Suspense is in the air, as the NFL Draft is coming up this Thursday. So, that means it’s time for my final mock draft. Before we begin, I must clarify that this mock isn’t based on my predictions, it’s based on what I would do if I were each team. Also, I made no trades myself, as I learned my lesson that those are too hard to predict last year. My mock starts off with two non-surprises, but it gets interesting after that. Enjoy the article and enjoy the Draft!!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Next question. 

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

Next question.

3. San Francisco 49ers (from Houston Texans) – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

This is where the Draft really begins. The Niners will have the choice between Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. Lance has always been my favorite of those three, and I also believe he’d fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense well and be able to expand it. 

4. Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

If the Falcons stay put, this should be their pick. Matt Ryan is still a solid quarterback, and it’d be hard for them to move on from him in the foreseeable future. By all measures, Pitts is a generational talent who would flourish in Atlanta. 

5. Cincinnati Bengals – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

The question is, will the Bengals take Sewell or Joe Burrow’s college teammate, Ja’Marr Chase? I’d go with Sewell because his ceiling is so high and the Bengals have to protect Joe Burrow. Chase would be a good pick, but after seeing Burrow tear his ACL last season, I feel like Sewell should be the guy.

6. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia Eagles) – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The Dolphins need playmakers, and Chase certainly fits that billing. Chase, Will Fuller, and DeVante Parker would make for a great receiver trio in Miami.

7. Detroit Lions – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Fields seems like a Lion to me in every way. Dan Campbell prioritizes toughness, and Fields showed he has that when he played through multiple games while injured in college. On top of that, new Offensive Coordinator Anthony Lynn developed Justin Herbert, who has similar strengths and weaknesses to Fields, well in 2020.

8. Carolina Panthers – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

The most versatile lineman in the Draft goes to Carolina here. He could play left tackle or left guard for the Panthers. 

9. Denver Broncos – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

The Broncos are a quarterback away from competing. A trade up for a signal-caller would be ideal for them, but Jones would also be very good. Jones would bring the accuracy and decision-making that Drew Lock never had. 

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

This is a match made in Heaven. Surtain’s former running mate at corner, Trevon Diggs, has done well in Dallas. Having Surtain and Diggs in the same secondary would be a win for the ‘Boys.

11. New York Giants – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

Dave Gettleman continues to add playmakers to his roster here. Getting Saquon Barkley back and then picking up Kenny Golladay and Jaylen Waddle would make for an elite group of skill players for the GMen. 

12. Philadelphia Eagles (from San Francisco 49ers) – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Smith’s slight frame could make him fall a bit, but the Eagles shouldn’t let him slide any further. He has chemistry with Jalen Hurts from their time spent at Alabama. 

13. Los Angeles Chargers – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Brandon Staley requires big-time corners, as he most recently worked with Jalen Ramsey. Horn has the tools to be a shutdown CB in the NFL.

14. Minnesota Vikings – Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami

The Viking’s defense is missing one key piece; a defensive end to work opposite Danielle Hunter. Phillips is technically sound and very explosive. 

15. New England Patriots – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

This would be a dream scenario for the Pats, but it’s definitely plausible. There are some character concerns with Parsons, but he’s just so talented that I don’t think Belichick could pass up on him.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL, USC

The Cardinals will target a corner here, but with Surtain and Horn gone, I don’t see a fit. So, they continue to improve Kyler Murray’s protection with AVT. After all, Murray’s injury pretty much derailed Arizona’s 2020 season, so keeping him clean should be a priority for the Cards. 

17. Las Vegas Raiders – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

The Raiders lost their right tackle, Trent Brown, this offseason, and they don’t have a sufficient replacement for him. Darrisaw’s run-blocking prowess would be valuable for the Raiders.

18. Miami Dolphins – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

I see Collins becoming the next Kyle Van Noy for the Dolphins. Van Noy, who plays off the edge and did a variety of things for Miami, was released this offseason. Collins has all the tools necessary to play outside linebacker for Brian Flores’s defense. 

19. Washington Football Team – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

Owusu-Koramoah would dominate behind Washington’s defensive front. His aggressive, versatile style would translate to instant success with the Football Team. 

20. Chicago Bears – Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

The Bears are a quarterback and some offensive linemen away from having a very good offense. Obviously, none of the top QB options are available, and Jenkins would still be a nice fit. 

21. Indianapolis Colts – Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

Paye would be a steal for Indy. He has all the tools to become a great defensive end, and he’d be well-equipped to do so on the Colts. 

22. Tennessee Titans – Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

Moore to the Titans makes too much sense. At Ole Miss, he was teammates with A.J. Brown, and the Titans could really use a receiver anyway. Moore would have a huge impact on Tennessee’s offense. 

23. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks) – Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

Robert Saleh values smart corners who are versatile, such as Richard Sherman who he had in San Francisco. Newsome fits that mold in every aspect.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

The Steelers have holes across their O-Line, so at least Cosmi would fill that left tackle slot. He’s super athletic and would fit well in Pittsburgh’s pass-first offense.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

After quarterback, the Jags’ biggest hole is at safety. Moehrig’s range is his best attribute that makes him a top-25 prospect.

26. Cleveland Browns – Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

At his peak, Barmore is easily a first-round talent. He does have his lows, but he fits with the Browns very well and fills their biggest need.

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

Oweh is raw, but his athleticism gives him so much potential. He’d have the chance to learn from seasoned pass-rushers like Pernell McPhee and Tyus Bowser in Baltimore.

28. New Orleans Saints – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Farley is a risk for any team because of his injuries, but if any team can afford it, it’s the Saints. If Farley reaches his full potential, the Saints will have a dynamic corner duo in him and Marshon Lattimore.

29. Green Bay Packers – Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

The Packers must do something to remedy their front seven issues. In 2020, they were very weak at linebacker, and opponents routinely gashed them on the ground. Davis is a steady tackler who has a ton of upside.

30. Buffalo Bills – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Etienne would take this Bills offense to the next level. Having a home-run hitter like him in their backfield would enable them to score at any point in a game. 

31. Baltimore Ravens (from Kansas City Chiefs) – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

I’m not the biggest fan of Bateman, but he’s a nice fit for the Ravens. He could become the elite contested ball receiver Lamar Jackson hasn’t had yet. 

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington

Like Jayson Oweh, Tryon is mostly a projection, but his power could vault him into the first round. With Jason Pierre-Paul’s contract expiring in 2022, Tampa could use some depth on the edge.

33. Jacksonville Jaguars – Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State

Urban Meyer always produced top-tier secondary talent, so we keep adding to the Jaguars’ defensive back group here. Samuel, C.J. Henderson, and Shaquill Griffin would make for a great corner trio. 

34. New York Jets – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

The Jets could use Rousseau in many ways. If Robert Saleh ends up using a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme, Rousseau could fit in either. If anyone can get the best out of Rousseau, it’s Saleh. 

35. Atlanta Falcons – Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina

The Falcons continue to build on their offense with Williams. Arthur Smith’s offense requires a tone-setting runner, and that’s precisely what Williams is. 

36. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans) – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Harris, who was Tua Tagovailoa’s teammate at Alabama, reunites with his former QB here. I don’t see how the Dolphins could possibly pass up on this opportunity in the second round.

37. Philadelphia Eagles – Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

The Eagles’ offensive line is getting older, and that showed last season. They’ll have at least two starters coming back from significant injuries, so having Eichenberg would provide nice insurance for Philly. 

38. Cincinnati Bengals – Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

If the Bengals go with Sewell with their first-rounder, they could still give Joe Burrow one of his former teammates, Terrace Marshall. With his size, Marshall has loads of potential, and his chemistry with Burrow would give him a head start in Cincy. 

39. Carolina Panthers – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Toney would fill Curtis Samuel’s shoes well for Carolina. Like Samuel, he does it all from the slot.

40. Denver Broncos – Jabril Cox, LB, LSU

Vic Fangio loves rangy linebackers. If the Broncos don’t take Micah Parsons or another LB in the first, Cox is a nice plan B. 

41. Detroit Lions – Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

If the Lions take their franchise QB, they’ll have a ton of work to do on the rest of the offense. So, we’ll start by building the offensive line with Mayfield.

42. New York Giants – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

Ojulari could fall a bit due to knee concerns, but he’d be a steal for the Giants here. His speed and cornering abilities will be very valuable to an NFL squad.

43. San Francisco 49ers – Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama

The Niners have a decent offensive line, but, once he’s healthy, Dickerson would improve it. He could play at either guard spot, and when Alex Mack retires or leaves, Dickerson could play center.

44. Dallas Cowboys – Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State

The Cowboys are reportedly interested in Kyle Pitts, but I can’t see them pulling the trigger on a trade up for him. So, they settle for the next best things here, Pat Freiermuth. He would make waves as both a receiver and a blocker early on for the ‘Boys.

45. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Minnesota Vikings) – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

The Jags O-Line is filled out for 2021, but they’ll have a few expiring contracts in 2022. Leatherwood played both guard and tackle at Alabama, so he could slide in wherever is most convenient for the Jaguars.

46. New England Patriots – Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse

Right now, the Patriots secondary is a strength, but Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson are both in the last year of their contracts. Melifonwu has the traits, and learning behind Gilmore would greatly benefit him.

47. Los Angeles Chargers – Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State

The Chargers can wait for a tackle until the second because of the sheer depth of this class. Radunz is an intriguing player who could play left tackle or left guard in L.A.

48. Las Vegas Raiders – Richie Grant, S, UCF

Grant is the type of safety that the Raiders could use. His skill set would complement that of Raiders strong safety, Jonathan Abram, well.

49. Arizona Cardinals – Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia

The Cards address their CB need here with Campbell. He has good size and smooth hips, he just has to turn those tools into production to be elite.

50. Miami Dolphins – Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma

It just keeps getting better for the Dolphins, as they nab a long-term option at center. Humphrey is as solid as they come and should start for an NFL team from the start of next season.

51. Washington Football Team – Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina

Brown is a field-stretcher to say the least. Brown, Terry McLaurin, and Curtis Samuel would make for a speed receiving core.

52. Chicago Bears – Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

Moore is one of the most mysterious prospects in the Draft. He has a limited route tree, but I think he’d develop well behind Allen Robinson.

53. Tennessee Titans – Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky

Joseph is one of the fastest cornerbacks in this class. His physical tools could propel him to a vital role in Tennessee.

54. Indianapolis Colts – Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

The Colts have had one of the best linebacker groups as of late, but they lost middle ‘backer Anthony Walker in free agency. Bolton is a tough, gritty player who would fit in well on that Colts defense.

55. Pittsburgh Steelers – Quinn Meinerz, C, Wisconsin-Whitewater

The Steelers keep adding to that O-Line with Meinerz. Although Meinerz comes from a small school, he showed that he can dominate opponents at the Senior Bowl.

56. Seattle Seahawks – Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson

It feels like the Seahawks have to go with an offensive lineman to keep Russell Wilson happy. Sliding Carman into that right tackle spot would do Seattle a lot of good.

57. Los Angeles Rams – Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State

The Rams defense was fantastic last season, but their linebacker group could use a face lift. Browning would be a step in the right direction for the Rams in the post-Brandon Staley era.

58. Kansas City Chiefs (from Baltimore Ravens) – Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State

Recently, the Chiefs have been known for their stellar skill position play, but they now find themselves depleted in that area after Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Wallace is a sneaky good route-runner who would help Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Holland is a versatile piece that could play slot corner or deep safety for Baltimore. With DeShon Elliott on an expiring contract, it’d be smart for the Ravens to pursue some depth at safety.

59. Cleveland Browns – Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas

I’ve gone on record saying Ossai is one of my favorite players, but finding a fit for him could be a challenge. His skillset doesn’t really match that of a straight pass-rusher, so putting him at SAM LB for the Browns would be a good role for him.

60. New Orleans Saints – Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

The Saints continue to revitalize their secondary here. Marcus Williams is on the franchise tag, so adding Holland would be a smart move for New Orleans.

61. Buffalo Bills – Elijah Molden, CB, Washington

Molden pretty much just played slot corner in college, but the Bills start three cornerbacks. Molden is a perfect fit for Buffalo.

62. Green Bay Packers – Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington

We continue to remodel the Packers’ front seven here. Onwuzurike could take Green Bay’s pass rush to the next level.

63. Kansas City Chiefs – Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest

After trading for Orlando Brown Jr., the Chiefs keep improving their trenches. Basham has the size and college production to look like a solid NFL defensive end.

64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana

Yet another luxury pick here for the Bucs. Free safety Jordan Whitehead’s contract will expire in 2022, so Johnson could step right into that role if need be.

65. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma

66. New York Jets – Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State

67. Houston Texans – Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

68. Atlanta Falcons – Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse

69. Cincinnati Bengals – Aaron Banks, IOL, Notre Dame

70. Philadelphia Eagles – Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF

71. Denver Broncos – Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis

72. Detroit Lions – Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC

73. Carolina Panthers – Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State

74. Washington Football Team (from San Francisco 49ers) – Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M

75. Dallas Cowboys – Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa

76. New York Giants – Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina

77. New England Patriots – Forfeited

78. Los Angeles Chargers – Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami

79. Minnesota Vikings – Brady Christensen, OT, BYU

80. Las Vegas Raiders (from Arizona Cardinals) – Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson

81. Las Vegas Raiders – James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati

82. Miami Dolphins – Walker Little, OT, Stanford

83. Washington Football Team – Stone Forsythe, OT, Florida

84. Chicago Bears – Nico Collins, WR, Michigan

85. Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis Colts) – Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan

86. Tennessee Titans – Robert Hainsey, OT, Notre Dame

87. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks) – Demetric Felton, RB, UCLA

88. Pittsburgh Steelers – Benjamin St.-Juste, CB, Minnesota

89. Los Angeles Rams – Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame

90. Cleveland Browns – D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan

91. Minnesota Vikings (from Baltimore Ravens) – Tommy Togiai, DT, Ohio State

92. Cleveland Browns – Alim McNeill, DT, NC State

93. Green Bay Packers – Seth Williams, WR, Auburn

94. Buffalo Bills – Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston

95. Baltimore Ravens (from Kansas City Chiefs) – Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State

96. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee

97. New England Patriots – Cade Johnson, WR, South Dakota State

98. Los Angeles Chargers – Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State

99. New Orleans Saints – Hunter Long, TE, Boston College

100. Dallas Cowboys – Kyle Trask, QB, Florida

101. Tennessee Titans – Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford

102. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams) – Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina

103. San Francisco 49ers – Tre Brown, CB, Oklahoma

104. Los Angeles Rams – D’Ante Smith, OT, East Carolina

105. Baltimore Ravens – Josh Myers, IOL, Ohio State

106. New Orleans Saints – Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama