Gunner's 2021 FINAL Mock Draft on PAGE 21

[GunnerBill]

Morning all..... I spent a couple of hours on this last night so here is my first mock draft of 2021. For those new to the board or unfamiliar I tend to do one pre-free agency, one post and then one in the 48 hours before the first team goes on the clock. When I did my first of the three last season people were interested in reading a round 2 so this year I have made this first mock a two round, no trade, mock.  

 

Let's hear your thoughts!

 

ROUND ONE

 

1 Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson

Let’s not waste any time here. The best Quarterback prospect to come out since at least Andrew Luck to a team who have needed a Quarterback forever.

 

2 New York Jets – Zach Wilson, Quarterback, BYU

The Jets have options. They could try and ride Sam Darnold and build around him. But for now I am going to lean toward them being enthralled by the potential of Zach Wilson who isn’t the biggest but had a great season with BYU and has rocketed up draft boards.

 

3 Miami Dolphins – Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, LSU

The Dolphins say they are sticking with Tua. If that’s the case they need guys who can separate because he definitely looks scared to throw into tight windows at this stage. Ja’Marr Chase remains the best receiver in the draft for my money, even though he opted out in 2020.

 

4 Atlanta Falcons – Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio State

The Falcons are going to start Matt Ryan again in 2021 but I am all but certain it is his final year with the team. I think Fields has been a bit overlooked by some because he appears a bit more mechanical than the other three QBs at the top of this draft but he is a perfect fit in Arthur Smith’s scheme.

 

5 Cincinnati Bengals – Penei Sewell, Offensive Tackle, Oregon

The Bengals have to protect Joe Burrow. It’s a simple as that. The Quarterback can play but he has already suffered an ACL injury and if they want to benefit from his talent they must stop him getting hit. I don’t love Sewell’s ceiling as much as some but he has a super high floor. Very safe pick.

 

6 Philadelphia Eagles – Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Alabama

The Eagles just need more talent. They have had a couple of goes at adding a speed receiver but they overdrafted Jaelon Reagor and they have now released the ageing Desean Jackson. Jaylen Waddle has a bit of Tyreek Hill about him and that could appeal to Nick Sirianni as he rebuilds this roster.

 

7 Detroit Lions – Devonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama

The run on receivers continues with the Lions taking Devonta Smith the Heisman Trophy winner. Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola are all free agents. Golladay has struggled to stay healthy and the other two are the wrong side of 30.

 

8 Carolina Panthers – Patrick Surtain, Cornerback, Alabama

As I sit here today I think the Panthers are the most likely team to win the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes. They were in on Stafford and their interest in Watson has been widely reported. So I pass on a Quarterback and address their desperate need at corner with Patrick Surtain Jr who is my #2 overall player in the class.

 

9 Denver Broncos – Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

The Broncos also have a need at corner having cut AJ Bouye after one rather unspectacular year at Mile High. Farley is pretty much the corner Vic Fangio would create in a lab. Perfect scheme fit.

 

10 Dallas Cowboys – Rashawn Slater, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern

If either of the top two corners were here that would be where the Cowboys go but with them gone they need to address their faltering offensive line. Once the strength of this team it was a weakness in 2019 and a liability at times in 2020 as age and injuries bit. Slater could start off at guard before eventually becoming Tyron Smith’s successor at left tackle.

 

11 New York Giants – Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Florida

The Giants need offensive weapons but the top three receivers are all off the board. Kyle Pitts remains though and is a do it all tight end who can be a “big slot” receiver too. Evan Engram is slated to play on a 5th year option in 2021 but there is no sign yet of a long term deal for a guy who had 6 touchdowns as a rookie and has 7 in three seasons since then.

 

12 San Francisco 49ers – Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota State

If Lance lasts past Carolina I expect teams to call and try to move up but this is a no trade draft so he falls here to the 49ers. San Francisco were in on Stafford, have interest in Watson and seem to have lost faith in Jimmy G. In this scenario Garoppolo starts 2021 as the incumbent but Lance takes over mid-season as the future and a creative mind like Kyle Shanahan would find ways to make him productive.

 

13 Los Angeles Chargers – Alijah Vera-Tucker, Offensive Tackle, USC

Alijah Vera-Tucker was a possible late first rounder based on his 2019 tape as a guard. He solidified himself as a first round pick by looking equally dominant at left tackle in 2020. Arm length measurements might affect how high he goes but for a team like the Chargers who have needs right across the line and could start him at tackle with the option to slide inside he makes sense.

 

14 Minnesota Vikings – Christian Barmore, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

Barmore is a polarising prospect. Some love him, some question his consistency. The Vikings have needs at both defensive tackle spots and he is an impact player who would start day 1.

 

15 New England Patriots – Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Michigan

Micah Parsons is a top 10 talent as a linebacker who can play the run, rush the passer, hits like a truck and looks like a leader on the field. He is only average in coverage and there are off the field questions but the Patriots are so talent deficient I’m not sure they can afford to pass a guy like this up at #15.

 

16 Arizona Cardinals – Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina

Patrick Peterson is a free agent and doesn’t look like he will be back in Arizona. Jaycee Horn isn’t a fit in every scheme but I think he does work for what Vance Joseph wants in his backfield.

 

17 Las Vegas Raiders – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Linebacker, Norte Dame

The Raiders need defensive playmakers. Enter one of my favourite players in the whole draft – JOK. I think he can play as a will linebacker in base and as a big nickel defender in sub. He has 7 sacks, an interception and 5 forced fumbles in two years at Norte Dame. Just a guy with a knack for making plays.

 

18 Miami Dolphins – Gregory Rousseau, Edge Rusher, Miami

The Dolphins could take a running back off the board here but Gregory Rousseau from their own back yard makes a lot of sense. He can play off the edge in Brian Flores’s hybrid 3-4 or he can play as a down lineman in the role Emmanuel Ogbah filled in 2020.

 

19 Washington Football Team – Christian Darrisaw, Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech

Washington made the playoffs as a below .500 football team but if they can sort out the Quarterback position they are not that many other pieces away. One piece they do need though is a left tackle to fill the void left by Trent Williams. Darrisaw is not the finished article but his potential is sky high.

 

20 Chicago Bears – Kadarius Toney, Wide Receiver, Florida

The Bears need almost everything. First and foremost they need to work out who their Quarterback is but then they need to give that guy people to throw to. Allen Robinson is a free agent and will likely move on. Toney is not a like for like replacement but he is matchup nightmare who is expected to run in 4.4s at his pro day and is the sort of offensive chess piece Matt Nagy needs to kick start a moribund offense.

 

21 Indianapolis Colts – Kwity Paye, Edge Rusher, Michigan

Colts need wide receiver help, corner help, a left tackle and to pray Carson Wentz can be salvaged. But they also have a question as to whether or not to re-sign 32 year old Justin Houston. If they don’t then edge becomes a serious need. Kwity Paye is a hand in the dirt 4-3 pass rusher that fits the system.

 

22 Tennessee Titans – Jaelen Phillips, Edge Rusher, Miami

And here comes the run on edge guys. The Titan have a desperate need for pass rush. Vic Beasley and Jadaveon Clowney failed to provide it and Vrabel has talked about needing length and range for his scheme. Phillips is not without questions – 1 year of production after flaming out at UCLA and concussion issues – but he has an intriguing skillset and fills a huge need.

 

23 New York Jets – Travis Etienne – Running Back, Clemson

The Jets have a lot of needs too but when you hire Mike LaFleur as offensive coordinator and ask him to bring the Shanahan offense with him then you better have a back with speed for the outside stretch zone runs. Etienne is a home run threat every time he touches the ball.

 

24 Pittsburgh Steelers – Zaven Collins, Linebacker, Tulsa

What is Zaven Collins best position fit in the NFL? It is question to which I have heard multiple answers. I think personally it is outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. At 6’4, 260lbs he is a very similar athletic profile to Bud Dupree who looks set to leave in free agency. Will need to work on his rush technique some but is a better coverage player than Dupree.

 

25 Jacksonville Jaguars – Daviyon Nixon, Defensive Tackle, Iowa

Jags fans will likely pull their hair out at the thought of yet another premium pick on the defensive line but it remains a need. Urban Meyer wants to run a 3-4 base and while Chaisson and Allen fit the profile as edge rushers from the outside the 3 man front is a huge question mark. Nixon is a plug and play guy.

 

26 Cleveland Browns – Nick Bolton, Linebacker, Missouri

The Browns pick should be best player available in the back 7 of the defense. They could co Trevon Moehrig the safety out of TCU but a do it all linebacker who has some leadership ability is an even bigger need. Bolton would be a huge upgrade.

 

27 Baltimore Ravens – Landon Dickerson, Center, Alabama

So for a moment cast your mind back to the Divisional Playoff Round. Yes, it was windy in Buffalo but the Ravens could not snap the ball for the life of them – and it ended up causing the injury that ended Lamar’s game. They had issues at center all season. Landon Dickerson would solidify that position immediately.

 

28 New Orleans Saints – Trevon Moehrig, Safety, TCU

Finally Moehrig goes off the board. The Saints have issues in a lot of spots and not much salary cap space to fix them. But they only have two safeties under contract for 2021 as it stands and one of them is 33 year old Malcolm Jenkins. Moehrig replaces Marcus Williams who walks as a free agent.

 

29 Green Bay Packers – Levi Onwuzurike, Defensive Tackle, Washington

It won’t impress Green Bay fans or Aaron Rodgers but I am going defense here. The Packers have to get more disruptive up front. They have decent edge play but their down linemen, Kenny Clark apart, are a weakness. Onwuzurike had a terrific week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl and now has a chance to sneak into round 1.

 

30 Buffalo Bills – Greg Newsome, Cornerback, Northwestern

Talking of guys sneaking into round 1 Greg Newsome out of Northwestern is one of my biggest draft crushes. He is raw but his skillset is the dream combination of size, speed, athleticism and recognition skills is what NFL defensive coordinators dream of. He has the potential to form the best corner combination in the NFL with Tre White on the other side.

 

31 Kansas City Chiefs – Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

I have never been a big Eric Fisher guy and while Mitchell Schwartz on the other side has been an elite right tackle both are now injured, ageing and potential cap casualties. You saw what a lack of good tackle play did to their offense in the Superbowl. Leatherwood played left tackle at Alabama and the Chiefs could try him there even though I think he likely projects better on the other side in the NFL.

 

32 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Joseph Ossai, Edge Rusher, Texas

Ossai is another high ceiling but raw player. Only really played one full season as an edge rusher and at this stage needs to play in a scheme where he can rush from a 2 point stance. High ceiling though. Todd Bowles’s scheme needs edge rush to be effective and with Shaq Barrett a free agent and Pierre-Paul now 32 years old the Buccs need to look to the future at the edge position.

 

- - - - - - - - - 

 

ROUND TWO

 

33 Jacksonville Jaguars – Jalen Mayfield, Offensive Tackle, Michigan

Another tackle comes off the board. Cam Robinson is a free agent and has never been more than adequate at left tackle in any event. I’m not the biggest Jalen Mayfield guy but the word is that NFL teams like him. If the Jaguars believe he can transition across to the left side he could be the pick.

 

34 New York Jets – Carlos Basham, Edge Rusher, Wake Forest

I think this is a little early for Basham but he does fit the sort of bigger bodied, versatile defensive lineman that Robert Saleh likes and had in San Francisco. I actually see him as a more effective run defender than pass rusher at the NFL level but he does have the capacity to rush the passer from the interior.

 

35 Atlanta Falcons – Azeez Ojulari, Edge Rusher, Georgia

The Falcons have needs everywhere. Their pass rush has been a major problem and Ojulari can stay in state and slot nicely into that Dean Pees scheme as an outside linebacker.

 

36 Miami Dolphins – Najee Harris, Running Back, Alabama

So the Dolphins could have gone Harris at #18 but he lasts all the way to #36 and immediately becomes the lead dog in their backfield.

 

37 Philadelphia Eagles – Jabril Cox, Linebacker, LSU

The Eagles linebacking was atrocious in 2020. Cox is a versatile guy who can play all 3 spots at the second level.

 

38 Cincinnati Bengals – Tyson Campbell, Cornerback, Georgia

Having addressed pass protection at #5 it has to be best defensive player available here at #38. William Jackson, their best corner, is a free agent so they could look at someone like Campbell to come in and fill that spot.

 

39 Carolina Panthers – Liam Eichenberg, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame

Both of Carolina’s offensive tackles are free agents. Luckily it is a pretty good tackle class and Eichenberg is a pro-ready option to fill either spot.

 

40 Denver Broncos – Jay Tufele, Defensive Tackle, USC

Jurrell Casey came over from Tennessee last year but then suffered a serious injury and now could well be a cap casualty. Even if he isn’t they need help on the defensive line. Tufele sat out 2020 but notched 10 sacks as an interior rusher over the previous two seasons.

 

41 Detroit Lions – Wyatt Davis, Guard, Ohio State

Davis suffered an ankle injury late in the year that could affect his stock but he is a really solid interior offensive line prospect. Dan Campbell feels like a build up front type of guy and this would be a good pick.

 

42 New York Giants – Terrace Marshall, Wide Receiver, LSU

Having missed out on the three receivers at the top of the draft the Giants have to strike for one in round 2. They need a number 1 outside type and Terrace Marshall, while needing refinement, fits that bill the best of the guys left.

 

43 San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Joseph, Cornerback, Kentucky

Basically after Quarterback there is no more pressing need for the 49ers than corner. All of their corners are free agents. Joseph’s college career did not go to plan after he transferred out of LSU but he is flying up draft boards as people start to dig into his tape. He led the SEC in interceptions in 2020.

 

44 Dallas Cowboys – Asante Samuel Jr, Cornerback, Florida State

So we had the edge run, then the offensive tackle run and now it is the corners flying off the board. Samuel is fast but isn’t the best tackler in the world and can get grabby in coverage. That said he fills a major need in Dallas.

 

45 Jacksonville Jaguars – Pat Freiermuth, Tight End, Penn State

The Jaguars feel like they have been trying to find a tight end forever. Josh Oliver who they took two years ago has been permanently hurt. Darrell Bevell’s scheme requires a guy who can catch and block and while Freiermuth’s blocking needs work I see potential for development there.

 

46 New England Patriots – Elijah Moore, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss

If the 49ers did land a QB in round 1 I’d expect New England to offer this pick to bring Jimmy G back to Boston. But if that doesn’t happen the Patriots need speed. New England might be the slowest team in the NFL and in 2021 you can be as fundamentally sound and as scheme flexible as you like and still lose to speed. Moore could play as a slot in this system which has always featured a slot guy and be a game breaker from that position.

 

47 Los Angeles Chargers – Creed Humphrey, Center, Oklahoma

The Chargers double dip on the offensive line to make sure that they are protecting the franchise in Justin Herbert who got hit too much as a rookie and towards the end of the season did display a few bad habits with his footwork that was a result of the rush. Mike Pouncey retired at center so a replacement is needed either through free agency or, in this case, the draft. 

 

48 Las Vegas Raiders – Jevon Holland, Safety, Oregon

The Raiders have spent multiple high picks on trying to sort their issues in the secondary without getting it done. Bringing Gus Bradley in a defensive coordinator might help, I think he is an upgrade on Paul Gunther and Jevon Holland could plays the “Earl Thomas role” in this scheme.

 

49 Arizona Cardinals – Chaz Surratt, Linebacker, North Carolina

The Cardinals have multiple free agents at the linebacker spot. Wouldn’t hurt to add an injection of youth into that unit and Surratt plays an aggressive pursuit style and attacks the line of scrimmage in a way that I think Vance Joseph will admire.

 

50 Miami Dolphins – Trey Smith, Guard, Tennessee

The Dolphins oline did take a step forward last year and Solomon Kindley was one of the steals of the draft. But the other guard spot was manned by former Giants bust Ereck Flowers. Smith helps keep the pocket clean for Tua.

 

51 Washington Football Team – Rashod Bateman, Wide Receiver, Minnesota

Other than Quarterback the big needs for the Football Team are left tackle, which they resolved in round 1, corner and wide receiver. I have them taking Bateman here who is a tough, physical, route runner who goes across the middle and compliments Terry McLaurin perfectly.

 

52 Chicago Bears – Joe Tryon, Edge Rusher, Washington

How is Ryan Pace still in a job? Not content with passing on Mahomes and Watson for Trubisky he last year gave Robert Quinn, age 30, a 5 year $70m contract. That was predictable disaster in 13 starts he had 2 sacks. They can’t get out of that deal until after 2021 but drafting Joe Tryon this year to get him in house and ready to takeover would be smart. So Pace won’t do it, obviously.

 

53 Tennessee Titans – Rondale Moore, Wide Receiver, Purdue

Corey Davis is a free agent, Adam Humphries’s career is in doubt and their receiving Tight End Jonnu Smith is also a free agent. The Titans need to add weapons to AJ Brown. Moore’s production the last two years has not matched his amazing freshman season, but he is a viable option in the 2nd round.

 

54 Indianapolis Colts – Aaron Robinson, Cornerback, UCF

The Colts have needed corner help for a while. Xavier Rhodes had something of a bounce back as a free agent after his run in Minnesota ended poorly, but that was a 1 year deal. Robinson is a guy who could really excel in the slot, but has a chance to be a success on the boundary.

 

55 Pittsburgh Steelers – James Hudson, Offensive Tackle, Cincinnati

The Steelers’ oline has been a real strength over the past 5 years. However, it has started to creak. To make matters worse Pouncey has retired and left tackle Alejandro Villanueva is a free agent. They need to start to getting younger and Hudson should help kick start their moribund run game.

 

56 Seattle Seahawks – Ifeatu Melifonwu, Cornerback, Syracuse

I have concerns about Melifonwu but this starts to be range where he could come off the board. Both of the Seahawks’ starting corners are free agents and Melifonwu fits that long, athletic profile that Seattle has traditionally looked for.

 

57 Los Angeles Rams – Baron Browning, Linebacker, Ohio State

The Rams roster really doesn’t have too many holes for a team that never has a first round pick. However, while Micah Kiser has been a nice story at linebacker he is a below average starter and it is even worse next to him at the other inside spot. Browning is an attempt to upgrade.

 

58 Baltimore Ravens – Jayson Oweh, Edge Rusher, Penn State

Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue are free agents as are their two backups. Oweh is a nice scheme fits as an outside rush linebacker in the Ravens’ 3-4.

 

59 Cleveland Browns – Patrick Jones, Edge Rusher, Pittsburgh

Cleveland has to keep stacking talented defenders to improve on that side of the ball. Secondary is more of a need here but Jones is the value and would replace the departing Olivier Vernon.

 

60 New Orleans Saints – Mac Jones, Quarterback, Alabama

I really have no feeling on what the Saints will do at Quarterback, but they are tight to the cap and only have Tysom Hill (who is not a long term answer) on the roster. Jones is not unlike Drew Brees in style. Pocket Quarterback, fiercely competitive and a good not great arm. Maybe Payton thinks he can develop that?

 

61 Buffalo Bills – Dillon Radunz, Offensive Tackle, North Dakota State

This is great value for Radunz and the Bills have two key free agents on the offensive line. He started at left tackle in college but I think he projects better as a right tackle or even at guard in the NFL. Nasty run blocker, which is a definite need.

 

62 Green Bay Packers – Teven Jenkins, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State

This is a really good tackle class and another one goes here to Green Bay who released right tackle Rick Wagner on Friday after one season with the team. Jenkins slides right into that spot.

 

63 Kansas City Chiefs – D’Wayne Eskridge, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan

Brett Veach has been honest about his draft priorities while he has Mahomes – weapons and protection. I have them addressing the latter in round 1 so here I give them Eskridge. Watkins and Robinson are free agents so enter a small, skillfull, gadget player who runs a 4.33.

 

64 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Javonte Williams, Running Back, North Carolina

Tampa has a lot of free agents to bring back and not much cap room to do it so I find it unlikely that Leonard Fournette or Lesean McCoy returns. While they would still have Ronald Jones he is also a free agent after 2021 so time to restock the running back room.

Edited April 29, 2021 by GunnerBill

[oldmanfan]

Interesting.  Fits some needs but I’m surprised you didn’t try to get an edge or OLB.

[Bill from NYC]

Thanks for the effort GB. I know that something like this takes time. There is too much work involved to just put this up in a few minutes. Posts like this are what makes this board great.

 

That said, it certainly does follow the old time, depressing Bills mode. I liken it to 2008 when the Bills, in desperate need of blockers, drafted the great, gifted CB Leodis McKelvin at 11. Ryan Clady went at 12, and Brandon Albert went at 15, two pretty awesome blockers. In this mock, we take another first round corner and Alex Leatherwood (who I think might be the most underrated player in this draft) goes on the next pick. 

 

Somewhere, Marv Levy and Dick Jauron are smiling. 

[GunnerBill]

16 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

Thanks for the effort GB. I know that something like this takes time. There is too much work involved to just put this up in a few minutes. Posts like this are what makes this board great.

 

That said, it certainly does follow the old time, depressing Bills mode. I liken it to 2008 when the Bills, in desperate need of blockers, drafted the great, gifted CB Leodis McKelvin at 11. Ryan Clady went at 12, and Brandon Albert went at 15, two pretty awesome blockers. In this mock, we take another first round corner and Alex Leatherwood (who I think might be the most underrated player in this draft) goes on the next pick. 

 

Somewhere, Marv Levy and Dick Jauron are smiling. 

 

I still think we get a pretty good blocker at #61. To be fair I am a massive Newsome fan. I think he is the most underrated player in the draft. If he played for Ohio State or Alabama instead of Northwestern people would be talking about him as a top 15 player IMO. But I have moved your kid up in my rankings even this week. My first tape look I wasn't sure he could play left tackle in the NFL and would have to go to right tackle or guard. I now think he could, but I think it needs to be a specific scheme fit. To be a successful NFL left tackle I think he needs a man blocking power scheme. You couldn't put him in a Shanahan style zone scheme at left tackle and expect him to hold up in my view. 

 

31 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

Interesting.  Fits some needs but I’m surprised you didn’t try to get an edge or OLB.

 

Yea what I try to do with these is not "fix" the draft so the Bills end up with a specific match (although I admit to being a big Newsome fan). I think they are in a tricky spot at #30 for edge guys. The first raft of guys I think could play as a 4-3 end - Rousseau, Phillips and Paye - are likely gone as they were here. Ossai and Ojulari are that next tier but they are 3-4 outside rush 'backers IMO and #30 is too early for the likes of Jones. What I essentially do is take the view that every team kind of agrees with my rankings to an extent (obviously they won't) and then say "okay if this was their board at this stage where might they go?"

Edited February 21, 2021 by GunnerBill

[machine gun kelly]

Bill, just like you to have such a classy response to a lot of hard work in GB’s mock.  I couldn’t agree more.  I’m not crazy about you’re Bills picks unless you’re assumption is they let Daryl Williams walk.  I understand if that’s the case.  I thought you’re Miami picks were spot onto what they will do.  
 

Again GB, that’s a heck of a lot of work, so not bad for a Brit. 🤪. Just kidding bud, my heritage is Irish and English.

[Bill from NYC]

3 hours ago, machine gun kelly said:

Bill, just like you to have such a classy response to a lot of hard work in GB’s mock.  I couldn’t agree more.  I’m not crazy about you’re Bills picks unless you’re assumption is they let Daryl Williams walk.  I understand if that’s the case.  I thought you’re Miami picks were spot onto what they will do.  
 

Again GB, that’s a heck of a lot of work, so not bad for a Brit. 🤪. Just kidding bud, my heritage is Irish and English.

The time that GB had to have put into a post like this is not to be underestimated. To rank 64 players you have to study at least twice that many, or so I think.  I agree with him in terms of the players that I spent hours watching except for 1, but GB probably has a better chance of being correct than I do .

Edited February 21, 2021 by Bill from NYC

[GunnerBill]

5 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

The time that GB had to have put into a post like this is not to be underestimated. To rank 64 players you have to study at least twice that many, or so I think.  I agree with him in terms of the players that I spent hours watching, except for 1, but GB probably has a better chance of being correct than I do .

 

I will confess to not yet having studied in detail all 64. I think everyone in my first round though I do now have a provisional grade on except the 4 QBs who I am leaving until last this year (but who I think we can safely assert will go top 15). It is about half the 2nd round that I have graded. Done all the corners, receivers and all the offensive linemen. 

[John from Riverside]

If the draft fell this way I think I’d rather trade down naji Harris would make an excellent second round draft pick

[GunnerBill]

4 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

If the draft fell this way I think I’d rather trade down naji Harris would make an excellent second round draft pick

 

I think I would very seriously consider trading down 5-10 spots in that scenario for the Bills. Obviously this was a no trade mock.

[Bill from NYC]

Gunner, I do NOT agree with the following link (I am sold on Lawrence), but I think that Mac Jones will go in the first round. That said, if the draft were to go like yours, I would want the Bills to trade up and draft Mac in round 2. It would only be a few spots and would probably cost little. 

 

We will be in lots of trouble if Josh gets hurt. The value of qbs is HUGE these days and we could get a huge return for Mac if he played well in just a few games.

 

https://jaguarswire.usatoday.com/2021/02/19/former-nfl-coach-june-jones-has-mac-jones-ranked-over-trevor-lawrence/

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, Bill from NYC said:

Gunner, I do NOT agree with the following link (I am sold on Lawrence), but I think that Mac Jones will go in the first round. That said, if the draft were to go like yours, I would want the Bills to trade up and draft Mac in round 2. It would only be a few spots and would probably cost little. 

 

We will be in lots of trouble if Josh gets hurt. The value of qbs is HUGE these days and we could get a huge return for Mac if he played well in just a few games.

 

https://jaguarswire.usatoday.com/2021/02/19/former-nfl-coach-june-jones-has-mac-jones-ranked-over-trevor-lawrence/

 

I don't think Mac lasts as long as I have him but whether that is late first or early 2nd I am not sure. Saints, Steelers, Bears and Patriots are the contenders I think to trade up for him.

[stinky finger]

Re: Bills - would like to see a front seven w/pass rush ability. Maybe it's addressed in FA.

 

Jets: Man - Any chance they stick w/Darnold? With bevy of picks, they could really do some damage elsewhere.

 

Giants: Fans would be ecstatic with your rather "offensive" selections. With a healthy Saquon back, no more excuse DJ.

 

 

[GunnerBill]

7 minutes ago, inaugural balls said:

Re: Bills - would like to see a front seven w/pass rush ability. Maybe it's addressed in FA.

 

Jets: Man - Any chance they stick w/Darnold? With bevy of picks, they could really do some damage elsewhere.

 

Giants: Fans would be ecstatic with your rather "offensive" selections. With a healthy Saquon back, no more excuse DJ.

 

Bills - if it isn't addressed in FA they might need to be willing to move around the board to get in position to make the value work on day 1 or 2 of the draft. 

 

Jets - Still possible though trending against I think. 

 

Giants - agree. They have to do it. They have to give Jones weapons and then make their mind up this year - yay or nay. 

[H2o]

I appreciate the work and explanations for your picks Gunner. It's always a quality product. That being said, I would be quite underwhelmed by our first two selections. I'd rather have Leatherwood, Harris, or Wyatt Davis in this scenario @ #30. 

[Ray Stonada]

As someone who watches zero college football, I am pretty darn impressed with how much knowledge it must take to do this, OP. And to see enough college gridiron from London must be even harder. Cheers.

[SoCal Deek]

Great stuff Gunner....and thanks for taking the time. As I read through each successive pick I literally forced myself not to scroll down to the Bills selection.....but when I got there in both rounds my immediate reaction was... “WHO”? So seeing as how that’s been my reaction to so many Bills drafts throughout the decades, I’m going to guess that you nailed it. 😉

[Victory Formation]

Problem I’m having is our front seven still remains in shambles. Bear with me, I just woke up and my IQ hovers around zero until I get my cigarettes and caffeine in (not much higher than it usually is when I’m caffeinated). Ultimately I think we should go DL back to back in RD1 & RD2. Ain’t it a shame that Zaven Collins is gone before we pick and obviously I’m beating the Boogie Basham drum hard but if you took him out of the equation and that was my reality at #30 and I was forced to go by your board for arguments sake, I think I’d have to go Najee Harris there. I’m very high on Jay Tufele as well, you have him at #40, which is a nice spot for him. Maybe he rises, I don’t know but I would not be against trading back and taking him at the top of RD2 or maybe even at #30, but it may make sense to wait and see if Tedarrell Slaton is there or Marvin Wilson at #61. I have Tufele considerably higher than both but Slaton and Wilson would be very good pieces on that IDL.

[scuba guy]

Thanks gunner for all your work like others have said.

This is one of those drafts that take forever to come draft spot and all and the hope all bills nation know feels.

When the coach and gm say need to fix the lines it means no new toys for Josh to play with just a lot of big uglies

 Which is great nut bills Nation wants a 4

2 running back that can catch and a 6' 7" tight end that run a 4.5 can block and catch and a de like Bruce Smith. Well boys and girls it starts with the trenches.

 

From one brit to another have a heck a good day old chap

[OldTimer1960]

Really nice job.  I enjoy reading your draft posts very much (along with several other very knowledgeable draft nicks that post here).

 

I agree that CB2 is a big need and would help the defense.  I would still prefer that the Bills grab a pass rusher in round 1, but agree that with the way the picks fell in this scenario that they would have to reach to pick either DE or blitz-capable OLB.

 

Does Radunz have enough ballast to be an effective run blocker and hold up to bull rushes in the NFL?

[Einstein's Dog]

Thanks for the work GB.  For the record, I'm with Bill from NYC in that I'm hoping the Bills go with some Bigs (either DL or OL). 

 

An OL guy would allow for team controlled continuity with Josh for 4-5 years.  It is a sought after strategy to have OL continuity.  Having a first round pick developing into the mix would allow for small year over year changes for the next several years.

 

A DL is a huge need.  And from a team cost perspective they are great to have - the backup DLs of the world Murphy/Jefferson/Butler's are $8+ million apiece.  While many are not thrilled with Epenesa, he is already allowing the Bills to jettison one of the Murphy/Jefferson/Butler trio - saving $8 mill in the process.  If the CB is just a backup level guy, his place on the roster is only moving out a less than $1 mill guy (like EJ Gaines).

[whorlnut]

I just can’t get behind a first round corner in any way. Not even close to our biggest need. We need to add an athletic edge, playmaker on offense, or an OT. 

[TheBeaneBandit]

Just now, whorlnut said:

I just can’t get behind a first round corner in any way. Not even close to our biggest need. We need to add an athletic edge, playmaker on offense, or an OT. 

In a passing league, having 2 top CB's under contract for 4 seasons.....that is what's called "having nice things".......I like nice things.

[whorlnut]

Just now, TheBeaneBandit said:

In a passing league, having 2 top CB's under contract for 4 seasons.....that is what's called "having nice things".......I like nice things.

Dane Jackson played very well in limited snaps as a rookie. Again...not a big need. Let him and Wallace duke it out for CB2 and that will be good enough. What isn’t good enough is out offensive line if we lose Williams and Nsekhe. Or our DE room at the moment with Addison and Hughes not getting younger and Epenesa struggling as a rookie. And I keep saying...you need to score points with teams like the chiefs. Another weapon on offense for Allen would take this offense over the top. 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Get nervous when drafting players high from lower level college programs like N Dakota State.  Yes many work out, but hard to project how that talent truly measures up against a WR like say a JaMarr Chase.  There certainly are a number that work out, look no further than Andre Reed, but still makes me more nervous drafting that high in 2nd round.

[TheBeaneBandit]

1 minute ago, whorlnut said:

Dane Jackson played very well in limited snaps as a rookie. Again...not a big need. Let him and Wallace duke it out for CB2 and that will be good enough. What isn’t good enough is out offensive line if we lose Williams and Nsekhe. Or our DE room at the moment with Addison and Hughes not getting younger and Epenesa struggling as a rookie. And I keep saying...you need to score points with teams like the chiefs. Another weapon on offense for Allen would take this offense over the top. 

Hey trust me I agree with all that too. If, and yes it's probably a big if, if the Bills somehow get creative enough in free agency CB as the BPA as the first draft pick makes sense. 

[Solomon Grundy]

Love your work and knowledge Gunner. Hopefully the Bills move and don’t take a CB at 30. There’s a plethora of CBs they can get later like a Keith Taylor or Bryan Mills. If they can’t get Bolton/Collins at 30, I hope they move down to acquire more picks. I also think Pittsburgh maybe looking at the offensive line. It was a bad group last season and Pouncey retirement won’t help. Teams will be looking to fortify their offensive lines and think there may be a run on them in the later first, early second. Parsons will go earlier and Mac Jones will be the Lamar Jackson of this draft. Not talent wise, but some team may want to move back up in the first to get him, if they don’t outright select him. Possible trade partner with Bills?

[Solomon Grundy]

3 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I don't think Mac lasts as long as I have him but whether that is late first or early 2nd I am not sure. Saints, Steelers, Bears and Patriots are the contenders I think to trade up for him.

I can see the WFT being a contender too and don’t sleep SF. Mac Jones destination is going to be based on the outcome of QB carousel, but Shanahan and Mac Jones will be a mean combination 

43 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Really nice job.  I enjoy reading your draft posts very much (along with several other very knowledgeable draft nicks that post here).

 

I agree that CB2 is a big need and would help the defense.  I would still prefer that the Bills grab a pass rusher in round 1, but agree that with the way the picks fell in this scenario that they would have to reach to pick either DE or blitz-capable OLB.

 

Does Radunz have enough ballast to be an effective run blocker and hold up to bull rushes in the NFL?

I like Teven Jenkins a little better

[whorlnut]

14 minutes ago, TheBeaneBandit said:

Hey trust me I agree with all that too. If, and yes it's probably a big if, if the Bills somehow get creative enough in free agency CB as the BPA as the first draft pick makes sense. 

Corner is probably the one position that would make me break a tv on draft night...

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Really nice job.  I enjoy reading your draft posts very much (along with several other very knowledgeable draft nicks that post here).

 

I agree that CB2 is a big need and would help the defense.  I would still prefer that the Bills grab a pass rusher in round 1, but agree that with the way the picks fell in this scenario that they would have to reach to pick either DE or blitz-capable OLB.

 

Does Radunz have enough ballast to be an effective run blocker and hold up to bull rushes in the NFL?

 

I think Radunz does, yea. Again he isn't gonna come in and be dominant out of the gate but I think he can be a functional starter and develop into a really good player in time. 

 

On the pass rush thing that is my preference too. This draft just doesn't really fall that way for them. They could move up or down the board in reality of course. 

[PrimeTime101]

54 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

Get nervous when drafting players high from lower level college programs like N Dakota State.  Yes many work out, but hard to project how that talent truly measures up against a WR like say a JaMarr Chase.  There certainly are a number that work out, look no further than Andre Reed, but still makes me more nervous drafting that high in 2nd round.

how did that work out with Josh Allen? its not always about the school... its about the Talent in front of you and how much of a ceiling the player has and if the player is a student of the game type of player.

[GunnerBill]

50 minutes ago, Solomon Grundy said:

Love your work and knowledge Gunner. Hopefully the Bills move and don’t take a CB at 30. There’s a plethora of CBs they can get later like a Keith Taylor or Bryan Mills. If they can’t get Bolton/Collins at 30, I hope they move down to acquire more picks. I also think Pittsburgh maybe looking at the offensive line. It was a bad group last season and Pouncey retirement won’t help. Teams will be looking to fortify their offensive lines and think there may be a run on them in the later first, early second. Parsons will go earlier and Mac Jones will be the Lamar Jackson of this draft. Not talent wise, but some team may want to move back up in the first to get him, if they don’t outright select him. Possible trade partner with Bills?

 

Agree on Mac. Someone could well be trying to get back into the first for him. I agree on Pitt but OL is much deeper than OLB. Which is why I have them waiting on OL help to round 2. 

[PrimeTime101]

Gunner I appreciate the work you put in... but... I am just not seeing CB in round 1. 

 

IF this happens I might find the closest shoe and break my tv lol...

 

Good job on the draft

[GunnerBill]

45 minutes ago, Solomon Grundy said:

I like Teven Jenkins a little better

 

I considered both. I went Radunz at this stage because he could play either position on the OL where they have a FA. If Williams leaves and Mongo stays and the need is a pure right tackle then Jenkins makes more sense.

Just now, PrimeTime101 said:

Gunner I appreciate the work you put in... but... I am just not seeing CB in round 1. 

 

IF this happens I might find the closest shoe and break my tv lol...

 

Good job on the draft

 

I am not sure it will because I am probably slightly higher than most on Newsome (though people are finally waking up to him and he might not even be there.... DJ had him at #21 to the Colts this week) and after that none of the others are worth a 1st round pick after the top 3 guys. But if this was a better corner group at the top I think it would 100% be in play for the Bills. 

[Process]

Really well done. 

 

I'll feel sick if we spend our first two picks on CB and OT though.

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, whorlnut said:

I just can’t get behind a first round corner in any way. Not even close to our biggest need. We need to add an athletic edge, playmaker on offense, or an OT. 

 

And athletic edge he made sense wasn't there. OT is a really deep group and I don't think there is a lot of difference between the guys who will go late round 1 and throughout round 2 so you can wait and take one in the 2nd as I did. And Newsome is just a better player in my mind than the other offensive weapons on the board.

 

I also think corner is a bigger need than a lot of fans think. We only have 1 more year of control on Levi who is upgradeable even if we do RFA him. Dane Jackson has played a handful of snaps. And that is it. On the whole roster. If we want to be able to defend KC more effectively I think we need to have 2 corners who we are willing to single up occasionally.  

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

I agree that the Dolphins and Jets are the two most likely teams for the top two RB's in this years draft. Because of clear need and also largely because they each have so many extra picks they can afford to spend one on an elite player at a devalued position. Of course that could change if one of the two end up trading all of their picks away for #4 in Houston. 

 

If Etienne and Harris are as special as some think they are I'd be pretty tempted to take one of them at #30. Hard pill to swallow though with 2 young RB's already on the roster and taken on day two in back to back years. 

 

We will have a much clearer picture to our draft board once we get our free agents signed. 

[FireChans]

@GunnerBill I really like your mock and your take on the QB carousel.

 

I have a different idea. I think the Jets go after Trey Lance and try to get him later, maybe by trading up with Seattle’s pick.

[stinky finger]

1 hour ago, TheBeaneBandit said:

In a passing league, having 2 top CB's under contract for 4 seasons.....that is what's called "having nice things".......I like nice things.

 

You've got one of the best CBs in the league. You make the other work best you can.

 

We need to get after the QB.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Thanks for the entertainment. 

 

YOU DRAFTED A CB IN THE FIRST ROUND!  DIE!  DIE!  {cue the usual suspects}  That's not who I want to see the Bills draft, At All.  I think we have far bigger needs elsewhere and does the talent difference really justify that?  IMO, give us a pass rush and an upgrade at LB and we'll see

 

Question: If the Carolina Panthers win the "Watson Sweepstakes", wouldn't that involve giving up their 1st round pick?

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

1 hour ago, whorlnut said:

And I keep saying...you need to score points with teams like the chiefs. Another weapon on offense for Allen would take this offense over the top. 

 

Also, the way to beat the Chiefs defense is utilizing the RB's and TE's in the passing game. The Chiefs defensive personnel and scheme is designed perfectly to shut down WR's in the passing game. Allen had two of his worst games of the year against the Chiefs defense because our offense runs through our WR's. Not our RB's or TE's. Now the question is, will that still hold true about the Chiefs defense in 2021 or will they have personnel and scheme changes?