Goat Talk’s 2021 NFL 1st Round Mock Draft

 Goat Talk’s 2021 NFL 1st Round Mock Draft 

We are less than two days from the closest thing we get to a fantasy draft in sports, the NFL Draft. The day when NFL teams make life changing calls to young athletes. Some of these young athletes will be asked to take bigger roles than others. Some will be picked based on their certain skill package they offer. Some of these athletes have great talent but with talent comes great pressure. The higher you’re picked the more known you are. People will be expecting you to perform at a high level sooner rather than later. Yes someday we'll look back on this day talking about the missed picks, the players who slid, the busts, and the better than expected but either way we don’t know any of those right now. All we know is 254 young athletes will be picked and sorted between 32 teams to hopefully be the next face of their franchise. We also know us humans like making predictions on such events. That’s what we will do here. However this mock draft is not like most. It’s a tad different in the aspect we have my opinion involved. We’ll have two picks for each team. One called “What I think they’ll do” meaning my prediction on exactly what the title says. That’s for my prediction of the draft. For the fun that’s what the column“What they should do'' is for. That’s where my fantasy owner comes out. We like to have fun and having your own fantasy draft in a fantasy draft is fun.  Everything is explained, let's get the mock draft started. 

 What I think they’ll do         /        What they should do 

1.Jaguars: QB Trevor Lawerence Clemson / QB Trevor Lawerence Clemson

Easy pick for either side. Best player in the draft at the quarterback position probably the most talented player in the draft. A generational talent easy pick for Jaguars. 

2.Jets: QB Zach Wilson BYU / OL Penei Sewell Oregon 

Look sit down Jets fans look at what’s being offered. It's way better than what your team is and you don’t even know it. This team wants you to pick the next Johnny Manziel with Zach Wilson. Could Wilson be good if developed properly? Yes of course. However the Jets aren’t known to develop quarterbacks properly. They will ask Wilson to be the man right away, with a little bit better receiving core than Sam Darnold had, no tight end help, no real running back, and Swiss cheese as an offensive line. They have one good offensive lineman with their 1st round pick Mekhi Becton. That’s why they should add Sewell and get two great offensive lineman. They have plenty of trade capital to get Teddy Bridgewater or Jimmy Garoppolo for a season if they really want a decent quarterback at the helm. They’re rebuilding Wilson isn’t the guy for chaos early. Build up that offensive line so when you find the guy or sign the guy he’ll actually have real protection. Wilson will need protection for his style of play or he could risk getting hurt. Sorry but truth hurts the quarterback is not the answer right now. 

3.49ers QB Mac Jones Alabama / QB Justin Fields Ohio State 

Yes for me it’s quite obvious that the 49ers want a quarterback. Reports say that San Francisco’s Kyle Shannan loves Mac Jones and Trey Lance. Shannon will go with Mac Jones. The fact Jones was in and developed in a pro style offense at Alabama will be a big deal for Shannan in my opinion. Jones according to scouts is wicked smart who is a workhorse. Shannan believes in his system; he just needs someone to run the damn thing. Jones can distribute the football for Shannan. However in my opinion Fields is the better quarterback for the future especially since he’ll get a year to learn the offense if drafted by the 49ers. Throughout the whole draft process for me Fields is the best quarterback outside of Lawrence because he does everything the rest do but also is super athletic. Fields isn’t going to San Francisco which Packer fan me is happy about. 

4.Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts Florida / QB Trey Lance North Dakota State 

Yes the Falcons will go get the very talented Kyle Pitts out of Florida. Which yes that offense has weapons but apparently the team wants to get rid of Julio Jones. Pitts will be a great talent for years to come, maybe the best tight end for the next 10 years. He could help replace Jones. Pitts is hard to pass up so it’s hard to bash me the Falcons if they choose to go the way we think. Nonetheless in my world Lance is going over Wilson in the draft. Atlanta is perfect for Lance. Lance and Wilson are close in my opinion but Lance is two years younger than Wilson. Lance will get those two years of development by sitting behind Matt Ryan for his last remaining two years. That gives new head coach Arthur Smith a quarterback to develop with the style Ryan Tannehill has which made him successful as the offensive coordinator for the Titans, that gives Smith two more first round picks before putting Lance out there. If Falcons take the patient route they can be set up for years of success with Lance. 

5.Bengals: WR Ja'Marr Chase LSU / OL Rashawn Slater Northwestern 

To me the Bengals choices are obvious that either need protection for Joe Burrow or a weapon for Joe Burrow. For me it’s obvious you have to always protect your quarterback especially one coming off an ACL Tear in his rookie year from his lack of protection. Slater is perfect for the Bengals; he can play anywhere on the line. He’ll be solid for the next ten years. Sewell is already picked in my draft but Slater is not a bad second option either way offensive line should be the pick. However the Bengals are the Bengals. Chase is an incredible talent, yes but you can get skilled position players later. Doesn’t matter how good Chase is and that he played with Burrow if Burrow isn’t playing or running for his life in the backfield. You need protection to win football games. Get Burrow protection now. 

6.Miami WR Jaylen Waddle Alabama /  WR Ja'Marr Chase LSU 

The Dolphins are committing to their first round pick from a year ago quarterback out of Alabama Tua Tagovailoa. Which in my opinion they should Tua just needs some time to develop. Where he’s the main focus and only guy in the room. Expect Tua to grow a lot in year two. Anyways they should protect Tua which in my opinion they’ll probably choose against with Waddle sitting there. Slater is still available in my prediction draft but my guess is they still go get Tua a serious weapon with Waddle. In my draft both top offensive lineman are off the board forcing the Dolphins to go pass catcher at six. Luckily for them a great talent with Chase is there. 

7.Lions: (Trade with Patriots) 

Patriots: QB Justin Fields Ohio State /  QB Zach Wilson BYU 

Yes in both the real and fantasy world the Patriots trade up to get a quarterback. The Lions have already let the world know they have multiple players they are comfortable picking. Patriots see that and take aim for the 7th overall pick giving New England a new man after Brady. In the real world they’ll probably be forced to pick Justin Fields. Which is very scary to me. He’ll be one of the last two options between himself and Lance. Don’t see Belichick down with taking a 20 year old project with Lance. So he’ll choose Fields who in my opinion is the best option who will slide too far. In my fantasy draft the same thing happens obviously trades stay both real and fantasy world. Patriots will then be forced to pick Zach Wilson which many would think is a steal. However this would be a great slide for Wilson’s career. He will get the development with Cam Newton being the starter in 2021 while learning the Josh McDaniels offense. 

8.Panthers OL Rashawn Slater Northwestern / CB Caleb Farley Virginia Tech 

Some experts have been saying the Panthers haven’t picked up Sam Darnold fifth year option because they're thinking about picking a quarterback. To be honest don’t really see that happening in a crowded quarterback room. In my opinion Matt Rhule knows he needs to protect Darnold. So with their 8th overall pick in reality they will pick Slater out of Northwestern to provide much better protection for Darnold. Something he’s never had. However in my draft Slater is already off the board leaving the Panthers in a situation to not reach for a playmaker or pass protector on offense but go back to the defense. Where they drafted all their picks last season. They’ll go get the corner in the draft with Caleb Farley from Virginia Tech. Farley’s ability to play man will be a great piece to a struggling secondary in 2020. 

9.Broncos QB Trey Lance North Dakota State /  QB Mac Jones Alabama 

To me Denver is without a doubt drafting a quarterback. You don’t say you want competition at quarterback to not draft one. They were in on all the available quarterbacks in the 2021 offseason. The Broncos aren’t impressed with Lock. In real life they will get lucky and get the guy they want Trey Lance. He’s super athletic but at 20 just needs his time to develop. Start Lock you can see if he’s really anything if he’s not then put Trey Lance in for the start of 2022. The thinking is the same for Mac Jones for me. Jones is the worst quarterback of the elite caliber quarterbacks in the draft making him go last to Denver. 

10.Cowboys: CB Patrick Surtain II Alabama / CB Patrick Surtain II Alabama

For the first time the real world and what teams should do are lining up on the Cowboys. The Cowboys clearly need defensive help. They gave up more yards last season on defense than any Dallas team ever has. Where to start? Easy the passing coverage with a cornerback. Luckily but in reality no one has picked Farley so why would Dallas go with Surtain? To me the Alabama effect. Surtain gets picked over Farley because of the big games and defense he’s been developed in. In my fantasy world NFL Draft Farley has been picked so that’s why Surtain goes here. 

11.Giants: CB Caleb Farley Virginia Tech / OL Christian Darrisaw Virginia Tech 

The Giants will be lucky with division rival Cowboys missing on Farley. Many think the Giants should go get a weapon for Jones but they already signed Kyle Rudolph, John Ross, and Kenny Golladay. They’ve done enough for Jones weapons thus far. Jones needs more protection or more help on defense. That secondary was tough to watch last season with the top two offensive lineman off the board and not reaching for one see Giants go get Farley. Who in reality talent wise would have slid. In my draft a lot of Giants needs would be picked. Forcing them to reach a little for an offensive lineman but not too bad. In reality he can start opening weekend giving Jones better protection with more weapons. 

12.Eagles: WR Devonta Smith Alabama / WR Jaylen Waddle Alabama 

Maybe the steal of the top part of the draft all signs point to Heisman trophy winner Devonta Smith dropping to the Eagles. Smith weighed in at 166 which hurt his draft stock because of his size against NFL corners. That’ll hurt him inside the top 10 but once outside there he’s a steal. The Eagles have lacked weapons and they'll get Jalen Hurts his first real one in Smith. My thinking doesn’t really change as far as getting Hurts a weapon. However in my draft Waddle falls all the way to 12. Smith may have been the better receiver last season but according to scouts Waddle has the better pro body. Having me put Waddle over Smith in the picks. 

13.Chargers OL Christian Darrisaw Virginia Tech / Edge Kwity Paye Michigan 

The Chargers will first be looking for offensive line help for young quarterback Justin Herbert. Which in reality they’ll get lucky and get the chance to draft an immediate starting offensive lineman with Christian Darrisaw. According to my draft Darrisaw would have been picked by the Giants if they were smart. Leaving the Chargers without their first need without reaching with better players available for their needs. That’s why the Chargers should go with Kwity Paye, an edge rusher from Michigan. Paye lined up across from Joey Bosa will be a deadly combination. Look how the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl through pass rush. The move makes the Charger much better on defense. 

14.Vikings: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker USC / OL Alijah Vera-Tucker USC

Reality and fantasy lined up perfectly once again. Well that’s because the choice for the Vikings is easy they need interior offensive line help. Kirk Cousins didn’t have really any protection up the gut forcing the Vikings to reach just a tad for help there. The pick is still good even if it’s a little bit of a reach. 

15.Lions (Trade with Patriots): LB Micah Parsons Penn State / LB Micah Parsons Penn State

To be honest the Lions number one target is probably Micah Parsons considering their lack of talent at linebacker. Getting some picks from the Patriots and moving back to get the same guy seems like a no brainer. 

16.Cardinals CB Jaycee Horn South Carolina / CB Asante Samuel Jr FSU

Yes, maybe before the Cardinals signed James Connor they were considering a running back but to be honest there’s no way they can think of anything other than corner. Their top two outside corners are on one year deals and Patrick Peterson just left from Minnesota. Horn will be their pick in real life based on size. In my opinion the pick should be Asante Samuel Jr out of Florida State. He is 3-4 inches shorter than Horn but in my opinion he’s a tad better but either way can’t go wrong with either corner. 

17.Raiders LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Notre Dame / S Trevon Moehrig TCU 

Many scouts believe that the Raiders need athleticism on the second level. Owusu-Koramoah out of Notre Dame would do exactly that. He seems perfect for the pick and team he would be going too. Why do the Raiders reach for Moehrig in mine? Well because he’s got a high ceiling, Raiders secondary was really bad last season, and whatever pick you think might not happen for Jon Gruden but could work except him to go with that pick. Something out of the ordinary. This will be a reach for Moehrig but with how bad that secondary was that won’t bother Gruden. 

18.Dolphins: LB Zaven Collins Tulsa / LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Notre Dame 

In the real world the Dolphins will more than likely just miss out on an offensive lineman worth taking with the 18th pick. That leaves them in the spot to address their needs outside of getting Tua another weapon. The Dolphins secondary and up front are pretty solid. After releasing Kyle Van Noy the Dolphins need some more play makers at the linebacker position. That’s exactly what Collins is and will be coming to Miami April 29th. Yes in my world Devonta Smith is still available but the Dolphins probably won’t rush to get another weapon for Tua when they have other issues on the other side of the ball. 

19.Washington: LB Jamin Davis Kentucky / LB Zaven Collins Tulsa 

Washington Football really needs a quarterback but none of these qualified first round picks will be available. Washington has a great front four and historic secondary but that linebackers position could get some more help. Since no quarterback is available the Washington Football goes linebacker. 

20.Bears CB Asante Samuel Jr FSU / CB Jaycee Horn South Carolina 

Bears have been desperate for a quarterback for their whole franchise. They won’t get that guy once again. After Kyle Fuller departure expect them to pick the best corner on the board. That’s exactly what they do in real life and it’s exactly what they should do. 

21.Colts Edge Kwity Paye Michigan / Edge Jalen Phillips Miami 

The Colts don’t really need anymore offensive line help, running back, or desperate for a weapon for Wentz. They did have the top defense for the majority of the season. As the season went on their pass rushing slowed down. That’s why in the real world Kwity Paye will still be there to pick and that’s exactly what the Colts will do. In my world they’ll stay the position but Paye will be picked already leaving them with Jalen Phillips. Who could be just as good as Paye or better he just has some injury concerns besides that Phillips will go great in Indianapolis. 

22.Titians S Trevon Moehrig TCU / WR 

WR Devonta Smith Alabama

 

In reality the top safety will more than likely be on the board still. With the losses of Malcom Butler and other secondary players the Titans may look to team Trevon Moehrig up with Kevin Byard to control the middle of the field. That seems like the best player for them. In my world however Moehrig is off the board to Las Vegas that leaves the Titans looking for either the second best safety in the draft or getting a wide receiver to fill in for Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith, and Adam Humphries. That pick would stop the skid of Devonta Smith. Which could luck out for Smith because now he’s in a good franchise. 

23.Jets C Landon Dickerson Alabama / CB Greg Newsome Northwestern 

In reality the Jets drafted Zach Wilson. So it’s only obvious to get him some protection since they do have another first round pick. Well they are to far to get a top flight offensive lineman but the pick will go to a center with Landon Dickerson out of Alabama. This will be a good pick for the protection of Wilson. In my world the Jets already picked a top flight offensive lineman. They can’t get a quarterback here they could still go with the Dickerson pick to real beef up that line but that’s not what they should do. The Jets had a very good run defense in 2020 now it’ll be time to improve the secondary. They should go get an athletic lengthy corner from Northwestern Greg Newsome II. 

24.Steelers: RB Najee Harris Alabama / RB Najee Harris Alabama

To be honest there’s no other pick for the Steelers here unless an offensive lineman falls. Big Ben is really old, he has receivers but no line and no running back. Harris is the pick here to take off pressure from Big Ben. 

25.Jaguars WR Elijah Moore Ole Miss / WR Elijah Moore Ole Miss 

It’s actually quite to say but the Jaguars aren’t in terrible shape being the worst team in the league. Their offensive line is actually not the worst. Giving them the opportunity to get a pass catcher for Lawrence. Moore hasn’t been taken on either board and he’ll definitely be the next man up at wideout to go. 

26.Browns Edge Azeez Ojulari Georgia / Edge Azeez Ojulari Georgia 

To be honest really wanted the Browns to get secondary help but they would really have to reach to get that. Then they have a top pass rusher in the draft still available. Makes their day a lot easier. They boost that pass rush next to Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney with the draft pick Azeez Ojulari making the Browns one of the best front 7 in the game. 

27.Ravens Edge Jalen Phillips Miami / WR Rondale Moore Purdue 

In reality Phillips would be falling which he probably will with all of his injury history. At UCLA he medically retired before making a come back. After Matt Judon left, that put the Ravens in position to get someone to replace the pass rusher Phillips has the talent to do so. He just needs to stay healthy. 

28.Saints: LB Jamin Davis Kentucky / LB Jamin Davis Kentucky 

To be honest it’s hard to draft for Saints in the upcoming draft. They do identify a corner as their biggest need. However none of the prospects around their pick are really worth their first round selection. Especially when they have a weaker than most linebacker core. They address the second level of the defense with their first round. They go get Jamin Davis which would be the right pick. 

29.Packers: WR Rashod Bateman Minnesota/ WR Rashod Bateman Minnesota 

As a Packers fan this is my hope for the Packers pick. Green Bay should finally go out and get Aaron Rodgers a first round caliber wide receiver. Show you’re committed to Rodgers that the Love pick was a bad idea. The best way to start would be here. Maybe getting his contract restructured as well but that’s for another piece get him a wide out. 

30.Bills: Edge Gregory Rousseau Miami / RB Travis Etienne Clemson 

The Bills were one of the worst rushing teams last season. That makes me think that the Bills will think they need more pressure on the quarterback than they need a running game. Especially in the NFL Draft you can get a good skill player at any point in the draft. Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes will get an addition with Miami’s Gregory Rousseau. They’ll have a second piece to a defensive line for the future. In my opinion yes the Bills could get a high level pass rusher but their running game was terrible last season. Josh Allen became the running game. Get Allen an elite running back and that could be the difference between keeping up with the Chiefs or not. Travis Etienne out of Clemson most certainly could be that guy behind the Bills line. 

31.Ravens: OL Teven Jenkins Oklahoma State / OL Teven Jenkins Oklahoma State 

To be honest, my draft two weeks ago probably would have said the Ravens go wide out for Lamar Jackson. However like it’s been stated before you can get skill players whenever. The Ravens traded an All-Pro offensive lineman Orlando Brown to the Chiefs. That makes protection for Jackson not nearly as good. Offensive lineman is now a priority. Marquise Brown will have to wait for his partner in crime. 

32.Buccaneers: OLB Joe Tyron Washington / OLB Joseph Ossai Texas 

We can agree that the Buccaneers will probably be preparing for a JPP departure next offseason. They brought all 22 starters back from last year’s Super Bowl team. Meaning they aren’t desperate for any starters on either side of the ball. They can develop a prospect. Bruce Arians has said they would like to get more physical and faster on defense. That’s why for me Ossai was the pick but many experts say the pick is Joe Tryon out of Washington. We’ll respect the guys who get paid to do this for a living and say Tyron for our prediction draft. However Ossai to me is the better pick. 

Just like that we are done with both first round mock drafts. Remember what people should do and will do are always two different things. That’s why we needed to separate my prediction of the draft and what my pick would be for the team based on needs. You can bring a horse to water but you can't make them drink. Congratulations to all the athletes drafted and to the future of the NFL. 

By Matthew Doherty 

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