NFL 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

#13 NFL 2021 Draft: Los Angeles Chargers – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Christian Darrisaw

I have had this pick locked in pretty much since late February. The Chargers clearly need to address their offensive line this offseason after Justin Herbert put together one of the all-time great rookie seasons.

He was under pressure a lot. But with the signing of Corey Linsley to a big contract, the Chargers now need an upgrade at left tackle, where they can trot out Trey Pipkins again.

Christian Darrisaw is my clear number three prospect at this position. He already excelled in a wide zone-based rushing attack, one LA could reportedly run more this season. He was a lockdown pass-protector in the ACC last year and could be a Pro Bowl-level player for the next decade.

#14 NFL 2021 Draft: Chicago Bears (via MIN) – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

This is probably the oddest choice in my mock draft, as there are rarely trades inside the division. But as the Vikings don’t have a second-round pick, they could gladly move back six spots in return for the Bears' 52nd overall slot. Chicago could come up here to grab the final quarterback worthy of a first-round pick.

It may not be as exciting as Russell Wilson, but it would be more inspiring than settling for Andy Dalton. Mac Jones could excel in that spread RPO-oriented offense Matt Nagy and Bill Lazor originally intended to run last season.

They could also go with more of the zone-and boot-heavy approach they used later on. Jones’ processing ability and accuracy are second to none for any college QB, so he will not let that defense go to waste.

#15 NFL 2021 Draft: Denver Broncos (via NE) – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

This is another match I’ve really liked for a long time now. If the Broncos decide to stick with Drew Lock for another year and see what he could do when fully healthy, with all the pieces they have added around him, I see them going defense.

They could give Vic Fangio his version of Roquan Smith, who he coached in Chicago. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah played a lot of big nickel for the Notre Dame defense, and it would make a lot of sense to match him up with Travis Kelce and Darren Waller in that division.

Moreover, they'll get a very promising player in that second level that they could deploy as a spy against athletic young QBs and in limiting big plays overall.

#16 NFL 2021 Prospect: Arizona Cardinals – Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL, USC

There’s some rumors about Arizona looking to trade up and potentially add another weapon to their offense.

However, I believe Jaylen Waddle could the guy they may target because he would be the perfect fit to give all those bubble screens and get somebody they could rely upon as a deep threat; I have him going sixth overall.

So instead, they could settle for what most people have as the top interior offensive linemen on their boards. Alijah Vera-Tucker would be an upgrade on either guard spot.

Whether they wish to put him at right tackle or move Justin Pugh there temporarily, the five overall would see an upgrade, especially with Kyler Murray having shown issues dealing with pressure up the middle.