Trevor Lawrence has been the pick for a long time.  He has likely been studying the Jacksonville playbook since February.

More chalk as the Jets turn the page with a new QB to pair with their new coaching staff.

The 49ers are going to take a QB in this spot and the debate has raged for a few weeks and seems to be narrowed down to Alabama's Mac Jones and North Dakota State's Trey Lance. The 49ers gave up a lot to get to this spot.  While Jones fits the Shanahan QB mold, its time to break the mold and reach for greater heights.  Lance is more dynamic, has a higher ceiling, and provides something new to an offense with an array of weapons.

I can see a trade for Justin Fields here but I think the Falcons are going to want too much.  They stay at 4 and get the freak weapon that will force their division to level up or get exposed.

The debate is finally over.  The Bengals add Ja'Marr Chase to complete their stable of WR for their "11" personnel which could challenge for best in the league very soon.

Miami is now provided the same choice as Cincinnati and they choose a similar path by taking the speedy and dynamic Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle.  Waddle is an immediate impact weapon on offense and even in the return game if they choose to deploy him there.

*** TRADE with New England ***

The Patriots make the move and grab the new face of their franchise in Ohio State QB Justin Fields.  

The Panthers may entertain some trade opportunities here with Mac Jones still on the board but I think they stay and take the best OT in the draft to pair with their Franchise Tag RT Taylor Moton.  Sewell opted out of 2020 for Covid reasons so his mini slide may be to blame for not being able to show growth and progression in his fundamentals. 

*** TRADE with Denver ***

In my first mock draft of 2021, I mentioned the Chargers could trade up for Slater.  The Chargers continue their push to provide QB Justin Herbet with an improved offensive line and move up to do it.

The Cowboys need help on the defensive side of the ball and they get grab the top cornerback in the draft.  Surtain is rock solid and will bring some stability to their secondary.

After filling needs on the offensive side of the ball by signing Kenny Golladay, the Giants should be looking to improve their pass rush and Ojulari fits as a rising athletic edge defender.  Ideally, the Giants would trade down and still get Ojulari but it would be a first for GM Gettleman if he were to trade down.

The sound you here are Giants fans throwing their drinks as their division rival gets a player they were likely coveting to pair with newly acquired WR Kenny Golladay.  Instead, Smith goes to Philly and will bring his elite abiliy to get open and make plays all over the field.

*** TRADE with Los Angeles Chargers ***

Not able to trade up for the QB of their choice, they opt to move back and grab the playmaking linebacker out of Penn State.  While off-field concerns are pushing him down the board, he can only fall so far.  Parsons should provide a jolt of energy for Vic Fangio and the Bronco defense.

I've had other linemen in this spot previously but Vera-Tucker is just so consistent and has experience in multiple positions.  If the Vikings are okay with Ezra Cleveland at tackle, then this is the pick.

If the Lions trade back this far, they could miss out on a target like Micah Parsons and while I think they could go edge here I think the go with the higher-rated corner in Jaycee Horn.  Horn will bring the aggressive attitude new HC Dan Campbell is looking to instill in the team.

*** TRADE with Arizona ***

The Bears pull the trigger to trade up for Mac Jones.  While they coulc sweat it out and hope he gets to 20, they choose not to risk it.  Rumor has it their pre-draft meeting with Jones was fantastic and left them wanting to move up for him.  

The Raiders jettisoned most of their offensive line during Free Agency and need to look for replacements.  Darrisaw is a coveted, hard-working LT who did not get a lot of attention entering college.  He has worked and grinded his way into the first round.  That type of mentality just seems like a perfect fit for GM Mike Mayock.

I've had Kwity Paye here in every mock draft I've written in 2021.  Nothing has transpired to make me think this pick is going to be anything different (I think Jaelan Phillips concussion history might scare teams off more than usual). While Paye's play did not always result in sacks for Michigan, he was a big factor in pressuring and disrupting opposing offenses consistently.

The Washington Football Team adds another athletic stud to their defense but this time in the second level with Jamin Davis.  Davis has the skill to cover these large and fast tight ends entering the league and will help even the playing field.  Also, coming from a military background could endear him to HC Ron Rivera.

*** TRADE with Chicago ***

With the top WR and corners off the board by 16, the Cardinals move back in their search for speed and playmakers.  Their move gets them in range of Elijah Moore whom many analysts have as the 4th WR in this draft.  While only 5'9" Moore is physical and tough at the catch-point and displays great quickness which allows him to shake free of defenders to get separation quickly.

With the retirement of left tackle Anthony Castonzo, the Colts are in the market for a tackle.  Teven Jenkins is nasty at the point of attack which should provide plenty of holes for RB Johnathan Taylor and clean pockets for new QB Carson Wentz.

The Titans have an opening at WR after losing Corey Davis.  The team signed Josh Reynolds in Free Agency but he is no more than a 3rd or 4th WR.  Bateman has WR1 potential and should pair nicely with A.J. Brown.

The Jets opt to add the uber-athletic Phillips opposite FA addition Carl Lawson instead of addressing needs at RB.  The pair should be tough to stop if Phillips can stay on the field as he has battled concussion issues in college.

I've had an OT in this spot all draft season but Greg Newsome has not been available in previous mocks.  I think the Steelers have a bunch of needs and the OL class is deep.  They should be able to improve their line on Day 2.  The hit rate on corners out side of the first round is low so I think Newsome is the pick.  He is a long and rangy corner who should pair up nicely against larger WR like the Bengals Tee Higgins and the rumored potential addition of Julio Jones in Baltimore.

Urban Meyer wants high impact players with speed all over the field. Owusu-Koramoah is an instintive and speedy linebacker/safefy tweener who hits like a ton of bricks.

The Browns continue to beef up their defense but this time its on the interior.  Barmore, while only producing for a season at Alabama, shows great burst.  He is in a great spot to learn from Myles Garrett and Clowney on how to play the run with consistency.

If the Ravens are able to land Julio Jones from Atlanta, I think they focus on bolstering their pass rush.  The value is there at 27 and I think they pounce on it.  Oweh is dripping with potential and will likey be in a better position to finish and succeed with DC Wink Martindale's defense.

Collins is a 3-down linebacker who can make plays all over the field.  The Saints need more playmakers on defense and while the need may be across from Lattimore in the secondary, Collins is too good to pass up here.

While not a WR, Leatherwood should help Aaron Rodgers stay upright and extend plays.  Leatherwood should be a start at day one at either guard spot or right tackle for the Packers.

The Bills have invested so much at running back over the last 3 years it pains me to make this selection but signs are pointing to Buffalo wanting a RB here.  Conventional wisdom is putting Etienne here but Harris is just as good out of the backfield and provides more power between the tackles.

Again, the Ravens could go WR here but the team is still searching for a ball hawking safety in the secondary.  Moehrig is the best of the bunch and is an upgrade for Baltimore.

They just keep loading up on defense in Tampa.  Tryon is a great fit to move into a pass rush rotation and has the size and ability to play all three downs if needed.