The 2021 NFL draft is less than three weeks away and the rumor mill is spinning faster than you might believe.
Most of these rumors obviously have nothing to do with the overall number 1 (almost certainly Trevor Lawrence) or even number 2, for that matter (probably Zach Wilson), so the real concept starts at number 3 and beyond.
Let’s take a look at NESN.com’s NFL 2021 Mock Draft 1.0.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
To yawn.
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Another yawn.
3. San Francisco 49ers: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
It’s not the question of whether the 49ers go to a quarterback. They will. This is just, well, who?
4. Atlanta Valke: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
The addition of Pitts to a passing game that already includes Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley makes for a very dangerous group.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Bengals may choose to use their first position to protect Joe Burrow, but the reunion of the second year QB with his colleagues should also make him happy.
6. Miami Dolphins: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Dolphins double the speed factor they received with the addition of Will Fuller out of season.
7. Denver Broncos: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota
The Broncos swapped from No. 9 to No. 7 with Detroit, and essentially jumped the Panthers, to get John Elway a quarterback with a lot of potential.
Carolina Panthers: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Sewell is a big value in eighth place, and he will help the Panthers protect Sam Darnold, the newly named full-back.
9. Detroit Lions: Justin Fields, QB, State of Ohio
The Lions trade with the Broncos and still get the quarterback they want to replace Jared Goff.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Cowboys urgently need defensive help, and getting the best cornerback available is a great way to help the effort.
11. New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Giants doubled on the receiver after crowning Kenny Golladay, the best position in the free agency.
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
It’s a deep pull in the corner position, and it’s a need for Philly.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwest
Priority no. 1 for the Chargers should be to protect Justin Herbert. Slater falling to them will be a home business.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan
Paye is probably the best fit roster in the concept.
15. New England Patriots: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The cost of the trade proves too much for New England, and with all five QBs in the first round of the board, Bill Belichick is a versatile playmaker for his defense.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Farley is among the top corners in the draft, and the Cardinals are risking a chance at high potential after a good medical report.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Tevin Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
The Raiders have taken some bizarre steps to influence the strength of their O-Line, and reaching out to Jenkins will likely help rebuild.
18. Miami Dolphins: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
Rousseau helps Miami’s top seven while staying just where he played his college ball.
19. Washington Soccer Team: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Washington has offensive weapons along with Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Antonio Gibson, etc. It’s about giving them – and veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick – help in advance.
20. Chicago Bears: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwest
The Bears find their replacement for Kyle Fuller at Newsome, who could immediately help Chicago’s secondary.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Carson Wentz arrives in Indianapolis and gets another weapon to take on second-player Michael Pittman Jr. to join in 2020.
22. Tennessee Titans: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Jadeveon Clowney did not exactly struggle with the Titans, who had to make financially driven cuts in the off-season, and decided to increase their pass rush.
23. New York Jets: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Harris joins Wilson for a rookie backfield to give New York a sign of new life.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
The Steelers prefer not to draft the ultimate replacement for Ben Roethlisberger in the first round, but rather grab someone who will protect him.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Owusu-Koramoah teamed up with Myles Jack to give the Jags a quarterback defense.
26. Cleveland Browns: Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
Davis is a freak athlete and has the physical tools to be a stud in Cleveland.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
The Ravens would like help, despite grabbing Sammy Watkins as a free agent, but with Matt Judon signing with the Patriots this offseason, they choose Oweh to help give the lead.
28. New Orleans Saints: Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
Moore enters New Orleans and the star makes life easier for Michael Thomas.
29. Green Bay Packers: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
The Packers could benefit greatly from a WR2 pairing with Davante Adams, while also making Aaron Rodgers happy in the process.
Buffalo Accounts: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami
The bills do not have many offensive holes, which is why Buffalo prefers to add pre-seven assistance.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
The Chiefs gave ex-Patriot Joe Thuney this bag this season, and by choosing Mayfield, they prove that priority no. 1 is the protection of superstar QB Patrick Mahomes.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Barmore joins defending Super Bowl champion, who returns all 22 entrees but can still use some maintenance on the defensive line.
Thumbnail via Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports Images