6 QBs in the NFL Draft: 1st Round Mock Draft

With many teams desperate for a field general at QB, many teams are looking at the top QBs in the NFL Draft. Some teams are selling their QBs like the Eagles with Carson Wentz and others are buying established QBs like the Rams with Matthew Stafford.

The rumors are not limited to this either, as many teams are bailing on their QBs or trying to get over the hump. Thus, we predict 6 teams will take one of the top QBs in the NFL Draft.

1.) Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence QB Clemson

Despite Trevor Lawrence reportedly having a “left shoulder procedure”, and Ur

ban Meyer’s ties to Ohio State, I think the Jaguars will definitely take Lawrence as the QB of Jacksonville’s future. He is definitely one of the best QBs in the NFL Draft ever.

2.) New York Jets

Zach Wilson QB BYU

The Jets are still figuring out what to do with Sam Darnold, and this team has a lot of holes that need upgrading. But there is no position more important in all of sports than QBs in the NFL Draft. When you get an opportunity to grab a potential franchise quarterback, you take it.

3.) Miami Dolphins

Penei Sewell OT Oregon

There has been a lot of speculation as to whether the Dolphins punt on Tua Tagovailoa and pick a quarterback at three. I think it is much too early to give up on Tua. He looked like a rookie, showing growth over the season, and even some flashes of brilliance. I think grabbing a once in a decade talent like Sewell to protect Tua Tagovailoa just makes too much sense.

4.) Atlanta Falcons

Justin Fields QB Ohio State

Matt Ryan still has 3 years left on his contract with the Falcons. Justin Fields is still a little raw. Do not forget he’s really only played a season and half of college football. Giving him a year or two to sit behind an established veteran quarterback like Matt Ryan could be the perfect fit to help him develop. Justin Field is originally from Georgia and bringing him home could make it easier for him to adjust to life in the NFL. While a risky prospect, Fields is no doubt among the top QBs in the NFL Draft.

5.) Cincinnati Bengals

La’Marr Chase WR LSU

While Joe Burrow played last season, he looked just as good as everyone speculated, he could be. With AJ Green getting up there in age, grabbing a legitimate number 1 receiver should be in the cards.  Reuniting Lamar Chase with Joe Burrow seems like a no brainer. When both played for LSU in 2019, Burrow threw an astounding 20 touchdowns to Lamar Chase in their 2019 National Championship run.

6.) Philadelphia Eagles

Trey Lance QB North Dakota State

Although Jalen Hurts showed a lot of promise in 2020, new head coaches tend to want to bring in their own guy. The electric dual threat quarterback out of North Dakota State, Trey Lance, is that guy. He only played one game in 2020, but his 2019 campaign was awe inspiring. Trey Lance threw 28 touchdowns and 0 interceptions for the Bison in 2019, while also rushing for 1100 yards and 14 touchdowns. Trey Lance has all the talent to be a super star at the next level and may be one of the most overlooked QBs in the NFL Draft.

7.) Detroit Lions

DeVonta Smith WR Alabama

Both Marvin Jones and Kevin Gollday are scheduled to be free agents. The Lions need a receiver to help newly acquired quarterback Jared Goff settle into his new surroundings. DeVonta Smith had a monster year which won him the Heisman and helped propel Alabama to the National Championship title. If 2020 was any indication, DeVonta Smith will be an outstanding NFL player.

8.) Carolina Panthers

Micah Parsons LB Penn State

The Panthers have seen how valuable a great middle linebacker can be. Luke Kuechly is one of the best to ever play the position. Micah Parsons may not be that, but with a little coaching, his freakish athleticism should turn him into a great player.

9.) Denver Broncos

Jaylen Waddle WR Alabama.

Despite Jaylen Waddles injury, and DaVonta Smiths historic year, some project that Jaylen Waddle is the best receiver in this year’s draft.  The Broncos adding Jaylen Waddle to a passing attack that already includes Jerry Judy and Noah Faint should make The Broncos offense explosive for the foreseeable future.

10.) Dallas Cowboys

Kyle Pitts TE Florida.

Just like last year when the Cowboys drafted WR Ceede Lamb, the Cowboys pick up one of the most talented receivers in the draft in Kyle Pitts. Pitts is listed as a TE but really plays more like a receiver.  His athleticism and ball skills would make him a scary addition to an already formidable passing attack by the Dallas Cowboys.

11.) New York Giants

Caleb Farley CB Virginia Tech.

James Bradberry is an excellent corner but in a division that includes Terry Mclaurin, CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Jalen Reagor, you probably need two. Caleb Farley has all the attributes you want in an NFL cornerback. Size, speed, athleticism, and physicality. Farley was dominant in 2019 but opted out of the 2020 season for health reasons. If he can fix his tackling issues, he projects to be a shutdown corner.

12.) San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Surtain II CB Alabama

Although the 49ers have seemingly been at the heart of every trade rumor involving quarterbacks, cornerback may be the team’s biggest need.  The 49ers are expected to lose Richard Sherman to free agency and they do not have a ton of depth behind him.  Patrick Surtain II’s physicality and length make him a good man to man corner. Though he has slight trouble with getting beat deep, the former 5-star recruit more than warrants a first-round pick.

13.) Los Angels Chargers

Rashawn Slater OT Northwestern

Last season Justin Herbert took 24 sacks in 12 games which is way more than any team would like their franchise quarterback to take. Upgrading at left tackle would go a long way in helping Herbert stay up right for the foreseeable future.

14.) Minnesota Vikings

Kwity Paye Edge Michigan

The Vikings had one of the worst defensive lines in the NFL last year, partly due to injury of pro bowler Danielle Hunter. Pairing a healthy Danielle Hunter with the incredible athletic talent of Kwity Paye could give the Vikings one of the scariest push rushes in the NFL for years to come.

15.) New England Patriots

Mac Jones QB Alabama

Bill Belichick gets his quarterback of the future. Mac Jones looks like a perfect fit to run the Patriots offense. He can make every throw, and most importantly, doesn’t make the big mistake. One of the most accomplished QBs in the NFL Draft, Mac Jones looks to be one of the first Alabama QBs to transfer to the pro game.

16.) Arizona Cardinals

Jaycee Horn CB South Carolina

Four of the Cardinals cornerbacks are set to be free agents. So, drafting the best cornerback available may be more of a need than a want. Jaycee Horn has good size and abilities as a cornerback, and projects to be a good starting cornerback in the NFL.  During his career at South Carolina, he started in the slot, and in the last two years transited to the outside, improving every year. If he can become a more secure tackle, r the sky is the limit for this young man.

17.) Las Vegas Raiders

Christian Barmore DT Alabama

The Raiders need help in the defensive trenches.  In 2020, The Raiders finished bottom 10 in rushing yards allowed, rushing yards per attempt, passing yards allowed, and passing yards per attempt. The first detackle off the board, Christian Barmore is a huge physical presence. At 6’5” 310lbs, he has the potential to become a great run stopper, and from time to time, can get pressure off the middle.

18.) Miami Dolphins

Gregory Rousseau Edge Miami

With the Dolphins second pick in the first round, they go best player available.  The homegrown talent of Gregory Rousseau. Although Rousseau opted out of the 2020 season, his 2019 season was so exceptional that he cannot be ignored.  Having played mostly safety and wide receiver during his high school days, Rousseau may be a bit unrefined as an edge rusher, but his pure talent and athleticism make him an exceptional prospect.

19.) Washington

Rashod Bateman WR Minnesota

Despite having one of the best receivers in football in Terry Mclaurin, the Washington football teams receiving core ranked dead last in the NFL, according to PFF.  Washington needs to find a legitimate number 2 receiver to play opposite Mclaurin. Rashod Bateman could easily be that guy. Bateman runs excellent routes and is great at the point of attack.

20.) Chicago Bears

Christian Darrisaw OT Virginia Tech

Injuries to right tackle Bobby Massie limited the Bears production at the position.

The Bears haven’t picked an offensive tackle earlier than the fifth round since 2011, but with all the talent in this year’s offensive tackle class, the Bears should be in line to take advantage. Christian Darrisaw is an excellent NFL prospect.  He not only excels at pass protection and outside zone runs, he’s also an excellent option to pull to move some bodies around as a lead blocker. His size and athleticism are top tier. Any other year Darrisaw might have been the first tackle off the board.

21.) Indianapolis Colts

Azeez Ojulari Edge Miami

The Colts sack leader came from DeForest Buckner, a defensive tackle. Both Colts defensive ends are set to become free agents. Although the Colts have enough cap space to bring both Justin Houston and Denico Autry back, Houston is getting up there in age, so they may decide to go with a younger, cheaper pass rusher like Azeez Ojulari instead. Azeez Ojulari has a good first step, and a great motor. His quickness helps Ojulari get home more often than not. He needs to work on his technique as a pass rusher a little bit, but his athleticism, and ability to play all three downs are a rare commodity. 

22.) Tennessee Titans

Kadarius Toney WR Florida

The Titans have a legitimate star receiver in AJ Brown, and a very solid number 2 in Corey Davis.  But Davis is scheduled to be a free agent.  The Titans may opt not to re-sign him, and instead pick up the most explosive receiver in college football last year in Kadarius Toney. Anyone who watched Florida this year saw how exciting Kadarius Toney is with the ball in his hands. Players who are capable of breaking one for a touchdown on any given play are always compared to former Gators receiver Percy Hardin. These comparisons have never been more appropriate than with Kadarius Toney. They are even the same height.

23.) New York Jets

Najee Harris RB Alabama

As mentioned previously, the Jets have a lot of holes to fill. The Jets started running back in 2020 was 37-year-old Frank Gore. And while Gore is a legend, Father Time is undefeated. Grabbing the former Crimson Tide star Najee Harris to pair with their earlier pick of quarterback Zach Wilson could turn their entire offense around. Najee Harris is the type of running back that defenses hate to have to tackle. He is a power runner who seemingly runs through a defender every play. Watching him looks like he wants it more than everyone else on the field. That type of attitude will be instrumental in rebuilding the Jets.

24.) Pittsburgh Steelers

Alex Leatherwood OT Alabama

In 2020, the Steelers finished last in the NFL in rushing yards and yards per carry. Injures didn’t help.  Even without injuries, the Steelers need to improve at both left and right tackle.  As mentioned before, with the myriad of offensive tackle talent, this is the draft to do it. Alex Leatherwood is a great fit here because he has experience at both tackle and guard, so if the Steelers choose to resign Alejandro Villanueva, Leatherwood could easily be slotted in as a guard.

25.) Jacksonville Jaguars

Alijah Vera-Tucker OL USC

Jaguars starting LT from 2020, Cam Robinson, is set to become a free agent. Grabbing Trevor Lawrence earlier in this draft is a major get for the Jaguars, but if you can’t protect him, it will make it that much harder for him to develop. Alijah Vera-Tucker played the 2020 season at LT for the Trojans, but he is expected to be best suited as an interior offensive lineman. His experience at left tackle only raises Vera-Tucker’s value. Depending on what the Jaguars want to do with Cam Robinson, they can put Vera-Tucker at left tackle, or kick him inside to play guard.

26.) Cleveland Browns

Jaelan Phillips Edge Miami

Myles Garrett is the only Browns player set to return to Cleveland for 2021 to have recorded more than five sacks last season. Snagging a talented Edge rusher like Jaelan Phillips to play opposite Garret should pay dividends for the foreseeable future. Jaelan Phillips is a versatile threat that can play anywhere in the front 7.  His size, athleticism and speed make him an intriguing prospect. The biggest question mark for Phillips is can he stay healthy?  The former 5-star high school recruit originally committed and played his first two years for the UCLA Bruins.  He was plagued by injuries until he transferred to Miami for the 2020 season, where he put it all together.

27.) Baltimore Ravens

Joseph Ossai Edge Texas

With the Ravens potentially losing pass rushers to FA, picking up a talented edge rusher in the draft seems like a great option to improve the position and save some cap space. Joseph Ossai is talent personified.  His size, speed, athleticism, and motor are all top tiers. Ossai just needs to develop a little more to realize his high potential.

28.) New Orleans Saints

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB Notre Dame

The Saints are way over the cap, and with Drew Brees retirement decision looming, the Saints may be in for a rebuild. Going best player available here makes a ton of sense. Though a bit undersized at 6’2” and 216 lbs, Owusu-Koramoah makes up for it with his excellent instincts, and speed.

29.) Green Bay Packers

Rondale Moore WR Purdue

Green Bay finally drafts some help for Aaron Rodgers. Rondale Moore is the perfect fit for Green Bay’s offense. His game breaking agility makes him a great target for short passes, and he also possesses the speed to take the top off the defense. The only question for Rondale Moore is, can he stay healthy?

30.) Buffalo Bills

Zaven Collins LB Tulsa

Matt Milano may not get the recognition that some of the other guys on the Bills defense get, but he is an integral part of their success. He is expected to leave the Bills via free agency this offseason, so the Bills need someone with a similar skill set to fill the role. Zaven Collins has been moving up the draft board, and anyone who has watched this guy play understands why. He plays like a grizzled bet and was one of the most secure tacklers in the AAC last year. Collins is the perfect replacement for Milano, and a great scheme fit for McDermott’s defense.

31.) Kansas City Chiefs

Samuel Cosmi OT Texas

Samuel Cosmi is projected by some to go much higher than this.  But with the wealth of talent at the tackle position in this year’s draft, teams may pass on OT early in the draft in hopes of getting good value later on in the draft. With that said, everyone saw in the Super Bowl that the Chiefs need some help on the offensive line. Cosmi is a great fit because he has experience at both left and right tackle.

32.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kyle Trask QB Florida

I know Brady says he wants to play at least until he is 45, but at some point, his age will catch up to him… Right?  Brady is going into the final year of his contract with Tampa Bay, so the Buccaneers should be looking towards the future at quarterback. Kyle Trask struggled near the end of the 2020 season, but there was definitely flashes of brilliance. Putting him in a situation to sit behind and learn from the G.O.A.T. while staying in Florida, sounds like the perfect opportunity to get the best out of Kyle Trask who may benefit the most of any QBs in the NFL Draft from Brady’s mentorship. This amount of QBs in the NFL Draft 1st round would rank 1st all time, with the most QBs this century drafted in the first round being 4 in one draft.