Fantasy Marksmen NFL Mock Draft

The 2021 NFL Draft goes live from Cleveland, OH and some pretty iconic venues including the Rock & Roll HOF Thursday April 29th, wrapping up on Saturday May 1st. Primetime coverage of the 1st round begins at 4PM ET Thursday afternoon.

The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the 1st overall pick this year and firmly project to draft QB Trevor Lawrence. Draftkings Sportsbook has the former Clemson Tigers QB at -10000 odds to be selected 1st overall follow by QB Zach Wilson +1200 and QB Justin Fields +2000. The Quarterback class of 2021 has garnered a lot of the attention leading up towards the NFL Draft and deservingly so, with as many as 5 QB’s being regarded as franchise level players.

From a Fantasy Football perspective we’ve got plenty of 1st round talent that is sure to make an impact in your 2021/22 Fantasy Leagues. The key 4 players which come in ranked on many expert Top 10 overall lists are:

• LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase
• Gators TE Kyle Pitts
• Alabama WR DeVonta Smith
• Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle

After this group, a wide variety of position players exist before we get into the exciting group of Running Backs, which are always an exciting part of Fantasy Drafts. This years group loosely features a top 5 of:

• Alabama RB Najee Harris
• Clemson RB Travis Etienne
• UNC RB Javonte Williams
• UNC RB Michael Carter
• Memphis RB Kenneth Gainwell

Lets get into the picks from the Fantasy Marksmen and see if we can’t help bolster your knowledge with a few good points!

#1 Jacksonville Jaguars – Positions Needed: QB, TE, DL, S, OL

Pick: QB Trevor Lawrence – Clemson Tigers

The easiest choice to make in the draft, Jacksonville drafts the future of their franchise with the first pick in the 2021 draft.

#2 New York Jets – Positions Needed: QB, CB, OL, EDGE, TE

Pick: QB Zach Wilson – BYU

The Jets showed their hand when they traded away 2018 3rd overall selection, Sam Darnold, to the Carolina Panthers. Filling the hole immediately, Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas add the extremely talented QB Zach Wilson, to lead them out of the leagues basement.

#3 San Francisco 49ers (Via Miami/Houston) – Positions Needed: QB, CB, DL, OL, TE

Pick: QB Justin Fields – Ohio State

The 49ers traded up to the 3rd pick in the draft, giving up a ton of capital to move there. With Jimmy Garoppolo only finishing one healthy season in his career, the 49ers know he is a liability, why not go get this all around stud coming out of Ohio State. While Fields was the starter he accumulated 5,373 yards, 68.4 % completion and had 63 Touchdowns with only 9 interceptions. Shanahan should be able to turn him into a stud quarterback at the NFL level.

#4 Atlanta Falcons – Positions Needed: EDGE, CB, OL, S, QB

Pick: TE Kyle Pitts – Florida Gators

Without finding a trade partner, the Falcons pick up Kyle Pitts. Matt Ryan’s new contract makes it harder for Atlanta to move on from him right away and with three QB’s going off the board, Pitts is the choice. Julio Jones, now 32, is looking to pass the torch as the teams physical pass-catcher. Although not an ideal situation for Atlanta, choosing the top-rated non-QB, in the draft, is the most logical decision.

#5 Cincinnati Bengals – Positions Needed: OL, EDGE, WR, TE, DT

Pick: OL Penei Sewell – Oregon Ducks

One of the more interesting picks of the first round will be the decision Cincinnati makes with the fifth pick. They will likely have the choice between the top ranked OL and WR – who happens to have played with Burrows in 2019. Chase managed just 1,780 yards, 20 TD’s and a National Title with the Bengals QB.
That being said, Cincinnati ultimately needs to bolster the OL before considering anything else. The addition of Sewell to former first round pick Jonah Williams and newly acquired Riley Reiff, will provide the protection Joe Burrow so desperately needs.

#6 Miami Dolphins – Positions Needed: WR, EDGE, OL, RB, LB

Pick: WR Ja’Marr Chase – LSU

The Dolphins need to lock in that alpha WR1 for Tua Tagovailoa. Getting Ja’Marr Chase is as “alpha” as it gets. Chase is our favorite WR of the 2021 draft class and he will make the Miami passing threat real. After adding Will Fuller, combined with DeVante Parker, they will be locked and loaded. Miami gets a top notch route runner with insane field vision.

#7 Denver Broncos – Positions Needed: QB, OL, LB, DL, RB (Via Detroit)

Pick: QB Trey Lance – North Dakota State

Trade! The Denver Broncos trade up two spots to #7, with Detroit, to secure the QB of the future and beat out rumors of other teams moving up to snag Lance. Some believe that the Broncos are content with Lock, but Lance’s upside is undeniable and he can sit behind Lock for his rookie year to develop if need be.

#8 Carolina Panthers – Positions Needed: OL, CB, WR, S, TE

Pick: CB Patrick Surtain II – Alabama

Most predict an OT being taken, but the Panthers pivot and take the best Corner in the draft to fill the spot opposite A.J. Bouye.

#9 Detroit Lions – Positions Needed: WR, LB, S, CB, OL (Via Denver)

Pick: WR DeVonta Smith – Alabama

It could be a very long season for the Detroit Lions. They have a lot of holes and question marks entering the season. Hence, trading down to acquire more picks. With the departure of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, addressing wide receiver seems wise. The Lions organization would be doing newly acquired Jared Goff a massive disservice by not providing a weapon through the air.

#10 Dallas Cowboys – Positions Needed: CB, OL, S, DL, LB

Pick: CB Caleb Farley – Virginia Tech

Everyone knows Dallas has narrowed in on drafting a CB with the 10th overall selection. It is only a matter of determining which one. Not playing in 2020 due to COVID, Farley led the ACC in pass breakups during the 2019 season. Assuming he is fully recovered from a back surgery in March, the 6’2 197 lbs corner can step in as a starter and make an important impact to fill a massive hole in the Cowboys defense.

#11 New York Giants – Positions Needed: EDGE, OL, WR, RB, DT

Pick: EDGE Kwity Paye – Michigan

While eyeing the OL position, the Giants fill a dire need and snag the top EDGE rusher of the 2021 draft to immediately improve the front seven in New York.

#12 Philadelphia Eagles (Via San Francisco/Miami) – Positions Needed: WR, CB, OL, LB, DL

Pick: WR Jaylen Waddle – Alabama

Getting Tyreek Hill comparisons should get anyone excited. Jaylen Waddle adds to the discussion of this loaded wide receiver pool. Philadelphia drafted Jalen Reagor with their first-round pick last season and Waddle offers another explosive option which will create nightmares for opposing DB’s. Waddle does everything Reagor can do, but at a much higher level. Having both on the field will give Reagor a chance to get better over time and develop into a secondary option in what will be one of the most exciting offenses in the league.

#13 Los Angeles Chargers – Positions Needed: OL, CB, TE, S, DL

Pick: OL Rashawn Slater – Northwestern

With Slater falling, this pick is a no brainer. After seeing Joe Burrow get demolished last year in Cincinnati, the Chargers don’t make the same mistake. Slater plugs in as the immediate starter at LT as a rookie along side two new additions in C Corey Linsley and OG/T Matt Feiler.

#14 Minnesota Vikings – Positions Needed: OL, EDGE, S, LB, QB

Pick: OL Christian Darrisaw – Virginia Tech

The Vikings O-line looks like swiss cheese at times. Enter 6’5″ 322lbs Christian Darrisaw. A talented lineman that can handle all sorts of different pass rushers, as he can stand heavy rushers as well as the shifty ones.

#15 Washington Football Team (Via New England) – Positions Needed: OL, LB, TE, DB, QB

Pick: QB Mac Jones – Alabama

Washington trades up with New England and gets the last QB remaining in the top 5 of the position. Jones is an extremely accurate pocket passer and should be the perfect pupil behind the grizzled vet Ryan Fitzpatrick for his rookie season.

#16 Arizona Cardinals – Positions Needed: CB, WR, OL, S, RB

Pick: CB Jaycee Horn – South Carolina

With Patrick Peterson leaving for Minnesota in the off season, Arizona grabs an impactful corner in Jaycee Horn. While potentially less technically skilled than Surtain II, Horn has unmatched explosiveness and can play all three CB positions. His versatility will be welcomed to a competitive Cardinals team.

#17 Las Vegas Raiders – Positions Needed: OL, S, LB, DT, CB

Pick: OL Tevin Jenkins – Oklahoma State

With concerns on the defensive side off the ball as well, taking an OL might come as a shock to some. That being said, “The Raiders” lock in an important piece to improve their rushing attack. Tevin Jenkins will step in immediately and provide the run blocking holes Josh Jacobs needs to succeed.

#18 Miami Dolphins – Positions Needed: WR, EDGE, OL, RB, LB

Pick: EDGE Jaelan Phillips – Miami (Fla.)

With his medical setbacks, Jaelan Phillips falls to 18 and Miami takes a shot on the physical specimen. Showing no concerns for drafting players with injuries in the past (Tua Tagovailoa), Phillips allows the Dolphins to drop defenders into coverage based on his ability to beat lineman one on one. His pro day included a 4.56 40-yard dash, 36″ vertical, 7.01 second 3-cone, and 4.12 shuttle. These numbers are extremely impressive for a 6-foot-5.5, 260lb human. Look for Miami to address their offensive concerns later in the draft as they sure up an important part of the defense.

#19 New England Patriots – Positions Needed: QB, WR, CB, LB, DL

Pick: WR Rashod Bateman – Minnesota

New England grabs one of the top wide receivers in the draft class with Rashod Bateman. With few holes in his game, Bateman has early comparisons to a Keenan Allen type of pass catcher. Exceptional hands, silky smooth route running, and the ability to understand defenders. Belichick should be drooling over the opportunity to secure a franchise wide receiver to build around.

#20 Chicago Bears – Positions Needed: QB, OL, WR, DB, EDGE

Pick: CB Asante Samuel Jr – Florida St.

In need of corner help, with Desmond Trufant’s contract expiring after 2021, the Bears pass on Vera-Tucker to concentrate on solidifying the back end of the defense for a long time. The best part about Samuel is he is a swiss army knife. He can play all over the field and plays hard snap to snap. That is, if Chicago does not decide to trade back, which I think they might try at this spot.

#21 Indianapolis Colts – Positions Needed: OL, EDGE, TE, CB, DL

Pick: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker – USC

Vera-Tucker is a fringe top 5 OL in this years draft and would fill the greatest position of need for the Colts after Anthony Castanzo announced his retirement this season. With the ability to play the Guard or Tackle position this allows GM Chris Ballard some versatility along the O-line for years to come. Vera-Tucker is described as being having quick feet and agility that will have the 6-4 315lb OT ready to make an impact early in the season for Indianapolis.

#22 Tennessee Titans – Positions Needed: OL, WR, CB, TE, S

Pick: WR Rondale Moore – Purdue

The departure of former fifth overall draft pick, Corey Davis, leaves a lack of depth at the receiver position. While Tennessee did sign former Rams wide-out, Josh Reynolds, the talent disparity is certainly noticeable. Rondale Moore is listed at just 5’7″, but makes up in speed and versatility. Filling an important slot position for the Titans, Moore can be a threat underneath allowing for Brown to find room down field. This one-two punch will keep defenders guessing, as they will also need to pay attention to the biggest offensive threat, King Henry.

#23 New York Jets (Via Seattle) – Positions Needed: QB, CB, OL, EDGE, TE

Pick: EDGE Azeez Ojulari – Georgia

Considered as one of the more complete pass-rushers in the draft class, Azeez Ojulari finds himself landing in New York. After signing Carl Lawson in the offseason, Ojulari will give the Jets even more help on the edge to pressure opposing teams. The Jets will have plenty of options at different positions with the 23rd pick, drafting someone of Ojulari’s skill set is a very safe one.

#24 Pittsburgh Steelers – Positions Needed: OL, RB, EDGE, CB, LB

Pick: CB Greg Newsome II – Northwestern

The Steelers aren’t far away from being in a rebuild. While many would project them to take a QB, OL or RB, another important position of need for the Steelers is at CB. Joe Haden is the main man in town but its likely that Pittsburgh wants to bolster the position. Newsome comes in and adds immediate strength and physicality while also being a very good zone coverage player.

#25 Jacksonville Jaguars (Via Los Angeles Rams) – Positions Needed: QB, TE, DL, S, OL

Pick: DT Christian Barmore – Alabama

Barmore enters the NFL Draft as the consensus #1 interior defensive lineman. The Alabama DT stood out in the College playoffs against both Notre Dame and Ohio State. In 2020 he totaled 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbled and 27 tackles, not to mention a national championship. Alabama consistently produces first round talent from the DL positions and Barmore is no different showing an ability to be athletic, quick, powerful and agile. These traits will be highly sought after by the Jaguars who ranked 31st in total Yds/GM allowed and 30th in Rushing Yds/GM.

#26 Cleveland Browns – Positions Needed: EDGE, CB, LB, DT, OL

Pick: LB Micah Parsons – Penn St

Without falling any further, the Browns jump on Penn State product, Micah Parsons. As one of the wild cards in the first round, Parsons will pay off massive dividends for a well-rounded Browns team. The biggest issues Cleveland faced last season was stopping the pass. After signing Clowney, the pass rush is improved and adding a piece of Parsons caliber will make an immediate impact.

#27 Baltimore Ravens – Positions Needed: EDGE, OL, DL, S, WR 

Pick: EDGE Joseph Ossai – Texas

Ossai, 6-4 253lbs, brings size and strength as an OLB who fits extremely well into a 3-4 scheme. Not only does Baltimore deploy a 3-4 scheme but they lost Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue in free agency this off-season increasing the viability of this pick. Already a dangerous edge rusher Ossai possesses a lot of skill as a run defender who pursues the ball and gives a good second effort. In a shortened 2020 season Ossai tallied 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and two passes batted.

#28 New Orleans Saints – Positions Needed: CB, WR, DL, LB, TE

Pick: CB Tyson Campbell – Georgia

The Saints have no shortage of holes in their lineup but cornerback is the biggest need after they parted ways with Janoris Jenkins. Add in the current legal matter which Marshawn Lattimore faces where its likely that he faces some form of league discipline and you’ve got a scenario where NO is without its starting CB group from 2020. Tyson Campbell enters skilled and with the height and length as a CB that can immediately match up well against tall WRs. A lot may be asked of him to start the 2021/22 season.

#29 Green Bay Packers – Positions Needed: CB, DL, OL, LB, WR

Pick: WR Kadarius Toney – Florida

Toney had a phenomenal 2020 season with Kyle Trask and at Florida where in 10 games he managed a 70/984/10TD stat line while adding a 19/161/1TD line as a rusher. His explosive abilities as a pass pass catcher who creates great separation and YAC will transfer well into the NFL as long as his durability doesn’t hold him back. Green bay needs a WR with elusive abilities who can line up outside or in the slot to compliment Davante Adams. Aaron Rodgers might even smile after this selection!

#30 Buffalo Bills – Positions Needed: EDGE, CB, TE, RB, OL

Pick: EDGE Jayson Oweh – Penn St

Buffalo looks to add at their top position of need in the draft and take a shot on an unpolished edge rusher in Jayson Oweh. While ideally described to fit a 3-4 style defense as an OLB who can rotate, Oweh would enter and have a chance to learn from NFL veterans Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes. In year one as a rotational player Oweh could earn his way to a starting role which is surely on the minds of the Bills front office knowing that Hughes and Addison are 32 and 34 years old.

#31 Baltimore Ravens (via Kansas City Cheifs) – Positions Needed: EDGE, OL, DL, S, WR

Pick: OL Alex Leatherwood – Alabama

Leatherwood won the Outland Trophy as the best offensive lineman in College ball during his senior year at Alabama. He’s well regarded as a pass blocker that has natural size and athleticism at 6-6 322lbs. Like many Alabama OL prospects he is highly touted, but his abilities as a blocker in the run game are in question.

#32 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Positions Needed: EDGE, OL, WR, QB, RB

Pick: S Trevon Moehrig – TCU

Tampa finds themselves the top ranked Free Safety in the NFL Draft at pick #32. The Bucs are still in “win now” mode and this pick allows them to bolster their secondary with a true ball-hawk to play across from SS Antoine Winfield Jr. In 24GP between 2019-2020 Moehrig tallied 6 INT’s and 26 passes defended.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our 2021 NFL Mock draft by Fantasy Marksmen writers Jeremy Maw, Justin Rosser and David Carey. We look forward to connecting with you on twitter @fantasymarksmen. Enjoy the draft!