Are you ready for the NFL Draft?
2021 NFL Draft: Second Round
Mock Draft and Analysis By: Gregg Schutze
as of April 25, 2021
33. Jacksonville Jaguars - Pat Freiermuth, 6’5”, 258lbs, TE, Penn State, Jr.
04/25/21 - Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
04/12/21 - Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama, RS Soph.
03/18/21 - Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
02/17/21 - Aaron Robinson, CB, Central Florida
To say Jacksonville didn’t get much out of the TE position would be an understatement. Tyler Eifert and James O’Shaughnessy combined for 64 catches for just 611 yards, while no other TE finished in the top ten in receptions. O’Shaughnessy is a free agent and Eifert was let go but even though he was eventually brought back, the TE position will likely be targeted early in the draft. “Baby Gronk” has lived up to the nickname as a punishing inline blocker both in the run game and taking care of the QB. He does a great job sealing the edge, generates movement when squaring up defenders and can pick off moving targets at the second level. Freiermuth is equally dangerous in the passing game, offering soft hands and the ability to stretch defenses vertically. His ability to make plays after the catch and his knack for finding the end zone (16 TD in 3 seasons) are very reminiscent of Gronk, further solidifying the nickname. If Freiermuth is on the board at No. 39, you have to expect the Panthers to jump at the chance to land a difference maker at TE.
34. New York Jets – Liam Eichenberg, 6’6”, 305lbs, OT, Notre Dame
04/25/21 - Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
04/12/21 - Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma
03/18/21 - Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
02/17/21 - Terrace Marshall, Jr., WR, LSU
The Jets have to protect Zach Wilson and need to upgrade a unit that Pro Football Focus ranked as the 29th OL in 2020. Mekhi Becton looks like a home run 1st Round pick from a year ago at LT and the team is still high on RT George Fant and OC Connor McGovern even though both had a shaky season last year. LG Alex Lewis didn’t give up a sack and allowed just 8 QB hits and 16 QB hurries, per PFF. New York brought Dan Feeney in to compete with Connor McGovern at Center, but Gang Green needs to truly figure out its right side. I think they draft an OT who they could also play inside at OG, which would give them options depending on whether they want to continue with Fant at RT or move him inside. Eichenberg has been a model of consistency for Notre Dame, having not allowed a sack in each of the last two seasons. He’s an easy mover, a natural knee bender and understands angles, both in pass protection and in the ground game. Eichenberg is known for his hands, using tremendous power and an accurate strike to blow his man back off the ball. He can also anchor and is tough to move off his spot. The biggest knock may be that he’s inconsistent in generating movement in the run game.
35. Atlanta Falcons – Joseph Ossai, 6’4”, 253lbs, DE, Texas, Jr.
04/25/21 - Joseph Ossai, DE, Texas
04/12/21 - Joseph Ossai, DE, Texas
03/18/21 - Carlos Basham, Jr., DE, Wake Forest
02/17/21 - Joseph Ossai, DE, Texas
Atlanta struggled to get after the passer in 2020, finishing with just 29 on the year, which was good for a tie for 23rd in the league. What makes things worse is only two players finished the season with more than 3.0 sacks. Ossai lived in opposing backfields with his quick first step, powerful hands and relentless motor. He racked up 15.5 TFL and registered 5.5 sacks this past season, but the numbers don’t speak to just how often he lived in opposing backfields and just how disruptive he was. Now Ossai was an off-ball LB in previous seasons with the Longhorns, so he’s still new to the position. You see the tremendous explosiveness (41.5” vertical leap, 10’11” broad jump) and the hand work to stab with his inside hand and club with the outside hand to soften up the edge before flattening out. He just needs to be a bit more consistent firing off the ball and once he’s able to do that, watch out. Atlanta gets a 1st Round talent in the 2nd Round to fill the void left by Dante Fowler who tore his ACL.
36. Miami Dolphins (from Houston) – Javonte Williams, 5’10”, 220lbs, RB, North Carolina, Jr.
04/25/21 - Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
04/12/21 - Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
03/18/21 - Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
02/17/21 - Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Miami must leave this offseason with a legitimate starter as Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed, who combined for just 903 yards and 6 TD, are best served as complementary backs, while Malcolm Brown, whom the Fins signed in free agency, doesn’t move the needle. Javonte Williams was the thunder to Michael Carter’s lightning at UNC and could do the same for Gaskin and Ahmed in Miami. Williams racked up nearly 2,100 yards and caught 42 passes in the last two seasons with the Tar Heels. He’s known for his strength between the tackles and contact balance, refusing to go down after initial contact. However, Williams also has excellent vision to find cutback lanes, surprising lateral agility to cut on a dime and get to the hole and has a burst to the second level. If you haven’t seen his performance against Miami, it is a must watch. Carter and Williams were downright dominant on the ground, rushing for 544 yards and 5 TD between the two of them.
37. Philadelphia Eagles – Rondale Moore, 5’9”, 180lbs, WR, Purdue, Jr.
04/25/21 - Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
04/12/21 - Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
03/18/21 - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
02/17/21 - Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
The Eagles are hoping that either DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle falls to them at No. 12, but if they’re off the board, I think Philly targets defense in Round One, with either Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn at CB or Micah Parsons at LB. Since this WR draft class is so deep, Philly could still end up getting a playmaker with this pick. Moore became a household name as a true freshman for the Boilermakers, hauling in 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 scores en route to Freshman All-America honors. However, injuries derailed his next two seasons at Purdue, making him a high-risk, high-reward prospect. When healthy, few exhibit the explosiveness off the ball, suddenness in the route running and speed to go the distance on any play that Moore possesses. He’s also a workout warrior, often lifting with his O-line; and when you bench press 405 pounds and post a 600-pound squat, it makes sense why. But the injuries are definitely a red flag and medicals will largely determine where he’ll come off the board. Imagine the speed on the outside with Moore teaming up with Jalen Reagor; I’m sure it’s a move Jalen Hurts would endorse!
38. Cincinnati Bengals – Gregory Rousseau, 6’7”, 265lbs, DE, Miami, Fla., RS Soph.
04/12/21 - Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
03/18/21 - Joseph Ossai, DE, Texas
02/17/21 - Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
If Ja’Marr Chase is the Pick at No. 5, then this pick will be used on an OT like Jalen Mayfield. However, with Penei Sewell coming off the board in Round One, I think the WR value shifts to Round 3, meaning the Bengals can upgrade their pass rush and let’s face it, Cincy’s pass rush was pathetic last year, finishing with a league worst 17 sacks with just three players recording more than one sack. To make matters worse, the team’s leader Carl Lawson signed with the Jets. Trey Hendrickson was signed to replace Carl Lawson, last year’s leader in sacks, who is now with the Jets. However, Hendrickson recorded 13.5 sacks while playing opposite Cameron Jordan. You have to expect the Bengals won’t be done bringing in edge rushers. Rousseau is still very raw having only played his redshirt freshman season at The U, but the physical traits for the converted WR are off the charts and you can’t argue with 15.5 sacks. He showed up to Miami as a 6’6’, 222-pounder who played DE and safety in addition to WR in high school. After he redshirted, Rousseau had put on 40 pounds, making him a force off the edge. There is no question Rousseau has incredible length, which he uses to his advantage. He’ll get his hands into the body of the OT, drives his man back to get him off balance then disengages and chases down the ball carrier. He’ll also use those hands to slap the OT’s hands aside and while he may follow that up with a rip move, the fluidity of his hips allows him to bend and turn the corner in a hurry before the OT can recover. You also saw that when he’d get level with the QB, he’d work back to the QB to still be disruptive. The Canes loved his size and moved him all over the field to create mismatches. You’d often find him lining up at DT where he’d not only use his quickness off the ball to beat the interior linemen but will also use his length to generate speed to power to drive his man into the backfield with an effective bull rush. Rousseau is still working on his ability to play the run, but he did show flashes of being able to set the edge. Rousseau’s relative inexperience has to give teams pause because there wasn’t a huge body of work and you want to see if he’s fully grasped the nuances of the position. That said, it’s hard to get past the 15.5 sacks and when you have a player with his length and athleticism, teams may be okay with having to coach him up on those nuances. Rousseau is a boom-or-bust prospect, but I think the potential is worth the risk for Cincy at this point in the draft.
39. Carolina Panthers – Eric Stokes, 6’1”, 185lbs, CB, Georgia, Jr.
04/25/21 - Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
04/12/21 - Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
03/18/21 - Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
02/17/21 - Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
Carolina will continue to look for weapons for Sam Darnold, one of those being at the TE position, where former 4th Round pick Ian Thomas has not made the impact many expected, managing just 72 catches and 4 TD in his first three seasons. Dan Arnold was brought in to challenge Thomas for playing time, but Carolina should not be done at the position. If Pat Freiermuth is on the board, he’s the pick here. However, with Baby Gronk already gone, the focus shifts to the defensive side of the ball, and specifically in the secondary. AJ Bouye was brought in to team with Donte Jackson, but there’s little depth to speak of behind them, so adding a CB early is critical especially when playing in a division that sees Tampa, New Orleans and Atlanta twice a year. Stokes made a definite impact in his first two years with the Dawgs, racking up 18 pass breakups while also blocking a punt he returned for a score. However, it was his junior season where Stokes really elevated his game. He used his size and elite speed to smother WR’s on the outside. His 4.24 40 at his pro day is proof that he has the explosiveness to keep up with vertical threats at the next level. Stokes is instinctive, drives quickly on the ball and is a playmaker, returning 2 of his 4 Int. for TD.
40. Denver Broncos - Davis Mills, 6’4”, 225lbs, QB, Stanford, Jr.
04/12/21 - Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
03/18/21 - Jayson Oweh, DE/OLB, Penn State
02/17/21 - Ronnie Perkins, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
Denver has to decide what they’re going to do with Drew Lock, who has failed to live up to lofty expectations since being drafted with the 42nd pick in 2019. Lock has thrown 23 TD to 18 Int. in 18 starts over the last two seasons with the Broncos while completing just 59.1% of his passes. I don’t know that George Paton is ready to completely move on from Lock, which is why I don’t see him nabbing a QB in Round One, but I do see him bringing in competition on Day 2, even with the trade for Teddy Bridgewater, and Mills, one of the more underrated players in this draft, could be that guy. Sure, he’s only really played in 14 games in three seasons with the Cardinal, but Mills has all the tools you look for in a QB at the next level. He has the arm strength to push the ball outside the numbers and down the field with ease, gets the ball out before the WR is even out of his break and has the ball placement to fit the ball into tight windows where only his man can make a play. Mills is also light on his feet, showing he can manipulate the pocket while keeping his eyes down the field and is a threat to pick up yards with his feet. His 4.58 40 time is further proof that Mills is an underrated athlete. Mills completed 65.5% of his passes, but he did throw 8 Int. in 13 games, while posting just 18 TD, so he needs to cut down on is mistakes and not rely so heavily on his arm strength. Sure, Mills will need some seasoning before he’s ready to take over, but he does have starter potential and has a good chance to come off the board on Day 2.
41. Detroit Lions – Dillon Radunz, 6’6”, 298lbs, OT, North Dakota State
04/25/21 - Richie Grant, S, Central Florida
04/12/21 - Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
03/18/21 - Ronnie Perkins, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
02/17/21 - Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
As enticing as it might be to go after Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater in Round One, the biggest need on the roster is at WR, meaning the Lions can be patient and wait until Day 2 to land a RT to pair with T. Radunz, a three-year starter for the Bison, showed tremendous physicality in the run game, registering 63 knockdowns in 2019. Radunz has a quick get-off and is able to effectively convert speed to power to generate a lot of movement. He was equally adept in pass protection not giving up a single sack while holding down Trey Lance’s blind side. Radunz’s showing at the Senior Bowl should have silenced anyone skeptical of taking an FCS OT so early.
42. New York Giants –Carlos "Boogie" Basham, Jr., 6’4”, 285lbs, DE, Wake Forest
04/25/21 - Carlos Basham, Jr., DE, Wake Forest
04/12/21 - Carlos Basham, Jr., DE, Wake Forest
03/18/21 - Joe Tryon, DE/OLB, Washington
02/17/21 - Joe Tryon, DE/OLB, Washington
Leonard Williams had a career in his first full season with the Giants, racking up an impressive 11.5 sacks in 2020. Fellow starters up front Dexter Lawrence and Dalvin Tomlinson combined for 7.5 sacks, but New York lacked any type of rush off the edge. OLB Kyler Fackrell did manage to tie Lawrence for second on the team with 4.0 sacks, but the combination of Jabal Sheard, Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines and Carter Coughlin managed just 3.5 sacks. The G-men must find an edge rusher in this draft and Basham has the credentials to fit the bill. Basham, a physical freak with a nonstop motor, would bring some life to the group. Basham has tremendous size, which gives him some scheme versatility, offers impressive explosiveness (he posted a 36-inch vertical leap) and obvious power, bench pressing over 400 pounds and squatting over 700 pounds. Basham was incredibly productive for the Demon Deacons, racking up 19.5 sacks and 35.5 TFL over the last three seasons. While he doesn’t necessarily bend well off the edge, his hand usage allows him to get off blocks in a hurry and uses secondary moves to pressure the QB from within.
43. San Francisco 49ers – Ifeatu Melifonwu, 6’3”, 213lbs, CB, Syracuse
04/25/21 - Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Syracuse
04/12/21 - Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
03/18/21 - Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
02/17/21 - Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
The 49ers have to decide what to do at the CB position. Richard Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon, Jason Verrett, Dontae Jackson and Jamar Taylor are all unrestricted free agents, meaning Tim Harris and Adonis Alexander are currently the only two corners under contract. You have to imagine San Fran will be looking for a physical corner on the outside to deal with the likes of Deandre Hopkins, DK Metcalf and Robert Woods. Like his brother Obi, himself a 2nd Round pick in 2017, Melifonwu has exceptional size and length that he uses to his advantage both in man and zone coverage. His 23 passes defended are evidence of the ball skills as his length allows him to make plays at the catch point. Despite his size, Melifonwu can sink his hips and make fluid transitions without giving much ground.
44. Dallas Cowboys – Jayson Oweh, 6’5”, 252lbs, DE/OLB, Penn State, RS Soph.
04/25/21 - Jayson Oweh, DE/OLB, Penn State
04/12/21 - Joe Tryon, DE/OLB, Washington
03/18/21 - Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
02/17/21 - Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
Dallas could look for an eventual replacement for Tyron Smith and take an OT like Liam Eichenberg or Dillon Radunz with this pick. However, Dallas needs to continue to address its defense. The pass rush was inconsistent at best as Demarcus Lawrence is the only edge rusher on the roster with at least 4.0 sacks. To make matters worse, Tyrone Crawford announced his retirement. The Cowboys need an impact pass rusher. There is no question Oweh is a freakish athlete and his performance at his pro day left teams salivating. When a player his size runs a 4.36 40, posts a vertical leap of 39” and a broad jump of 11’2”, you tend to take notice really quick. But he looks so incredibly raw that you have to wonder if he’ll live up to the hype. On the field, you can see the explosiveness right away. Oweh posted 5.0 sacks in 2019 on a roster that included Yetur Gross-Matos and Micah Parsons. However, without them in 2020, teams focused more on Oweh, who failed to record a single sack in seven games. That zero-sack total doesn’t scream Oweh is a can’t-miss edge rush prospect. I want to see Oweh take advantage of his length (he has 34.5” arms) and play quicker off the ball to allow him to get into the backfield before the QB is out of his drop. That said, Oweh began playing football his junior year in high school. Bleacher Report also brings up a good point that Oweh has been compared to Danielle Hunter, who posted just 1.5 sacks in his junior season at LSU, and 5.5 total in his career, and he’s become a force in Minnesota, posting three double-digit sack seasons in his five years in the league. Oweh has a chance to be the same type of player, so that has to excite Cowboy fans.
45. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Minnesota) – Alex Leatherwood, 6’5”, 310lbs OT/OG, Alabama
04/25/21 - Alex Leatherwood, OT/OG, Alabama
04/12/21 - Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
03/18/21 - Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
02/17/21 - Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
The Jags placed the franchise tag on Cam Robinson, so he’ll hold down Trevor Lawrence’s blind side in 2021. However, there is an immediate need at the OG position as there is a chance AJ Cann could be a cap casualty after the draft. Adding a versatile lineman like Leatherwood would fill a need inside who can then move outside to take over for Robinson should he exit after the season. There’s a reason why Alex Leatherwood was the Outland Trophy winner this past season. He was the most dominant OL that kept Mac Jones upright and paved the way for Najee Harris. Leatherwood is a punishing run blocker who is physical at the point of attack and plows forward to open holes big enough to drive a car through. His footwork in pass protection improved as the season went along and he stepped up and played well when the lights were brightest. However, the one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl raised questions about his lateral quickness and consistency with his hands, which will ultimately push him to the 2nd Round.
46. New England Patriots – Baron Browning, 6’3”, 240lbs, LB, Ohio State
04/25/21 - Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
04/12/21 - Terrace Marshall, Jr., WR, LSU
03/18/21 - Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
02/17/21 - Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
Dont’a Hightower is back after sitting out 2020 due to concerns around the pandemic. However, that shouldn’t stop the Patriots from looking for Hightower’s eventual replacement, especially considering he’s played in all 16 games in a season just once in his nine seasons played in the league. The versatile Browning has proven to be a three-down player with a high football IQ, making him a perfect fit for Bill Belichick. He sets a hard edge while also offering good lateral agility against the run, bends well off the edge as a blitzer and was used to covering slot WR’s often while at Ohio State. Browning has battled some injuries, which may impact his draft stock, but he’s a menace behind the line of scrimmage, having racked up 19.0 TFL during his time with the Buckeyes. Browning also displayed tremendous speed at his pro day, clocking his 40 at 4.51, so you can expect he has the athleticism to run with RB’s and TE’s in coverage. In fact, the Buckeyes had him line up over WR’s in the slot. Browning will be an impact starter at the next level.
47. Los Angeles Chargers – Kelvin Joseph, 6’1”, 195lbs, CB, Kentucky, RS Soph.
04/25/21 - Asante Samuel, Jr., CB, Florida State
04/12/21 - Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
03/18/21 - Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
02/17/21 - Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
This pick could easily be used on a TE with Hunter Henry leaving for New England, so Pat Freiermuth would make a ton of sense if he’s around when the Chargers are on the clock. However, with “Baby Gronk” off the board, expect LA to turn to the CB position now that Casey Hayward was released. Joseph had a breakout 2020 season as a redshirt sophomore, leading the SEC with 4 Int. Joseph has good size for the position with fluid hips to turn and run with the WR, providing blanket coverage. He changes direction in a hurry and has tremendous ball skills when he arrives at the catch point. Despite his relative inexperience, Joseph solidified his status among the top corners in this draft after running a 4.34 40 at his pro day.
48. Las Vegas Raiders – Jalen Mayfield, 6’5”, 320lbs, OT, Michigan, Jr.
04/25/21 - Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
04/12/21 - Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
03/18/21 - Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
02/17/21 - Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
The Raiders must address the offensive line early in the draft, especially with the departures of OT Trent Brown, OG Gabe Jackson and OC Rodney Hudson. Nick Martin has taken over the pivot but adding an OT like Mayfield to pair with Kolton Miller would be a great start up front. Jalen Mayfield established himself as one of the more powerful OT’s in this year’s draft, showing he can generate a ton of movement in the running game. He also improved his footwork and hand usage in pass protection in 2020.
49. Arizona Cardinals – Joe Tryon, 6’5”, 259lbs, DE/OLB, Washington, Jr.
04/25/21 - Joe Tryon, DE/OLB, Washington
04/12/21 - Jayson Oweh, DE/OLB, Penn State
03/18/21 - Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
02/17/21 - Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
The signing of James Conner to take the place of Kenyan Drake as the team’s starter at RB allows Arizona to put the focus on an edge rusher to replace Haason Reddick, who recorded 12.5 sacks in 2020 and left for Carolina this offseason. Chandler Jones played in just five games this past season and is entering the final year of his deal as well, so it would behoove the Cards to target the position early in the draft. Joe Tryon was a physical presence coming off the edge for the Huskies, showing an ability to drive his man into the backfield off the edge on the way to the QB. Tryon may have sat out the 2020 season, but he’s heavy-handed, has good speed off the edge and has a motor that never quits. In addition to the 8.5 sacks in 2019, Tryon also showed his ability to play the pass, showing he has the lateral agility to make plays in the flat. If there was a question about his athleticism, Tryon silenced those doubters after posted a 4.64 40 and posted a 35-inch vertical leap at his Pro Day. However, it was the 34-inch arms and 82 3/4-inch wingspan that will get teams excited as he can use that length to his advantage getting after the QB.
50. Miami Dolphins – Richie Grant, 5’11”, 200lbs, S, Central Florida
04/25/21 - Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami, Fla.
04/12/21 - Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
03/18/21 - Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
02/17/21 - Chazz Surratt, ILB, North Carolina
The Dolphins have Bobby McCain and Eric Rowe starting at Safety and are under contract through the 2022 season, but the unit is lacking playmakers, which is why I think Richie Grant would garner serious consideration here. As a sophomore in 2018, Grant became an All-American after hauling in 6 Int. while also racking up 106 tackles. Grant has tremendous range over the top against the pass and isn’t afraid to mix it up coming downhill in the box against the run. Grant finished his career with the Golden Knights filling up the stat sheet, posting 290 tackles, 10 Int., 17 PBU, 11.5 TFL and 1.0 sacks. A 2020 Thorpe Award finalist, Grant put on a show at the Senior Bowl, displaying his instincts and playmaking ability against both the pass and the run.
51. Washington Football Team – Samuel Cosmi, 6’6”, 314lbs, OT, Texas, Jr.
04/25/21 - Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
04/12/21 - Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
03/18/21 - Asante Samuel, Jr., CB, Florida State
02/17/21 - Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Washington needs to make sure they have a long-term answer at LT this offseason. Cornelius Lucas played well after Geron Christian went down to injury and Saadiq Charles is still on the roster, though he could very well kick inside to OG. If they don’t use their 1st Round pick on Christian Darrisaw, I could see the WFT opting for a player like Cosmi on Day 2. Cosmi bends well for a guy his size and is light on his feet, sliding effortlessly with his man. This past season, Pro Football Focus indicated Cosmi led the Longhorns in blocks that led to a TD or 1st Down with 25 to go along with 28 total knockdown blocks. However, Cosmi is still a bit of a finesse tackle and needs to hit the weight room to add the lower body strength required to anchor and drive block. Some also think his 33-inch arms will mean a move inside to OG, but I think Cosmi will be fine at OT in Washington.
52. Chicago Bears – Brady Christensen, 6’6”, 300lbs, OT, BYU, Jr.
04/25/21 - Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
04/12/21 - Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
03/18/21 - Terrace Marshall, Jr., WR, LSU
02/17/21 - Alex Leatherwood, OT/OG, Alabama
Charles Leno, Jr. has been a fixture along the Bears O-line, but he could be a cap casualty at LT. Even if he stays, Chicago has yet to replace Bobby Massie and Christensen feels like a good fit. Christensen was one of the more consistent OT’s in pass protection this past season, which resulted in All-America honors. He gets out of his stance quickly, maintains a low pad level and shows good lateral quickness with his kick slide. Christensen also wowed at his pro day, running a 4.89 40, which was just as fast as Tristan Wirfs from a season ago, and his 34-inch vertical leap is just a couple of inches shy of what Wirfs posted, which is added proof of his athleticism. He isn’t the most physical lineman and doesn’t generate a ton of movement in the run game, so he’ll need to improve his play strength. Christensen has a chance to start early.
53. Tennessee Titans – Asante Samuel, Jr., 5’10”, 184lbs, CB, Florida State, Jr.
04/25/21 - Brady Christensen, OT, BYU
04/12/21 - Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
3/18/21 - Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
02/17/21 - Asante Samuel, Jr., CB, Florida State
The Titans signed Janoris Jenkins and Kevin Johnson to replace the departed Adoree’ Jackson and Malcolm Butler, but NB Desmond King was also let go. I think Tennessee will target a corner who can play inside immediately, then take over for Johnson, who appears to be a one-year rental. Asante Samuel, Jr. not only has tremendous bloodlines, but he also has a high football IQ and tremendous ball skills. Samuel, Jr. is a fluid athlete, sticks to his man in coverage, does a tremendous job locating the football and doesn’t waste any movement when he drives on the ball to make a play. Samuel, Jr. has solidified his status as one of the draft’s top slot corners who can also play on the outside and should see the field early.
54. Indianapolis Colts –Ronnie Perkins, 6’2”, 253lbs, DE, Oklahoma, Jr.
04/25/21 - Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma
04/12/21 - Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
03/18/21 - Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
02/17/21 - Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Colts finished the season with 40 sacks, good for 12th in the league. Justin Houston and Denico Autry combined for 15.5 sacks. However, with Houston and Autry not on the roster for 2021, the Colts need to address the pass rush in a major way and there may not be defender to have quite the impact on his team as Perkins did in 2020. His presence on the field after sitting out the first five games of the season following a positive marijuana test that caused him to miss the Peach Bowl last season completely changed the complexion of the Sooner defense. Perkins was a one-man wrecking crew coming off the edge, showing a tremendous burst, exceptional hand work, the ability to convert speed to power and drive his man into the backfield, while also showing an ability to get off blocks and shoot into the backfield against the run. Perkins’ nonstop motor was infectious with the Sooners suddenly rallying to the football in numbers. That energy is precisely what Indy needs on defense.
55. Pittsburgh Steelers – Creed Humphrey, 6’5”, 315lbs, OC, Oklahoma, Jr.
04/25/21 - Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma
04/12/21 - Quinn Meinerz, OG/OC, Wisconsin-Whitewater
03/18/21 - Alex Leatherwood, OT/OG, Alabama
02/17/21 - Creed Humprhey, OC, Oklahoma
After 11 years in the league that brought 9 Pro Bowls, and 5 All-Pro Selections, including three on the 1st Team, Maurkice Pouncey, who was also named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, has decided to retire. Next stop for Pouncey is Canton, but for Pittsburgh, it’s all about finding someone to take over the Center position, something the Steelers haven’t had to worry about since Pouncey was drafted with the 18th overall pick in 2010. Humphrey made a name for himself as the redshirt freshman pivot that was a part of the Sooners’ Joe Moore Award-winning O-line in 2018. From there, with the Sooners having to replace Orlando Brown, Jr., Cody Ford, Ben Powers and Dru Samia, Humphrey led a new group of starters to yet another Big XII Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Humphrey, a former wrestler, understands leverage and does a tremendous job dropping his hips to get low at the point of attack. He’s quick with his hands and anchors well. Humphrey didn’t give up a single sack in 1,200 pass plays over the last two seasons according to Pro Football Focus. He may not be the best athlete, but he proved at his combine that he can move, as evidenced by his 5.09 40 and his 32-inch vertical leap at OU’s pro day. He’s a plug-and-play Center who will play in the league a long time.
56. Seattle Seahawks – Wyatt Davis, 6’4”, 315lbs, OG, Ohio State, Jr.
04/25/21 - Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
04/12/21 - Alex Leatherwood, OT/OG, Alabama
03/18/21 - Quinn Meinerz, OG/OC, Wisconsin-Whitewater
02/17/21 - Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
Russell Wilson’s relationship with the organization is on the rocks and if change doesn’t happen up front soon, it may not be repairable. Wilson has been sacked 399 times in 144 games, the most of any QB since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, per ESPN’s Stats and Information research. Pro Football Focus also noted that he was pressured on 38% of his drop backs and his 2.3% Int. rate was the highest since his rookie season. If Seattle wants to mend things with their disgruntled QB, fixing the troubled OL has to be top priority. LT Duane Brown is 35 years of age and is entering the final year of his deal while OG Mike Iupati has retired and OC Ethan Pocic is a free agent. Seattle does need to find an eventual successor to Brown, but also have a more immediate need along the interior of the line opposite the newly acquired Gabe Jackson and Davis has Round 1 potential, so getting him at this point of the draft would be a steal. Davis was one of the more consistent interior linemen in this year’s draft. He has a wide base and anchors well, which makes him difficult to be moved off his spot in pass protection and exhibits tremendous power to generate a lot of movement in the ground game.
57. Los Angeles Rams – Jabril Cox, 6’4”, 231lbs, LB, LSU
04/25/21 - Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
04/12/21 - Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
03/18/21 - Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
02/17/21 - Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
The Rams won’t be working with a 1st Round pick any time soon, so they must make the most of selections like this one on Day 2 of the draft. The Ram defense has been in desperate need of playmakers at the LB position and Cox is just that, having taken 3 of his 9 Int. for TD in his career. Cox was tremendously productive for a North Dakota State Bison team that went 45-1 during his three years with the program. During that time, he amassed 258 tackles, 32 going for loss, with 14 sacks in 38 starts. As a graduate transfer, Cox found himself in Baton Rouge lining up for LSU and he quickly proved he belonged at the FBS level, picking off KJ Costello and returning the pass 14 yards for a score in his Tiger debut against Mississippi State. Cox has good size but shows the change of direction necessary to play sideline to sideline against the run and the pass. He’s incredibly instinctive with a nose for the ball and has a knack for making plays against the pass. Cox would bring a dynamic to the LA defense that was missing in 2020.
58. Kansas City Chiefs (from Baltimore) – Nick Bolton. 6’0”, 232lbs, LB, Missouri, Jr.
04/25/21 - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
04/12/21 (Baltimore Ravens) - Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
03/18/21 (Baltimore Ravens) - Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
02/17/21 (Baltimore Ravens) - Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
The Chiefs get this pick from the Ravens as part of the Orlando Brown, Jr. trade and I can see this pick used on a LB. Anthony Hitchens and Willie Gay, Jr. need to step up their game in 2021, but the situation in the group became more dire with the loss of Damien Wilson. Adding an intelligent player like the versatile Bolton makes sense. Bolton is a chase LB who was incredibly productive as a volume tackler, racking up nearly 200 tackles in the last two seasons. He flew to the ball, taking the right angle to the football and was a terror behind the line racking up 17.5 TFL in his career. Bolton also showed off surprising ball skills having recorded 16 passes defended (2 Int, 14 PBU).
59. Cleveland Browns – Levi Onwuzurike, 6’3”, 294lbs, DT, Washington
04/25/21 - Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
04/12/21 - Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
03/18/21 - Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
02/17/21 - Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
Larry Ogunjobi is a free agent this offseason and Sheldon Richardson was released, so I’d expect they’ll add another DT through the draft and Cleveland would be happy to land Onwuzurike, who has the talent and football IQ to be a 1st Round pick. Few players are as powerful at the point of attack as Onwuzurike. He delivers a tremendous punch off the ball, does a great job controlling his man, often bench pressing him to get off the block and can be devastating when he arrives at the ball. Onwuzurike does need to watch his pad level, as he is completely neutralized every time he gets too high out of his stance. When he remains low, Onwuzurike is very explosive off the ball, uses his hands to get off blocks and firs into the backfield in a hurry. He should push for playing time early.
60. New Orleans Saints –Daviyon Nixon, 6’3”, 305lbs, DT, Iowa, Jr.
04/25/21 - Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
04/12/21 - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
03/18/21 - Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
02/17/21 - Richie Grant, S, Central Florida
The Saints have a need at DT now that both Sheldon Rankins and Malcom Brown are gone. New Orleans has a chance to add one of the more athletic interior linemen in the draft in Daviyon Nixon, who is as disruptive as they come, winning at the point of attack with an explosive burst, a low pad level and tremendous hands. He’s always working to the football and was extremely productive in opposing backfields, having racked up 15.5 TFL in 2020. Nixon’s explosiveness as a pass rusher reminds me of Geno Atkins with the ability to shoot gaps, get off blocks, win with leverage and get downhill to the QB in a hurry. And let’s not forget the incredible athleticism Nixon showcased on the Int. he took back 71 yards to the house against Penn State.
61. Buffalo Bills – Tyson Campbell, 6’2”, 185ls, CB, Georgia, Jr.
04/25/21 - Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
04/12/21 - Landon Dickerson, OC, Alabama
03/18/21 - Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami, Fla.
02/17/21 - Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
The Bills should be on the market for a CB opposite Tre’Davious White and Tyson Campbell fits the bill. Campbell often saw the top WR for opposing teams in the SEC this past season and more than held his own. He uses his length to his advantage and will make it hard for WR’s on the outside. Campbell has the size to be a 1st Rounder, but he also put out some tape of him being beaten this year. I think that tape will be enough for Campbell to fall to Day 2, which would be just fine for Buffalo.
62. Green Bay Packers – 33.Christian Barmore, 6’5”, 310lbs, DT, Alabama, RS Soph.
04/25/21 - Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech
04/12/21 - Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech
03/18/21 - Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
02/17/21 - Rodarius Williams, CB, Oklahoma State
Green Bay desperately needs to get Kenny Clark some help up front and there’s a chance Barmore is available here after report from The Athletic’s Bob McGinn indicated teams are concerned with Barmore’s “resistance to coaching and structure at Alabama.” You pair that with his overall inexperience as Pro Football Focus noted he’s only played 747 snaps at Bama and you have a player whose stock could drop all the way to the end of Round 2. Green Bay could be the beneficiary because Barmore was extremely productive as an interior pass rusher racking up 8.0 sacks this past season, using his quickness off the ball along the interior to quickly get penetration while also displaying power on the outside to collapse the pocket and pressure the QB. Barmore put on a show at his pro day, running a 4.96 40 and posting a 34.5-inch vertical leap at 6’5” and 31 pounds. His wingspan is also over seven feet, meaning he can be a terror using his length to get off blocks in a hurry and be disruptive against both the run and pass. He was virtually unblockable in the CFP National Championship, harassing Justin Fields all game long. Barmore lined up all over the Tide’s front, so his versatility will allow him to play the five-technique.
63. Kansas City Chiefs – Andre Cisco, 6’0”, 203lbs, S, Syracuse, Jr.
04/25/21 - Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
04/12/21 - Patrick Jones II, DE, Pittsburgh
03/18/21 - Patrick Jones II, DE, Pittsburgh
02/17/21 - Landon Dickerson, OC, Alabama
Kansas City needs playmakers in its secondary and Andre Cisco would be a perfect fit if he’s still available. Cisco burst onto the national scene with 7 Int. as a true freshman and leaves Syracuse with a total of 13 picks with another 14 pass breakups. He’s fearless, a risk taker, which is why he’s so successful on the back end of the defense, he always thinks he can make a play on the ball. Cisco also has the speed to get to the ball in a hurry ad tremendous ball skills to make the needed play. The gambler mentality does get him into trouble as he is susceptible to being out of position, having also given up 8 TD in his career. Cisco’s not only a high-risk, high-reward player in the deep middle and can be a physical hitter coming downhill in the box. Adding Cisco to the mix with Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill on the back end of the defense gives KC a group of ballhawks.
64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Quinn Meinerz, 6’3”, 320lbs, OG/OC, Wisconsin-Whitewater
04/25/21 - Quinn Meinerz, OG/OC, Wisconsin-Whitewater
04/12/21 - Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
03/18/21 - Rodarius Williams, CB, Oklahoma State
02/17/21 - Patrick Jones, DE Pittsburgh
I expect Tampa to find depth along the O-line through the draft. Donovan Smith and Ryan Jensen each entered the offseason entering the final years of their contracts and while Smith was re-signed, there is still uncertainty surrounding the future of Jensen, whose play was average at the pivot. Jensen is set to make $10 million in 2021. With no dead cap associated with his contract, Jensen could be released after the draft if they can find his replacement. I think Meinerz can be that guy. Jason Licht isn’t afraid to select Division III players in the 2nd Round either, having selected Ali Marpet out of Hobart College with the 61st overall pick of the 2015 draft. Few players made the type of impact that Meinerz did at the Senior Bowl. The Division III product not only proved he belonged among the FBS talent but set an example as one of the more physical linemen, often dominating at the point of attack in the one-on-ones. He also showed off some versatility, lining up at both OG and OC throughout the week. If you haven’t gotten to watch Meinerz play, put the film in, sit back and enjoy. He’s exceptionally quick out of his stance and turns the corner in a hurry as a pulling OG, does a good job finding defenders on the move and when he arrives, he makes them pay, often in spectacular fashion. If all that isn’t enough to have you convinced he belongs as a Day 2 pick, Meinerz put on a show at his pro day, running a very fast 4.86 40 time with a 1.71 10-yard split and posted a 32-inch vertical leap.