Mississippi

The Reasoning: Instead of plucking a wide receiver last year in the greatest wide receiver class in NFL history, the Packers chose to select quarterback Jordan Love. With Aaron Rodgers going nowhere in the near future, Green Bay should do right by him this year and get more talent around him. Moore can make plays out of nothing, often used as a gadget player in college. He’s speedy and quick on underneath routes and can break ankles after the catch.

What They Could Do: The Packers are Super Bowl contenders, but they have quite a few holes. Offensive line help could be in order here, and I think they should look at cornerbacks and interior defensive linemen too.

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30. Buffalo Bills
The Pick: Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson

The Reasoning: The Bills have one of the most explosive wide receiver groups in the NFL, so imagine having a big-play back like Etienne in the backfield. Etienne is one of the quickest and fastest running backs in this class. He’s dangerous no matter how or where on the field he touches the ball. With a rushing quarterback like Josh Allen, Etienne would be able to take advantage of defenders focused on multiple rushers from the backfield.

What They Could Do: I’d like to see the Bills have a quality tight end some day for Allen. Pat Freirmuth (Penn State) has earned a “Baby Gronk” nickname and could bring that kind of presence to the field for the Bills – especially in the red zone.

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31. Baltimore Ravens (from Kansas City Chiefs)
The Pick: Rashod Bateman | WR | Minnesota

The Reasoning: The Ravens need to help Lamar Jackson by putting better receivers around him. They have Marquise Brown to attack defenses and adding a guy like Bateman would be a perfect complement. Bateman has a nice size/speed combination and can make plays after the catch in the NFL. He’s a refined route runner who knows how to set up defenders in coverage.

What They Could Do: As aforementioned, the Ravens could be looking for offensive line help here in the first round.

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32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pick: Christian Barmore | DT | Alabama

The Reasoning: The Buccaneers defense was able to slow down the high-powered Chiefs offense in the Super Bowl. They add to it with Barmore at defensive tackle. He was a one-year starter for the Crimson Tide and collected 8.0 sacks in 2020. Barmore is violent, powerful and has a quick first step to get to the quarterback.

What They Could Do: They have brought back nearly every player from their championship roster. This is a luxury pick for the Buccaneers, and some think a wide receiver could hear his name called here.

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