NFL mock draft 2021 – Mel Kiper’s new two-round predictions for top 64 picks, including two trades, six QBs and needs filled
The 2021 NFL draft is quickly approaching, and most of the pro days are over. Teams are starting to lock in their rankings. That means it’s time for an updated mock draft with everything I’m hearing two weeks out from Round 1 on April 29.
I’m expanding this projection to the first two rounds — I’m making predictions for picks 1-64. That means I’ll hit 31 teams this time, with the Seahawks and Rams both missing their first-round pick due to trades. The Texans are the lone team that doesn’t have a pick in Rounds 1 or 2.
I have two more trades in this mock draft, one for a team that desperately needs its franchise quarterback and another to get one of the best prospects I’ve ever graded at his position. You might be surprised.
I’m still tinkering with my Big Board and position rankings, and my final update will come out just before the start of the draft. My pal Todd McShay just made a big update to his rankings as well.
Since I did my Mock Draft 3.0, the Jets traded quarterback Sam Darnold to the Panthers, and the 49ers, Dolphins and Eagles made two trades to shake up the first round. The No. 3 pick, with San Francisco surely moving up to take a quarterback, is extremely interesting. For more of my analysis, check out our SportsCenter Special: Mel Kiper’s NFL Mock Draft 4.0, on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the ESPN App. Here we go:
More draft coverage:
Drafting dueling superteams
Full draft order: Nos. 1-259
McShay’s two-round mock
Jump to a trade: No. 4 | No. 10
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
With a depleted roster and in the beginning stages of a rebuild, new Jaguars coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke have a chance to start fresh, take one of my highest-graded quarterbacks ever and build around him. The Jaguars have three more picks in the top 45 — at Nos. 25, 33 and 45 — to plug other holes, and they need to hit on those. Lawrence is a no-brainer as the top signal-caller in this class.
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
I said last month that I was 50-50 on whether the Jets should keep Sam Darnold or take a quarterback here, and general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh made their decision last week. Darnold is off to Carolina, and so this pick is clearly going to be a quarterback. I have Ohio State’s Justin Fields just ahead of Wilson in my rankings, but Wilson is the name I’ve consistently heard for New York. He can be a star with the right talent around him, but the Jets have to add another pass-catcher at some point, even after adding Corey Davis and Keelan Cole Sr. in free agency.
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
It’s hard to ignore the Jones-to-San Francisco buzz within the league. Every sign two weeks out from the draft points to general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan being infatuated with Jones. I think he’s the quarterback they traded up nine spots to take. Is he the perfect fit for Shanahan’s offense? Only time will tell. Jones is my fourth-ranked quarterback and is No. 12 on my Big Board, and I’m not sure I see a superstar when I watch him on tape. He’s solid — and extremely accurate — but not spectacular. Lynch and Shanahan are obviously taking the long view here, and this decision is going to be discussed and debated for years.
Projected trade: Miami moves up … but not for a QB
We know the Falcons have talked to other teams about moving out of the No. 4 spot, and they could be open to the highest bidder. There’s a catch, though; they surely don’t want to move too far down, or else they’ll miss on their guy. So this trade allows them to add assets and still pick at No. 6.
I don’t think it would cost the Dolphins a first-round pick in 2022, but it’s tough to predict without knowing who else is bidding. For this exercise, I think it could take something like a second- and third-round pick next year for Miami to move up two spots. (The Dolphins have an extra third-rounder in 2022 from the 49ers.)
Why would the Dolphins move up two spots? To ensure that they get their guy, and to ensure that another team doesn’t trade into that spot to take that guy. Cincinnati at No. 5 could also take the prospect the Dolphins want.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
You didn’t see this one coming, did you? All along we’ve talked about the Dolphins adding weapons for Tua Tagovailoa, and Pitts is the ultimate weapon in this class. Why couldn’t they take him? This gives Miami four really good pass-catchers around Tagovailoa in Pitts, Will Fuller V, DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki. Pitts and Gesicki are versatile enough to play inline or out wide. They’re matchup nightmares for defenses. Another thing to note: Several teams have Pitts at No. 2 overall on their boards. Miami also gets to keep its pick at No. 18 to get help on defense.
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
This was the toughest call for me. It came down to Sewell and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who knows Joe Burrow well from their time together at LSU and would be an excellent fit next to Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Ultimately, the Bengals’ offensive line was such a disaster that I don’t think they can pass on Sewell, who should start immediately at one of the tackle spots opposite Jonah Williams. The good thing for Cincinnati is that tackle and wideout are two of the deepest positions in this class, and it should be able to find a starter at those positions at the top of Round 2.
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
So new general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith move down two spots, add extra assets for a rebuilding team and still get a franchise quarterback. The 20-year-old Lance is green — he started just 17 games in college, all against FCS competition. The Falcons can let him sit behind Matt Ryan for at least a season. And here’s a list Lance will join (courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information): Since the 2006 draft, six quarterbacks with fewer than 20 college starts have been taken in the first round: Mitchell Trubisky (13), Cam Newton (14), Dwayne Haskins Jr. (14), Mark Sanchez (16), Kyler Murray (17) and Ryan Tannehill (19). There is some risk involved in picking a young, unproven quarterback this high.
1:56
Relive some of the incredible plays from Trey Lance’s college career.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner led the country that season with 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdown catches, and he’d instantly be the Lions’ top receiver on a depth chart that includes new signings Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman. He’s great at making contested catches and can break tackles and run after the catch. He’s a legit No. 1 wideout, which is sorely needed in Detroit.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
My appreciation for Sam Darnold’s potential is well-documented at this point, so I don’t see Carolina taking a quarterback here after trading for the former Jets starter. Go and get him some help instead, either along the offensive line or at receiver. Smith is a stellar route runner who just gets open. Put him alongside DJ Moore and Robby Anderson and this is a top-10 offense. Why couldn’t Carolina compete for a wild-card spot in 2021?
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
New general manager George Paton’s offseason moves seem to point to the Broncos sticking with Drew Lock rather than taking a quarterback in the top 10. Lock flashes enough that he deserves another season to prove he can be a starting-caliber quarterback. The defense must get some help, though, and Parsons would be an upgrade at inside linebacker. He could also rush the passer on third downs. He’s the best off-ball ‘backer in this class.
Projected trade: New England gets its quarterback
With only one of the top five quarterbacks still available, the Patriots jump five spots with the Cowboys, giving Dallas their 2022 first-round pick in return. The Cowboys don’t need a quarterback, so they’d be thrilled to get an offer like this and move down only a few spots, because their biggest holes are on defense and they can get a good player at No. 15.
This would be the first time in the common draft era (since 1967) that five quarterbacks went in the top 10 picks. The quickest that five QBs were picked was in 1999, when five went in the top 12.
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
This makes five quarterbacks in the top 10, with Bill Belichick & Co. making the move up for Fields, my second-ranked quarterback. All the moves the Patriots made in free agency showed me that they believe they can get right back into competing for the AFC East title, but I don’t think Cam Newton is the quarterback to get them there. He had too many accuracy issues last season. He’s not the long-term answer. Fields had an up-and-down 2020 season, but he can be a star if he becomes more consistent. And I trust that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will get him there.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
This is an important season for quarterback Daniel Jones. Can he take a Josh Allen-esque leap in Year 3? To do so, he has to get better pass-catchers around him. That started with the Giants adding top wideout Kenny Golladay in free agency, and Waddle would give them the draft’s best deep threat, a speedy playmaker who will also make an impact in the return game. I thought about edge rusher here as well.
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Eagles traded out of the top 10 and moved to No. 12, which essentially took them out of the quarterback race. They could also miss out on the top wide receivers; I suspect they would jump at Waddle if he made it here. Just looking at this roster, though, corner should be a priority, and they’d have their pick of all of them if the board shakes out this way. Surtain is the most fundamentally sound defensive back in this class.
Rashawn Slater, OT/G, Northwestern
Protecting Justin Herbert has been the theme of the Chargers’ offseason, with general manager Tom Telesco spending in free agency on center Corey Linsley and tackle/guard Matt Feiler. So let’s continue that theme with Slater, who played both tackle spots in college but could move to guard in the NFL. This could be a steal for L.A. Slater is likely to become Northwestern’s first Round 1 pick since Luis Castillo, who also was drafted by the Chargers (No. 28 in 2005).
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
That’s four mock drafts for the 2021 class for me, and four offensive linemen to Minnesota in the first round. It’s a glaring hole on this roster. Darrisaw was outstanding at left tackle for the Hokies last season; our Stats & Info team tracked him at 264 total pass-block plays, and he allowed just three pressures and one sack. Put him at left tackle on day one for the Vikings.
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Dallas trades back five spots with New England, gains what would likely be a 2022 first-round pick and is able to plug a need at No. 15. The Cowboys’ defense was dreadful last season, and they lost starting corner Chidobe Awuzie in free agency. They can pair Horn with 2020 second-round pick Trevon Diggs, who had a nice rookie season. The knock on Horn is that he had only two career interceptions, but that ball production should come in time.
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Farley is my top-ranked corner, but he could be the third off the board depending on his medical checks. He had back surgery last month — a microdiscectomy — and wasn’t able to work out at his pro day, which means teams weren’t able to see him up close after he opted out of the 2020 season. At his best, though, Farley has the highest ceiling of all the defensive backs in this class. Arizona let Patrick Peterson walk in free agency and signed Malcolm Butler on a short-term deal, but it could still address the position here.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT/G, USC
The Raiders overhauled their offensive line this offseason, trading away tackle Trent Brown, guard Gabe Jackson and center Rodney Hudson. Maybe general manager Mike Mayock and coach Jon Gruden knew they could address the O-line in Round 1 because it’s a deep class, but they still have voids to fill. Vera-Tucker is my top-ranked guard, but he really came into his own while playing left tackle for the Trojans last season. He could play either spot for Las Vegas.
Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
Yes, this is the first edge rusher off the board, all the way down at No. 18. It’s not an elite class, but Paye could start a run on edge defenders all the way into Round 2. There is quality overall, even if there aren’t any instant stars. Paye is my top-ranked defensive end, a gifted athlete who didn’t put up sack production at Michigan (11.5 sacks in four seasons). Teams will be on his potential and traits, though. With two picks down so far and the trade up for Kyle Pitts, Miami has two players who rank No. 1 at their positions.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Washington could go a few different ways here, including offensive line or wide receiver. I like the fit of Owusu-Koramoah, though, as a three-down off-ball linebacker with cover skills. He’s extremely versatile — he lined up as a slot corner for the Fighting Irish at times last season — and fast. He must improve as a tackler, but he should slot in as an instant-impact player for a defense that is already one of the league’s best.
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Jenkins is the last of four offensive tackles on whom I have first-round grades. A three-year starter at right tackle for Oklahoma State, he’s outstanding in the run game. He’d fill the spot created by the release of Bobbie Massie. Chicago could also be in play for a pass-rusher, though it has put a lot of capital toward Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. A young edge defender such as Jaelan Phillips could be a situational player as a rookie.
Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami
With my first-round offensive tackles all picked, Indianapolis should address its pass rush, even if it does bring back Justin Houston. Phillips might be the best pure pass-rusher in this class, but he needs to improve his all-around game. He also has some durability concerns — he had multiple concussions at UCLA before he transferred to Miami — which means his medical checks with teams are extremely important.
Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
Though the Titans are another team that could address their pass rush, I really like Moore’s fit as Ryan Tannehill’s primary slot target. Moore had 1,193 receiving yards in eight games last season, working predominantly out of the slot. He can be a high-volume, easy-throw target alongside A.J. Brown, who has blossomed into a legit No. 1 wideout. Cornerback is another position to watch for Tennessee.
0:57
Check out the best highlights from Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore’s college career.
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
The Jets are a tough team to predict, and their defense could use an overhaul; you know new coach Robert Saleh wants a chance to reshape the side of the ball he coaches with a prime pick. Newsome has been a riser over the past month; his 2020 tape is phenomenal, and he had a great pro day workout. He fits well with what Saleh wants in his corners. Newsome is the last of four cornerbacks who I think are likely to go in Round 1.
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
The Steelers could go with an offensive lineman here, as center Maurkice Pouncey retired, tackle Matt Feiler left in free agency and free-agent tackle Alejandro Villanueva is still unsigned. But I’d love to see Harris in this offense to take the pressure off quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He could grind down defenses as a runner and help in the short passing game. If Harris goes in Round 1, he’ll be the fifth Alabama running back picked in the first round since 2000. The others: Josh Jacobs (2019), Trent Richardson (2012), Mark Ingram (2011) and Shaun Alexander (2000). Notably absent is Derrick Henry, who was a second-round pick in 2016 and somehow just had an underrated 2,000-yard campaign.
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
I’ll stick with Moehrig to the Jaguars here as a free safety complement to free-agent signing Rayshawn Jenkins. I thought about a pass-catcher, but the Jaguars could find an impact player in Round 2 (they pick at Nos. 33 and 45). Offensive line could be another position to target, but they shouldn’t reach. Moehrig, who had 19 pass breakups over the last two seasons and won the Thorpe Award as the country’s best defensive back in 2020, isn’t likely to be on the board in Round 2. He’s my top-ranked safety.
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
Davis is another defender who is rising since the season ended. He’s really only a one-year starter — he started one game in 2019 — but he was tremendous last season with 96 tackles, three interceptions and a sack. Davis was all over the field making plays. He could play any of the linebacker spots for the Cleveland 4-3 defense. The Browns could also target an edge rusher with this pick, even if they do sign Jadeveon Clowney.
Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
As I wrote in my Mock Draft 3.0, quarterback Lamar Jackson needs an outside wide receiver who can run every route. That’s Marshall, and it’s rare that a team is able to find a guy like him this late in Round 1. That just shows how exceptional and deep this wideout class is going to be. Marshall fits even with Sammy Watkins joining Baltimore on a one-year deal. With Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue both gone in free agency, I also thought about Penn State edge defender Jayson Oweh, who has big-time upside.
Zaven Collins, OLB/DE, Tulsa
The Saints haven’t been able to add players this offseason because of their salary-cap constraints, so this is their best chance to get a player who can make an immediate impact. They have to hit on their pick if they want to extend their championship window with Drew Brees retired. Collins is a versatile linebacker who was the only FBS player to have at least four sacks and four interceptions last season. He wasn’t asked to rush the passer much, but he still got four sacks. He could play outside or middle linebacker for New Orleans. He’s a fun defender to watch.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Like the Saints, the Packers haven’t been able to add roster improvements because they’re up against the cap, so let’s snag a wide receiver for reigning MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Bateman played outside and in the slot for the Golden Gophers, averaging 20.3 yards per catch in 2019. He would instantly become Green Bay’s No. 2 wideout behind Davante Adams. Bateman is the sixth and final Round 1 wide receiver in this mock draft. The Packers could also address the interior of their offensive line, particularly with longtime starting center Corey Linsley leaving in free agency.
Azeez Ojulari, OLB/DE, Georgia
With starting defensive ends Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison over the age of 30, the Bills need to get younger on the edge. They took AJ Epenesa in Round 2 last year, but that’s not enough. The speedy pass-rusher Ojulari had 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last season. Cornerback and running back are other positions Buffalo could target.
Jayson Oweh, OLB, Penn State
It has to be offensive tackle or edge rusher for the Chiefs here, right? The Super Bowl loss showed off some major weaknesses, even if this roster is still one of the league’s best. Oweh is an interesting case because his coaches raved about his athletic traits, and he just ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at 257 pounds. That’s unbelievable. Sacks aren’t everything, but he didn’t have any last season, and Oweh could be the first FBS defensive lineman since Dominique Easley (2014) to be selected in the first two rounds after not recording a sack in his final collegiate season, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Scouts rave about his upside, but I still would have liked more production.
Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
General manager Jason Licht has done a great job putting together a great core, and the Bucs are essentially bringing back the exact same roster for 2021. That’s not a terrible idea when you’ve just won the Super Bowl. One spot where they could get younger is defensive tackle. Barmore could replace Ndamukong Suh long term and play next to elite nose tackle Vita Vea. Barmore has some potential as a 3-technique pass-rusher.
ROUND 2
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
I would have loved to find a fit for Toney in Round 1, but this could be a great spot for him. Urban Meyer and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell could scheme up ways to get the ball to Toney and Laviska Shenault Jr. out of the slot. And Toney would help take the pressure off Trevor Lawrence with some easy touches.
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Etienne is a home run hitter and all-around back, and like Toney at No. 33, he’d help the rookie signal-caller. Etienne had 588 receiving yards last season. This finishes out the Jets’ projected two-round class with a quarterback, cornerback and running back. Edge rusher is another possibility.
1:40
Check out the highlights that make Clemson’s Travis Etienne a coveted RB prospect ahead of the 2021 NFL draft.
Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
The 6-foot-7 Rousseau had 15.5 sacks in 2019 before opting out of last season, but he’s a tough evaluation. He doesn’t have elite athletic traits, and that showed up on the film. The Falcons could use some edge-rushing help, though. I also thought about tight end and safety here.
Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
Williams is a really good player, a back who breaks tackles and has some wheels. There isn’t that much separation between Williams, Najee Harris and Travis Etienne as the top backs in this class. This is a massive hole for Miami, and it still has another pick (No. 50) to add offensive line help.
Nick Bolton, ILB, Missouri
The Eagles signed Eric Wilson to a one-year deal, but Bolton could be their long-term middle linebacker. He’s great against the run — he had 195 tackles over the past two seasons. This is a step toward turning around the Philly defense under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who was with new coach Nick Sirianni in Indianapolis as the cornerbacks coach.
Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina
Since I went offensive tackle for Cincinnati at No. 5, I wanted to get a receiver here, and there has been some buzz around Brown. He had back-to-back seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards while averaging 20 yards per catch. He’s a deep threat who could also work on underneath routes.
Landon Dickerson, C/G, Alabama
Dickerson is the center on my 22-man superteam, but he could also play guard in Carolina, which already has Matt Paradis. Dickerson is coming off a torn ACL he suffered in December but should be ready for the season. The Panthers signed guard Pat Elflein in free agency, but they still have a need at the other guard spot.
Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
Yes, Denver signed Ronald Darby and reunited Kyle Fuller with Vic Fangio, his defensive coordinator in Chicago, but that’s only a one-year deal. Cornerback is still a position the Broncos should target in the first two rounds. Joseph, an LSU transfer, ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.3s at his recent pro day and had four picks last season, his lone year playing at Kentucky.
Malcolm Koonce, DE/OLB, Buffalo
Trey Flowers hasn’t lived up to his free-agent price tag, and the Lions’ pass rush as a whole has disappointed the last two seasons. Koonce is a natural pass-rusher who had 14 sacks over the past two seasons. He has great length and can be disruptive as a situational edge defender. He’s being underrated in the lead-up to this draft, but I love his tape.
Ronnie Perkins, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
Pass-rusher is the Giants’ No. 1 need, and they have to take one here if they go another route with the No. 11 pick. Perkins is a fit as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense. He’s a physical edge rusher who had 16.5 sacks in three seasons at Oklahoma. He bullied offensive tackles at times.
Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Before the 49ers made the trade up to No. 3, I thought corner was the most likely position to target at No. 12. And they can still get a good one in Round 2. Campbell played a lot of press coverage for the Bulldogs, and he was inconsistent, but I’d bet on his upside. San Francisco let both Ahkello Witherspoon and Richard Sherman walk in free agency.
Joe Tryon, DE, Washington
Tryon played linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle at Washington, picking up eight sacks in 2019 before opting out of last season. At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, he’d play end for the Cowboys, who have an under-the-radar hole behind DeMarcus Lawrence. Dallas could go offensive line here as well.
Hunter Long, TE, Boston College
Long is an all-around tight end who excels as a blocker and pass-catcher; his 57 catches last season were the most for any tight end in the country. That’s all four picks down for the Jaguars, with projections for a quarterback, safety, slot receiver and tight end. This is the kind of offense that gives Trevor Lawrence a fighting chance in Year 1, because there will undoubtedly be some growing pains.
Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
The Patriots’ pass-catchers were disappointing around Cam Newton last season, so let’s give projected new quarterback Justin Fields a weapon. Rodgers is one of the top slot receivers in this class. He’s built like a running back and is stellar on jet sweeps and bubble screens. He can make defenders miss after the catch. Rodgers is the son of Ravens assistant coach Tee Martin.
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Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence lobs a 44-yard pass into the end zone, and WR Amari Rodgers secures the touchdown while falling to the ground.
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
I’m not quite as high on Stokes as ESPN front-office insider Mike Tannenbaum, who put him at No. 22 in his mock draft, but he’s a good player. He’s blazing fast, and he competes. Stokes had four picks last season. Cornerback is one of the Chargers’ biggest questions heading into the 2021 season.
Richie Grant, S, UCF
Grant is another player who made my superteam — he had 10 interceptions and forced six fumbles in his career. He’s always around the ball. He can play next to Johnathan Abram, who has limitations in coverage. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders took another offensive lineman here, depending on their board, and they could be in the mix for an edge rusher.
Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
Christian Kirk has shown promise, but the 2018 second-round pick has been inconsistent and is in his contract year. Taking Atwell here would both push Kirk into a make-or-break season and also add some help in the slot for Kyler Murray. Atwell is lightning fast, and he reminds me of former Sooner Marquise Brown, who used to catch passes from Murray. He’s explosive after the catch.
Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
So let’s recap my projections for the Dolphins. They get an instant starter at tight end at No. 4, a defensive end with upside at No. 18, an RB1 at No. 36 and a potential starter at tackle here. Mayfield played right tackle for the Wolverines, and he could play there for Miami, with Robert Hunt moving back inside to guard. He has great footwork for a lineman. Consider these four picks as needs filled for the Dolphins.
Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
Mills is an interesting case, as he played in only 14 games at Stanford, which would be the fewest by a drafted quarterback in the last 15 years. And yet, at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, he has some arm-talent traits and looked like a first-round pick at times. He also looked like a Day 3 pick at other times. He threw for 428 yards with three touchdowns and three picks in his final college game. If I were running a team, I’d feel much better taking him on Day 2 than I would on Day 1, and this is a Washington team that could bring him along slowly. He’s the type of quarterback talent teams bet on, though.
Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
Chicago is another team to watch for Mills, and it has a hole at cornerback as well. With Anthony Miller’s future up in the air — he could be traded — Schwartz is a wideout who could take the top off the secondary and free up Allen Robinson in the red zone. Schwartz averaged just 11.8 yards per catch last season, but that was because of the way he was used; he has elite speed. New quarterback Andy Dalton will have to get better targets to hit on play-action deep balls.
Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
The Titans parted ways with Adoree’ Jackson, Desmond King II and Malcolm Butler this offseason and only added Janoris Jenkins; they must add a cornerback or two early in this draft. Samuel is only 5-foot-10 and might primarily be a nickelback early in his career, but he had three interceptions in eight games last season. His father, Asante Samuel, was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round in 2003. He was named first-team All-Pro twice and went to four Pro Bowls.
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Colts haven’t had much turnover this offseason — other than, you know, the quarterback switch with Carson Wentz in and Philip Rivers out — but one of their biggest losses was at left tackle, where longtime starter Anthony Castonzo retired. They added Julien Davenport as a swing tackle option, but they’re likely to draft a tackle as well. Cosmi played both left and right tackle at Texas, and he looked like a future top-15 pick in 2019. I also think he could easily slide in to play guard. This pick is good value.
Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
After I gave the Steelers a running back in Round 1, here’s another selection to help quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Radunz started 32 games for the Bison and was a two-time FCS All-American. He stood out on tape when I studied Trey Lance — he just swallowed FCS edge rushers. As it stands, Pittsburgh will have new starters at both tackle spots, so this pick is about creating competition there.
Joseph Ossai, OLB/DE, Texas
With no first-round pick because of the trade for Jamal Adams, Seattle gets its first crack at upgrading its roster late in Round 2. The Seahawks brought back Carlos Dunlap, and Kerry Hyder was a nice under-the-radar signing, but 2019 first-round pick L.J. Collier has yet to make a big impact at defensive end. Ossai is a pure speed rusher who had 20 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles last season. They have to get younger here.
0:59
Check out the best highlights from Texas LB Joseph Ossai’s college career.
Ernest Jones, LB, South Carolina
This makes back-to-back teams that don’t have a first-round pick, as the Rams’ was used in the trade for Jalen Ramsey. L.A. has needs at center, corner and receiver, but I’m focusing on linebacker, where Jones could play one of the inside spots. He’s a tackling machine with long arms and the instincts to quickly diagnose at the snap. He had two games last season with 18-plus tackles.
Liam Eichenberg, OT/G, Notre Dame
Starting right tackle Orlando Brown Jr. wants to play left tackle, but that likely isn’t possible in Baltimore with Ronnie Stanley on the roster. So if the Ravens do trade Brown — could they get a second-round pick? — they’ll have a hole at right tackle and along the interior offensive line. Eichenberg played left tackle for the Fighting Irish, but he could easily play guard at the next level. This could be a spot for a pass-rusher as well.
D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan
What can’t Eskridge do? He played wide receiver and corner and returned punts and kicks at Western Michigan. He averaged 23.1 yards per catch and had eight receiving touchdowns last season. The Browns brought back Rashard Higgins and have Donovan Peoples-Jones waiting in the wings, but they have to get more consistent production out of their No. 3 receiver. And if they take Eskridge, they’ll get a boost in the return game.
1:11
Check out the best highlights from Western Michigan WR D’Wayne Eskridge’s college career.
Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
With Emmanuel Sanders gone in free agency, I have to believe the Saints will use one of their first two picks on a receiver. And since I went with a versatile front-seven piece in Round 1, I’ll add Moore here for Sean Payton & Co. Purdue ran its entire offense through Moore, who’s 5-foot-7 but extremely explosive with the ball in his hands. He forced 30 missed tackles as a freshman in 2018. Payton will be able to get the most out of Moore, using him on jet sweeps and screens and getting him the ball in creative ways.
Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota
St-Juste is raw; he started only 14 games for the Golden Gophers after transferring from Michigan. But I liked what I saw on tape. He has great length, and he’s not afraid to tackle. He was also good at the Senior Bowl in January. He didn’t have an interception in college, but I think that’s more about him not playing much. He has the potential to be the starter in Buffalo opposite Tre’Davious White.
Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
I thought hard about Oregon safety Jevon Holland here — he could play next to Darnell Savage — but Carman fills a more immediate void. He started 27 games at left tackle for the Tigers but might be best suited to play guard, where the Packers could use a prime pick to get a talent upgrade.
Walker Little, OT, Stanford
I’ve been watching Little closely since he started at left tackle as a true freshman in 2017. He looked like a first-round lock after the 2018 season. Then he injured his knee in the season opener in 2019, missed all of that season and opted out of last season, which means he hasn’t been on the field much. For Kansas City, this is a pick all about projection, as Little has the frame (6-foot-7) and footwork to be a future starter at tackle. Still, because he hasn’t played much since 2018, it’s tough to project his future.
Simi Fehoko, WR, Stanford
The Bucs don’t have many immediate needs, and they can afford to take a chance on a player with a high ceiling. Let’s do that with Fehoko, a 6-foot-4 receiver with outstanding measurables. He has the ball skills to make contested catches and the speed to blow by corners. This pick might depend on whether Tampa Bay brings back Antonio Brown; if it does, could the Bucs go O-line instead?