NFL Draft 2021

NFL DRAFT – THURSDAY, APRIL 29TH @8PM

ANALYSIS BY JOE CAPO

APRIL 24, 2021

Are you ready for some football?!?!?!? Well, it’s that time of year again. Draft Day! Where the Sonny Weaver’s of the world are crunching numbers, watching film, and making phone calls, in hopes of being able to select the players that can take their teams to the next level. As for me, I created my first mock draft last year and had a blast doing it. Even while receiving criticism from a delusional analyst, who shall remain nameless, who thinks I should be picking 70 to 80 percent of the draft correctly. I know, like I said…delusional!! Moving on, i’m well aware that with all the trades leading up to a draft, as well as on draft day, and having no idea which direction a team may be selecting will contribute to missing most of my selections. This year however, I decided to add a little wrinkle to my mock draft. I will include trades where I see fit. Something I did not do last year. So let’s have some fun and hopefully this will give you some insight as to what your favorite team may be thinking come draft day. With that said…let’s get started…

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence – QB – Clemson

When the Jets beat the Rams last year in Week 15, you could hear the celebration in Florida all the way from New York. If you read my NFL Draft write-up last year, when the Jaguars were picking 9th, I made this selection for them then. This kid has it all! We’re talking size, arm strength, accuracy, and intelligence. Oh yea, and he can run with the ball too. Trevor and his wife Marissa are already donating money to Jacksonville charities. This pick is a slam dunk! Thank you New York Jets.

Trade possibility: No chance!

2. New York Jets – Zach Wilson – QB – BYU

Sam Darnold out…Zach Wilson in. Let’s just hope for Jet fans that head coach Robert Saleh and his staff can do a lot more for Wilson than former coach Adam Gase and his staff did for Darnold. Zach has a lot going for him. He’s a gun slinger. Nice arm strength, moves well in the pocket, and he’ll make many highlight reels with his improvisation. The big question mark surrounding Wilson was the level of competition he was facing while playing at BYU. I like what this kid brings to the table and I think he’ll succeed at the next level…BUT then again, this is the Jets we’re talking about.

Trade possibility: Nope. When the Jets traded Darnold, this pick was definitely being used on a quarterback and I think they’ve been set on Wilson for some time now.

3. San Francisco 49ers (from HOU via MIA) – Mac Jones – QB – Alabama

Here’s where the uncertainty of the draft starts. When the 49ers gave the Dolphins two 1st round picks and a 3rd rounder to switch from 12 to 3 in this years draft, they clearly had found their quarterback of the future. Now it’s just a matter of who they fell in love with. Mac Jones, Justin Fields or Trey Lance? Over the last 3 weeks, I have heard rumors of all 3 of these guys being the pick. Nobody seems to know for sure. I have faith in Kyle Shanahan turning any one of these 3 guys into a legit NFL quarterback. There are people that say a mobile quarterback is perfect for Shanahan’s system, which would suggest Fields or Lance. However, Shanahan has worked with, and made the most of, Matt Schaub, Kirk Cousins, Matt Ryan and Jimmy Garoppolo. Those 4 guys seem Mac Jones-esque to me. Mac Jones is a very intelligent and accurate quarterback. There’s nothing flashy there, but he gets the job done. He threw for 4,500 yds, with 41 TD’s and only 4 INT’s last year, which is extremely impressive. Granted he did it with all world talent around him, but he also did it against elite competition. Personally, especially in today’s NFL, I would take Fields, the Niners will take Jones. Consider him the safe pick…but did you have to move from 12 to 3, and give up all that future draft capital, to get him? I don’t think so.

Trade possibility: No chance!

4. Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Pitts – TE – Florida

Now it really starts to get tricky. I can see this pick being a quarterback to sit and learn behind an aging Matt Ryan. I can see Atlanta trading out of this spot. And finally, I can see the Falcons foaming at the mouth to add Pitts and create arguably the best pass catching trio in the NFL along with Julio Jones & Calvin Ridley. Good luck guarding against that! I love Kyle Pitts! This kid is a generational talent at a position that produces them few and far between. Pitts has an incredible combination of size and speed that will translate into an opposing defenses nightmare. Now I would completely understand the Falcons taking Fields or Lance in this position. I mean, how often do you land this high in the draft with an above average quarterback class?

Trade possibility: Absolutely! Now with all that said, about loving Kyle Pitts and understanding the desire to take a quarterback, THIS is truly the move I would make. Trade down! The Falcons are a team with many holes and an absolutely atrocious defense. There really isn’t a defensive player to take at 4, without it being considered a serious reach. Trading out of this spot with a quarterback hungry team will bring in more picks to use on a rebuilding defense. I don’t think the Falcons will make a move, but they should.

5. Cincinnati Bengals – Penei Sewell – OT – Oregon

The temptation to take Ja’Marr Chase and reunite him with Joe Burrow is gonna be SERIOUSLY hard to pass up! Rumor has it, that Chase will be the pick here. However, I’m going on record in saying “That is the wrong move!” Ja’Marr Chase is a stud and the sexier pick! I get it! This has nothing to do with him. This has to do with protecting your number 1 overall pick, from a year ago, that suffered a severe knee injury in Week 11 last year. The Bengals HAVE TO make that priority #1. It’s pretty simple actually, what good is having an amazing wideout if you’re spending the majority of the time on your back! And yes, I’m well aware that the Bengals signed Riley Reiff in free agency and seem content on keeping Jonah Williams at left tackle. Hence why Chase is probably favored to be picked here. Nope! Sorry! That’s not gonna cut. Move Reiff to guard (where he played in college,) slide Williams over to right tackle, and draft the best lineman on the board in Sewell and have this beast protect the blind side. Do the right thing Cincy! Joe Burrow’s surgically repaired knee says “thank you!”

Trade possibility: Not likely.

6. Miami Dolphins (from PHI) – Ja’Marr Chase – WR – LSU

My boys have been busy this offseason. First the trade with the 49ers to move from pick 3 to 12 and then almost immediately followed by a trade with the Eagles to move from pick 12 to 6. So here we go! This pick is all about getting Tua some help. In my opinion the Miami Dolphins are in a pretty good position here. It looks certain that 3 quarterbacks will be gone by now…possibly 4, depending on what Atlanta chooses to do. However, if the draft plays out how I’ve stated above, just take whoever falls from Kyle Pitts, Penei Sewell, and Ja’Marr Chase. That’s it, plain and simple. That should be the Dolphins game plan for their first pick in the draft. You’re probably thinking, they play 3 different positions, how can that be? Easy, with Pitts, you line him up opposite Mike Gesicki in a two-tight end set (don’t forget Brian Flores is a Bill Belichick disciple, so he knows all about that.) With Sewell, you leave Austin Jackson at left tackle and have Penei play right tackle (to guard Tua’s blind side) and now your protecting your somewhat fragile quarterback with two, young, bookend 1st round tackles. Or you get the #1 wideout in the draft in Ja’Marr Chase and have him join DeVante Parker and Will Fuller. Any way it unfolds, looks like Tua’s gonna be having some fun in year 2!

Trade possibility: I mean, hey, you never know, right? But it seems like the Fins have moved around enough in this early part of the 1st round to stay put.

7. Denver Broncos – Justin Fields – QB – Ohio State (*Mock Trade With Detroit Lions*)

So here it is, my first mock trade! The Broncos move up 2 spots from pick 9 to pick 7. I think they’ll fear someone trading with Carolina at 8, and possibly stealing the quarterback of their choice. Don’t let the 5-11 record fool you. This team is not that bad. They have solid lineman on both sides of the ball. They’re offensive skill position players are young and talented. They have quality veterans on defense. What Denver is missing is a reliable quarterback. I think this is first year GM George Paton’s way of making a big splash. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Broncos made a strong play for Matthew Stafford before the Los Angeles Rams completed a deal with the Detroit Lions. That’s enough for me to say that Denver is ready to move on from Drew Lock. This trade here allows the Lions to take advantage of knowing where the Broncos stand. As for Justin Fields, can somebody explain to me how this guy went from being the #2 quarterback in this year’s draft, at season’s end, to #5 on many analysts lists?!? Am I missing something? Is this the same guy who outplayed Trevor Lawrence, by throwing for 6 touchdowns, in the National Semifinal game, while playing through an injury? I know there has been talk about his work ethic (which I’m not buying) and his health (epilepsy, which I’m told is completely manageable.) I’m still on board! This guy seems to me like a quarterback who perfectly fits the mold of today’s NFL.

*The Broncos made a trade with the Carolina Panthers for Teddy Bridgewater after I wrote this portion of the mock draft, therefore I don’t believe they will be making this trade with the Lions. I now see Denver staying put at pick 9 and selecting LB Micah Parsons out of Penn State. I still think the Lions will end up with DeVonta Smith if they stay at 7 or trade back with another quarterback needy team. I’m leaving my original write-up to show my train of thought prior to the trade*

8. New England Patriots – Trey Lance – QB – North Dakota State (*Mock Trade With Carolina Panthers*)

Patriots trading up?!? I know, I know…I’m the same guy who called Bill Belichick the poster child for trading back in NFL Drafts. But that was before Belichick got to watch his golden boy, Tom Brady, hoist the Lombardi Trophy for another team, in his first year after their break up. Now, Bill’s on tilt (poker term.) In this post-GOAT era, coming off their first losing season in 20 years, these new look Patriots are a team that drops 160 million in guaranteed money on free agents in the offseason. And now, they’re also a team that trades up in a draft. Trey Lance is the biggest wild card of the 5 quarterbacks expected to go early in this year’s draft. He played only 1 game last season. However, there are rumors circling that the Pats have liked what they’ve seen, from workouts and film, of the young man. He’s big, he’s got a strong arm, and he’s mobile. Kind of reminds me of a young Cam Newton. And what do you know, by landing on the Pats, he can sit a year and learn from the former league MVP.

9. Detroit Lions – DeVonta Smith – WR – Alabama (*Mock Trade With Denver Broncos*)

After losing their top 2 wide receivers, in Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr, during the offseason, selecting a wide receiver with their first pick seems like a foregone conclusion for the Lions. With Alabama’s amazing tandem of DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle still on the board, the decision to trade back two spots becomes an easy one. Smith is an excellent route runner with great hands and tremendous run-after-catch ability. He rightfully won the Heisman Trophy and then went on to embarrass Ohio State in the national championship. He’s coming off a season of 117 catches, for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. Say hello to Jared Goff’s new favorite target.

10. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Surtain II – CB – Alabama

Can someone please handcuff Jerry Jones to the chair in his luxury suite, put duct tape over his mouth, and leave him there until after the draft is over?!?! Talking about how he’s enamored with Kyle Pitts, with the possibility of moving up to get him. Are you kidding me?!? Does this clown realize that you have to play DEFENSE too?!? I was screaming for a defensive pick last year, when the Cowboys picked CeeDee Lamb at 17. I’m gonna let that one slide, cause I thought Lamb was an elite talent that slid way too far, so Dallas gets a pass for that one, but enough is enough. Patrick Surtain II is a big, smart, and athletic corner with the skill level to succeed at the NFL level. The son of the former Dolphins star cornerback Patrick Surtain Sr, should look good starting opposite Trevon Diggs and will make a nice secondary 1-2 punch for a rebuilding defense.

Trade possibility: I don’t think Dallas will move back, but considering I have Surtain as the first defensive player coming off the board at pick 10, it wouldn’t be the worst idea. If a quarterback slides, I would easily trade back and look for a player like Jaycee Horn, who I happen to like just as much as Surtain. If the Cowboys trade up for Pitts, I may stop watching the draft right at that moment.

11. New York Giants – Kwity Paye – EDGE – Michigan

The Giants can go in a few directions with this pick. WR (Waddle,) CB (Horn,) O-line (Slater,) and Edge Rusher (Paye) can all make the cut, but I think GM Dave Gettleman wants to get stronger in the trenches, and I can respect that. After spending a 1st-round pick on offensive tackle Andrew Thomas last year, The G-men elect to address the other side of the ball this year with Kwity Paye. The former Wolverine is a tremendous athlete, with good lateral quickness, and the ability to be explosive off the ball. Paye has a nice combination of size, length and strength off the edge, as well as being a disciplined run defender.

Trade possibility: With needing to fill many holes, I would like to see the Giants move back. Like the Cowboys, if a quarterback slides into the double-digit area, pick up the phone.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (from SF via MIA) – Jaylen Waddle – WR – Alabama

This would be a huge score for the Eagles. You can see the headlines now…”Jalen to Jaylen!” Both former Alabama stars Jalen Hurts and Jaylen Waddle both hail from the Houston, Texas area and have a great relationship. This pick would be too good to pass up. Although Waddle lacks size at 5′ 10″ he might be the fastest and most explosive receiver in the draft. In six games (three starts) last year, he caught 28 passes for 591 yards and 4 touchdowns before suffering a broken ankle. At the time, he had 80 more receiving yards than teammate, and eventual Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith. With the Eagles secondary issues, Jaycee Horn would be another quality pick for them at this spot, but I would lean in the direction of getting my young quarterback some help from his boy.

Trade possibility: I think the Eagles stay put after trading back from 6 with the Dolphins.

13. Los Angeles Chargers – Rashawn Slater – OT – Northwestern

The Chargers realize they struck gold with Justin Herbert in last year’s draft. And now it’s time to build Fort Knox. While San Diego can use some help on the defensive side of the ball with a cornerback and/or an edge rusher, this pick has to be about protecting the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Enter Rashawn Slater. There are many analysts who believe Slater will eventually be pushed to the interior line due to his size. Yea, well Chase Young and I disagree with that sentiment. Slater opted out of playing last year, and he really didn’t need to, after his impressive 2019 performance against Chase Young and Ohio St in a blowout loss. You just don’t see a lot of offensive linemen physically dominate Chase Young like that at any position, at any level. Slater has an aggressive mentality and has no trouble getting to second level. He’s a tackle and a good one at that.

Trade possibility: I don’t think the Chargers will leave this spot, as it’s a good location to address their biggest needs.

14. Minnesota Vikings – Jaelan Phillips – EDGE – Miami

The U is in the house!!! Yea, that’s right, for those that don’t know, I’m a Miami Hurricanes fan. Alright, enough with the shout outs. The Vikings can use help in the trenches on both sides of the ball, however I think the bigger concern is on defense. Minnesota had the fewest sacks (23) in franchise history last year. That’s not gonna cut it when you play in the same division as the reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers. Jaelan has a good skill set, with strength to shed blocks and hold his ground in run defense. He really helped his stock grow with a fantastic pro day workout. Phillips showed great size, speed, explosion and a ton of athletic upside. Go get em kid!

Trade possibility: Umm, yes please! The Vikings find themselves in a legit spot to trade back from this position and here’s why. How often do you see quarterbacks slide in drafts? Now I’m not gonna say that’s going to happen here, BUT with the Patriots picking next (even though I have them trading up) IF one of those 5 expected QB’s drops this far, I would IMMEDIATELY get Washington and Chicago on the phone! Pick 15 is as far as I see those Top 5 quarterbacks possibly falling, and even that’s a longshot.

15. Carolina Panthers – Christian Darrisaw – OT – Virginia Tech (*Mock Trade With New England Patriots*)

Like I recommend for all teams that land a new, young quarterback…you have to protect him. The Panthers traded for 23-year-old Sam Darnold this offseason. I hope he does well after leaving that dumpster fire of a situation he had going on with Adam Gase and the Jets. A legitimate left tackle like Darrisaw will make a nice bookend compliment to right tackle Taylor Moton. Christian is a big, athletic, explosive talent who stands out in pass protection, as well as being a devastating run blocker. In addition to being physically imposing, Darrisaw also appears to have great reach. Although the Panthers can also use some secondary help, I believe they’ll look to strengthen their o-line.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Jaycee Horn – CB – South Carolina

This pick seems like a match made in heaven. Jaycee Horn rivals Patrick Surtain II as the #1 cornerback available in this draft. Call them 1 & 1A. Arizona was in need of a cornerback before watching 10-year veteran and 8-time pro bowler, Patrick Peterson walk out the door. Yes, they signed Malcolm Butler, but that’s a short term fix. Enter Jaycee Horn. Having a corner who can consistently shadow an opposing offense’s No. 1 receiver is critical to having a top defense in the modern NFL, and Horn excelled in this role in college. His incredible pro day workout showed a level of athleticism that could result in immense upside. I love this pick, I love this player, and I love this fit.

Trade possibility: With having the Cards selecting a cornerback in this position, I think they’ll stay put, as this is a good spot to land a quality one.

17. Las Vegas Raiders – Teven Jenkins – OT – Oklahoma State

Offensive line is the clear need for Las Vegas here, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Raiders address exactly that, with the 17th pick. Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, and Trent Brown were all starters for the Raiders in 2020, and they’re all on different teams now. The team also has Richie Incognito who is still on the team, but will likely retire in the near future (37 years old). No position is in more dire need of attention right now for the Raiders than right tackle. When the Raiders traded away Trent Brown they never signed anyone to replace him.  In Tevin Jenkins, they get the best right tackle in the draft. Jenkins is athletic, agile, powerful and known for being an extremely talented run blocker. Josh Jacobs approves!

Trade possibility: I would definitely consider trading back here as the Raiders have many holes to fill and would benefit greatly from receiving more picks to address those needs.

18. Miami Dolphins – Azeez Ojulari – EDGE – Georgia

The two most noteworthy offseason departures, with the possible exception of Ryan Fitzpatrick, were Kyle Van Noy and Shaq Lawson and that has left the Dolphins with perhaps their biggest need on the edge. While they spent their first pick, at 6, to help out Tua with a playmaker, they decide to use this pick on the other side of the ball. Ojulari is a gifted pass rusher who is rounding into a complete defender. Azeez fires off the snap with an explosive first step, plays with excellent balance as well as body control, and effectively uses his hands. He consistently gets leverage on opponents, and makes a lot of athletic plays. He’ll make a nice addition to what was a surprisingly effective defense last year under Brian Flores.

Trade Possibility: With an edge rusher being the logical pick here, I would definitely consider trading back, as there are a few guys that can be taken during the rest of the 1st round that are all kind of grouped together from a talent perspective.

19. Washington Football Team – Micah Parsons – LB – Penn State

Washington…please pick a mascot already! This whole “Football Team” thing is garbage! Moving on, Washington probably has a greater need for a starting left tackle, but this is my “CeeDee Lamb – Can’t Resist Pick” of Round 1. Don’t get me wrong, unlike the Cowboys last year needing basically anyone who played defense and instead took the stud wide receiver, at least Washington needs a linebacker to compliment their impressive D-line. Micah Parsons is an insanely athletic linebacker who plays explosive football. He creates turnovers, covers a lot of area, and possesses a tremendous closing burst. I love this guy! He should and may very well go much higher in the draft, but this would be a gift for Washington. Some players just seem destined for greatness. That’s how I view Micah Parsons.

Trade possibility: YES!! If a quarterback slides far enough for Washington to not have to give up an arm and a leg to move up, they should pounce on the opportunity. They desperately need they’re quarterback of the future!!

20. Chicago Bears – Alijah Vera-Tucker – OT – USC

Alijah Vera-Tucker is an athletic, strong, and smart offensive lineman. He shows great ability in getting out to the second level in the run game. He also moves well laterally in pass protection. He displays terrific footwork and strength as a run blocker, and the tenacity to start in the NFL, though I believe it will be at guard rather than tackle. Back-to-back years with impressive tape at two different positions make Vera-Tucker one of the most versatile players in the entire draft. His versatility may actually be his greatest strength.

Trade possibility: Here’s my first team that I believe makes as much sense to move up as it does to move back. Moving up would be my 1st priority, as the Bears (like Washington) are looking for a quarterback of the future. They need one of the Big 5 to slide down into the teens and to find a trade partner in the worst way. I can’t even remember the last great Bears quarterback. Sorry Jay Cutler…but it’s not you! Moving back works as well, as I believe Chicago needs help not only on the o-line, but at wideout and cornerback, and late first round is a good spot for drafting those positions.

21. Indianapolis Colts – Greg Newsome II – CB – Northwestern

With the top group of offensive tackles off the board, the Colts will elect to address that need in the 2nd round, and here they’ll fill the hole at corner with Greg Newsome II. Newsome has good size at corner, to go with a terrific feel for the game and solid ball skills. Greg is an instinctive player, with the ability to quickly read and diagnose a play. He also does a good job of getting his head around in coverage to locate the ball. Newsome is a complete cornerback prospect, with all the traits necessary to produce and thrive in the NFL.

Trade possibility: With new quarterback Carson Wentz in the fold, it would not surprise me to see the Colts trading up to grab an offensive tackle of their choice.

22. Tennessee Titans – Caleb Farley – CB – Virginia Tech

After releasing both Adoree’ Jackson and Malcolm Butler, Tennessee can use some help at corner. If there was ever a team to take a chance on this kind of talent, it’s the Titans. Farley easily has all the skill to be the best cornerback to come out of this draft. Farley brings a rare blend of physical traits to the table in terms of size, length, quickness, fluidity, and athleticism that he pairs with exceptional man coverage skills, that make him an exciting NFL prospect. The knock on Caleb is his health. Coming off a back procedure can be a difficult thing for a team to look past when spending a first round pick. All signs point to him being ready to go for training camp. Two years ago the Titans pulled off a steal in selecting Jeffrey Simmons with the 19th pick, who was coming off a torn acl. He had Top 10 talent, but the injury caused him to slide. Well, here we go again. Let’s roll those dice one more time!

Trade possibility: The Titans have a hole to fill at wide receiver after losing Corey Davis, so sliding back to grab a wideout, while obtaining some more draft capital is definitely worth consideration.

23. New York Jets (from SEA) – Gregory Rousseau- EDGE – Miami

After taking Zach Wilson with the 2nd overall pick, the Jets look to address their defense with Gregory Rousseau, from The U. Rousseau redshirted his freshman season in 2018 and then balled out in 2019 with 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. Rousseau was ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, First team All-ACC, Second team All-American and a Freshman All-American in 2019, but he opted out in 2020 and only has 14 games to his name. Jets new head coach Robert Saleh loves his pass rushers, and although Rousseau may be raw, you can’t deny the talent.

Trade Possibility: The Jets have plenty of draft capital these days, so I don’t think they would look to trade back. I suppose they can trade up, if there is someone they covet, but I would stay here and address one of the many holes on their roster.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Najee Harris – RB – Alabama

The Steelers want to win now, and that is the big time rationale for this move. Harris is not only a first round talent, but he is an all around back that can help from Day 1. His receiving and pass protection abilities are top notch, making him an immediate three-down contributor. While I love the skill set that Harris brings to the table I don’t necessarily agree with this selection. With multiple holes to fill on their offensive line, cornerback, edge rusher, and of course Big Ben’s successor, taking a running back in the 1st round just seems like a reach.

Trade possibility: Trading back when you have multiple positions to fill always sounds like a good idea to me, however I think the Steelers are making one more push at the Lombardi Trophy with their future Hall of Fame quarterback.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams) – Trevon Moehrig – S – TCU

The Jags go from selecting the top quarterback in the draft to taking the top safety in the draft with Trevon Moehrig out of TCU. This two-year starting safety was also a dominant special teams player. Trevon is a tough, instinctive safety who displays solid ball skills and takes proper angles to the action. He displays a solid closing burst and physically outmuscles receivers to defend the pass. Moehrig has a willingness to take on bigger opponents and drives through tackles.

Trade possibility: I think they’ll stay put. Jacksonville is loaded with picks this year as they have 5 selections in the first 65 picks. Now let’s see what 1st year coach Urban Meyer can do with them.

26. Cleveland Browns – Christian Barmore – DT – Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide have a long-standing pipeline of NFL talent on the defensive line. Christian Barmore is just the latest addition to that list. If you only watch his highlights, you’ll see a bonafide first round player in Barmore. The Alabama defensive tackle is a huge, thick player from head to toe. He has long levers for arms, and he also shows exciting flashes of explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. When Christian couples this burst together with well placed hand moves, he can put together some truly impressive reps. Solid pickup for a team that doesn’t have that many holes. Never thought I would say that about the Cleveland Browns.

Trade possibility: I think the Browns will stay put and simply add to an already impressive roster.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Jayson Oweh – EDGE – Penn State

The Baltimore Ravens have 2 of the next 5 selections. Edge rusher and wide receiver are the two camps that have been set up around the Ravens’ draft expectations. Right here they address the edge with Jayson Oweh. Baltimore lost a significant portion of its pass-rush capabilities with Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue leaving in free agency. The team values length and Oweh has that in spades. He is an intriguing player that could join a lengthy list of successful Baltimore edge rushers. Jayson was an explosive, athletic college defensive end who made a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage and in space.

Trade possibility: I doubt it. With 2 of the next 5 picks and considering their needs, they’re in a good position.

28. New Orleans Saints – Rashod Bateman – WR – Minnesota

A year ago, the Saints fielded one of the most complete rosters. However, after the salary cap maneuvering they were forced to undertake this offseason, there seem to be numerous holes to fill. Wide receiver and cornerback being two of them, with the loss of Emmanuel Sanders and Janoris Jenkins. I think they’ll lean towards wide receiver here to help out their quarterback (whether it be Winston or Hill) in this post-Brees era. Rashod Bateman seems like a dream selection for the Saints. They need a complement to Michael Thomas, and Bateman’s skillset allows for a ton of versatility in the New Orleans passing attack. Rashod is a menace over the middle of the field. He elevates and finishes catches without regard for his body making him very strong in contested situations.

Trade possibility: For a team with suddenly many holes to fill, moving back seems like a good idea. These last 5 spots in round 1 are always good positions for teams in round 2 looking to break in.

29. Green Bay Packers – Elijah Moore – WR – Mississippi

Here we go again! A year ago, I was begging for the Packers to select a wide receiver to help their future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and instead I watched them select his eventual replacement in Jordan Love. What a waste! So, here I am going back to the well, looking for a wide receiver once again. Now this year, it will probably be even harder for them to do the right thing because Rodgers won MVP without another target. Not only that, but there seem to be more holes to fill with the Packers this year. I can see them going with a cornerback or a linebacker here, but I’m being stubborn. Enter Elijah Moore out of Mississippi. Packers fans rejoice! Finally, a high draft pick committed to the receiver position. Moore is a stud route runner with high end productivity in the SEC and he had one of the more impressive pro day workouts of the offseason. Finally a complement to Davante Adams.

Trade possibility: Last year they traded back. Might not be a bad idea to do so again.

30. Buffalo Bills – Asante Samuel Jr. – CB – Florida State

Buffalo has a roster capable of contending for the Super Bowl now. The secondary is one area that could benefit from the addition of a few pieces. Asante Samuel Jr. gives them a sound football player opposite Tre’Davious White. Samuel possesses above average athleticism and speed for the next level and comes with great bloodlines. Asante is a feisty cornerback with terrific ball skills. He displays outstanding awareness and quickly picks up coverage assignments. Samuel has a nice burst of speed running downfield with opponents. He’s physical and plays bigger than his listed size of 5 feet 10 inches.

Trade possibility: No need to move. Just add to this solid squad.

31. Baltimore Ravens – Kadarius Toney – WR – Florida

After making an ill-advised trade with the Chiefs, the Ravens end up with their second pick in the 1st round and address their need at wideout. Toney is an athletic skill player coming off a tremendous senior campaign. He plays with outstanding balance and body control, possesses terrific short-area quickness, and separates from defenders out of routes. Toney is a versatile prospect who plays heads-up football and can be used as a receiver, return specialist, and ball carrier on reverses.

Trade possibility: I can see the Ravens sliding back with this selection, due to the depth at the wide receiver position in this draft.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Levi Onwuzurike – DT – Washington

This will be a luxury pick/plan for the future, with the defending Super Bowl champs surprisingly bringing back all 22 starters from last year’s team. Onwuzurike showed the ability to be a game changer at Washington, occupying blocks, penetrating the line of scrimmage, and even getting out in space to make plays. He’s an explosive, athletic defensive tackle who has blocked punts in the past. Levi fires off the snap and gets a lot of force going up the field. He comes with a large upside and can be tough to stop.

Trade possibility: I think they stay put and draft a depth piece.