{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/lawrence_t_USATSI_15387298.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1607529285,"caption":"

Nope, nothing new. Just keep it moving along, buddy, nothing here to see. It's like being at the airport dropping or picking someone up and the security team waves you on to "hurry it up," in order to cycle through all the remaining cars. Having been in the top spot longer than a Drake single, Lawrence is clearly everybody's number one selection for the draft. Having recently hired a new general manager (Trent Baalke) and new head coach (Urban Meyer), Jacksonville will punctuate its new direction by drafting Lawrence and handing him the keys to the house, car, boat, safe deposit box....etc.

"},{"index":2,"title":"Jets: Penei Sewell, OL, Oregon","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/sewell_penei_USATSI_12565459.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

Hold onto your seats and buckle up, because this spot may be where the 2021 draft flips on its collective head and creates more flips, dips, turns and spins faster than the wildest amusement park ride. The Jets have so many options to pursue and any one of them could be the right decision, or create a vortex of volatility that sucks in more than one franchise. The possibility of trading for Deshaun Watson exits, it's a real option. Trading with other teams that may want to draft the "next best quarterback" after Lawrence, looms, as well as staying pat and taking Sewell with the second pick. For now, let's keep it simple and suggest New York takes the best lineman to protect its incumbent signal caller, Sam Darnold.

"},{"index":3,"title":"Dolphins (via HOU): Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/chase_j_USATSI_15018847.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

I know , I know, I know it makes a lot of synergistic sense to draft DeVonta Smith in this spot, so that his rapport with Tagovailoa at Alabama could be rekindled. I get it. However, fantasy football and EA Sports' Madden wishes aside, while taking Smith arguably understandable, not choosing him over Chase makes a lot of sense, too. They are both prolific college receivers and exude high-ceiling potential, with innate abilities to instantaneously alter the course of any game. Ultimately, it may just be a matter of preference, but for my money, Chase is bigger, has less wear and tear on his body and is a better blocker.

"},{"index":4,"title":"Falcons: Greg Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/rousseau_g_USATSI_13392690_0.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

Week after week, Rousseau just seems like a natural fit for what Atlanta needs. Factor in the NFL having no scouting combine this year because of the pandemic, any and all information on prospects is paramount. With that in mind, the fact that Rousseau has been training during his opt out season with former Falcons' sack specialist, Chuck Smith, Atlanta may have more information on him than most teams. There are doubts about Rousseau's true impact for a team because he only had one great year at Miami. Yet, when one assesses his physical attributes, youth and vast potential, not drafting him seems more of a mistake than taking him fourth overall.

"},{"index":5,"title":"Bengals: Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/parsons_micah_USATSI_13358198.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

The Bengals will draft the best player available. Yes, they have several areas of need and the injury to franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow strongly suggests an offensive lineman be taken. Unless Penei Sewell falls to them in the fifth spot, Cincy will most likely draft Parsons and fill another void area for the Bengals. Parsons can do it all from the linebacking position. Whether it's blitzing, dropping into coverage, forcing turnovers or making game changing tackles, his toolbox is full of attributes any organization could utilize. He's a difference maker with exceptional leadership skills, just take a look at how poorly Penn State's defense played without him this past season.

"},{"index":6,"title":"Eagles: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/farley_c_USATSI_13675165_1.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

Since there's no official NFL scouting combine this year, decision makers are going to have to depend on 2019's game footage for players that opted out of this past season's campaign. After viewing Farley's games from 2019, its apparent that he's too fast to get past, and too big to go through. Farley is an aggressive defender who isn't fearful of defending receivers closely. He's strong in press coverage and fluid enough to shadow and maintain quality balance when mirroring receivers downfield. He's displayed great awareness over his career with six interceptions and 19 passes defended. The Eagles need his hawkish abilities in their secondary.

"},{"index":7,"title":"Lions: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/smith_devonta_USATSI_13733085.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

Should the Lions continue with Matt Stafford as their quarterback, drafting the highly acclaimed, Smith makes all the sense in the world. Detroit has five unrestricted, free agent wide receivers and three of them are over the age of 30. Resigning star wideout, Kenny Golladay would be a good start and taking Smith seventh overall would complement that decision. A pairing of two dynamic route-running talents like Golladay and Smith, combined with the passing skills and savvy of Stafford would make the Motor City hum again.

"},{"index":8,"title":"Panthers: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/fields_j_USATSI_15107105.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

It's hard to fathom Justin Fields dropping this far to Carolina, but if he did, Panther fans should be grateful. Teddy Bridgewater is a fine quarterback, but his apex level of talent pales in comparison to Fields. Bridgewater's contract runs out in 2023 and there's always the possibility of trading him to a ready-to-win-now team that wants a quality leader. Coach Rhule isn't so far removed from his college coaching days, that he wouldn't consider having a more athletic quarterback who could execute his system better than Bridgewater. It's quite possible that Teddy becomes the "bridge" between himself and Justin taking over the "fields" operations for Carolina.

"},{"index":9,"title":"Broncos: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/surtain_p_USATSI_15140519.png","credit":"","published":1604504215,"caption":"

Patrick Surtain's 24 passes defended during his career strongly suggests how intelligently positioned he was at preventing pass receptions. Surtain has ideal size (6'2", 202 lbs) to compete and potentially dominate wideouts. His father successfully played in the NFL for 11 seasons, and in this instance, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Junior is actually bigger than his Dad, and his physical attributes combined with a father's knowledge makes Surtain 2.0 an upgrade over the original. Denver could use a steadying presence in the secondary and Surtain would be a solid option.

"},{"index":10,"title":"Cowboys: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/barmore_c_USATSI_13701085.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1611176271,"caption":"

Dallas is one of the most talented teams in the NFL. True, the Cowboys fell flat in 2020 and looked really inept at times, but as far as pure talent goes, they are brimming with it. A healthy return and overdue resigning of quarterback and team leader, Dak Prescott would go a long way in restoring Cowboy pride. Offensively, a healthier unit may be as potent as the Chiefs, yet defensively, they may need one or two additions to become more impactful. Dallas must shore up its rush defense, having allowed 158.8 rushing yards per game (31st) and 29.6 points a contest. Drafting the disruptive Barmore would immediately improve the run defense, while helping the linebackers and secondary be less compromised in pass coverage.

"},{"index":11,"title":"Giants: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/darrisaw_c_USATSI_13321901.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1607530217,"caption":"

Drafting an experienced and mobile athlete at tackle would do wonders for the Giants' offense. Since New York retained its general manager, Dave Gettleman, chances are he'll continue to rebuild the offensive line. Throughout his career as a general manager, Gettleman has shown a penchant for drafting offensive and defensive linemen. Taking Darrisaw on day one would provide the Giants with another bookend protector for embattled quarterback, Daniel Jones. New York's beleaguered signal caller has been sacked 83 times in the 27 games he's started.

"},{"index":12,"title":"49ers: JayCee Horn, CB, South Carolina","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Horn_J_USA.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1610033622,"caption":"

San Francisco has six unrestricted, free agent cornerbacks with five of them being 30 years of age or older in 2021. Unfortunately, the NFL leans toward an ageist environment for players due partly to health and salary concerns. Drafting Horn would signal the 49ers youth movement and fiscal commitment to budget demands. Horn is a big physical defender, who's play mirrors that of potential Hall of Famer, Richard Sherman. Should the 49ers' defensive front regain its health, the pressure they apply on passing downs could make a skilled coverage defender like Horn, a possible defensive rookie of the year.

"},{"index":13,"title":"Chargers: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/pitts_k_USATSI_14997400.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

The Chargers are an historically frugal organization and with two talented, yet expensive unrestricted free agents on the payroll (DE/Melvin Ingram and TE/Hunter Henry), there's a strong likelihood of one or both playing for different teams next season. The replacement for Ingram may already be on the team in the athletic form of Uchenna Nwosu. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Nwosu actually grades out slightly better than Ingram for a fraction of the cost. Whereas drafting Pitts provides a fiscal, and potentially productive solution to losing Henry.

"},{"index":14,"title":"Vikings: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/paye_k_USATSI_13640616.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

Clearly, I like Paye as a draft answer for the Vikings' question mark at edge rusher, seeing as how I've paired him with Minnesota for several weeks to date. Minnesota is a vastly more effective and stifling defense when they've retained the services of a quality edge rusher. Paye is a power player who sets the edge well against the run, and has enough burst and wiggle to flex around blockers and explode into the backfield. The Vikings hope the league's infatuation with drafting quarterbacks high will push the talented Paye their way.

"},{"index":15,"title":"Patriots: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/collins_z_USATSI_15215156.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1606322998,"caption":"

Admittedly, I have no idea what direction New England will take in this year's draft. For so many years they've collected talent from other teams' castoffs, or finagled trades with less astute organizations and gotten the better of the deal. After this dismal campaign, it's apparent that Tom Brady was a key cog in the Patriot machine that couldn't easily be replaced. Nonetheless, Belichick is at his core a defensive strategist and having several players that opted out of the 2020 season, he may not want to be caught short-handed again. Selecting Collins, one of the most versatile defenders in this year's draft, would be just the type of curve ball that Belichick would throw.

"},{"index":16,"title":"Cardinals: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/vera-tucker_a_USATSI_15343168.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1611176712,"caption":"

Cardinals' starting quarterback, Kyler Murry is extremely athletic and is arguably the fastest player on the field when he competes. Yes, Murray ran for over 800 yards and 11 scores, but the 27 times he was sacked amounted to 176 yards loss due to sacks. Since starting for Arizona, Murray has been sacked 75 times. Durability at the quarterbacking position is always a prime concern, so considering Murray's size (5'10", 207 lbs), plus the amount of hits he takes having a solid offensive line goes without saying. Arizona's two unrestricted free agent blockers may steer them toward selecting Tucker, a versatile player who's played both tackle and guard at USC.

"},{"index":17,"title":"Raiders: Carlos Basham Jr., DL, Wake Forest","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/basham_c_USATSI_11888225_0.png","credit":"","published":1606930255,"caption":"

Las Vegas' lack of pass rushing pressure is a big reason why teams averaged 29.9 points per game against them. During his four year career at Wake Forest, Basham amassed 35.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. The Raiders generated just 21 sacks this past season, getting to the quarterback only 3.49 percent of the time, ranking 30th in the NFL percentage wise. The Raiders must improve their listless pass rush, because the young guns in the AFC West (Mahomes, Herbert, Lock) combined for 85 touchdown passes (averaged 28.3 TDs). The league average for passing scores is 27.2, so Las Vegas has its worked cut out for them.

"},{"index":18,"title":"Dolphins: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Owusu_J_Getty_1191075074.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1610643746,"caption":"

Owusu-Koramoah is the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the Butkus Award winner (nation's best linebacker). Miami's head coach, Brian Flores would thoroughly enjoy scheming various ways to unleash the talented linebacker from Notre Dame. Unquestioned speed and explosion allows Owusu-Koramoah to prowl along the gridiron landscape and make game changing plays. Utilized in the "rover" position while in college, this coiled athlete strikes with Cobra-like quickness after diagnosing plays with his equally sharp mind. A day one impact player wherever he lines up in 2021.

"},{"index":19,"title":"Washington: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/lance_trey_USATSI_13896413.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

Drafting an immensely, talented athlete like Lance, would be a proactive move for Washington, especially considering incumbent starting quarterback, Alex Smith's age and injury history. Although Lance competed in less than 20 college games and essentially sat out the 2020 season, his impressive 2019 campaign where he won the FCS National Championship (16-0) is impossible to ignore. Still, there are nuances to the position he lacks and sitting out a year didn't present opportunities to sharpen them against competition. Lance flashes franchise potential, he just needs a team that believes in him and trusts he'll develop sooner than later.

"},{"index":20,"title":"Bears: Rayshawn Slater, OT, Northwestern","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/slater_r_USATSI_10328553.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1610643023,"caption":"

Some of the best Bears' teams of all time dominated the trenches on both sides of the ball. Currently, this iteration of Chicago's offensive line has been less than dominate. Succeeding in Chicago, especially during "Bear weather" means running the ball and utilizing play-action scenarios to generate the passing game. Until the Bears draft the second coming of Dan Marino, choosing an offensive lineman to run block and pass protect makes the most sense. Selecting Slater would provide depth and line flexibility since he played guard and tackle while at Northwestern. Unfortunately, having not drafted Mahomes or Watson, it's only elementary Chicago takes Slater on draft day.

"},{"index":21,"title":"Colts: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Jones_Mac_USATODAY_15385382.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1610642803,"caption":"

Jones had an exceptional season against SEC competition and playoff caliber opponents. Having won the national title and generated the statistical numbers that he did (77.4 completion percentage / 4,500 passing yards / 41 touchdown passes), it's hard to imagine not drafting Jones in the first round. Teams will be reluctant to take him because of the ridiculously talented teammates he played with and his slightly above average arm. Furthermore, his lack of muscle definition and unconvincing athleticism will foment more doubts in talent evaluators' minds. Fortunately for Jones, the fact that Indy won with an unathletic quarterback (Philip Rivers) and has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, they might take and develop him for the near future.

"},{"index":22,"title":"Titans: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/ossai_j_USATSI_13361434.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1604505391,"caption":"

Ossai is extremely flexible along his hips, enabling him to move fluidly when dropping into shallow coverage, or turn to shadow receivers down field. He's an explosive talent who creates mismatches with just his presence on the field. Ossai is an ascending talent who gets better and more confident with each game played and nuance experienced. He is rarely fooled twice by the same play even if its disguised by a different formation. The Titans' defense must improve on third down conversions and Ossai's versatility may camouflage how Tennessee will attack and dismantle offenses.

"},{"index":23,"title":"Jets (via SEA): Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/waddle_j_USATSI_15083009.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1611177152,"caption":"

Waddle is pure speed and mesmerizingly electric on the field. In the blink of an eye, whether it's on a kick return, jet sweep, screen pass or deep throw, Waddle has the ability to score instantly. Defenses will have to seriously regard how they plan to defend against his game breaking talents. Whoever quarterbacks the Jets next season, if Waddle is chosen by New York, that player will make sure a personal limo driver escorts Waddle to every practice and home game. Yes, he's that good and that important to any franchise that selects him.

"},{"index":24,"title":"Steelers: Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/jones_patrick_USATSI_15015683.png","credit":"","published":1605715571,"caption":"

It's quite possible that due to his free agency and current season ending injury, Bud Dupree may not be resigned by the Steelers. Pittsburgh, however, has been here before with talented defensemen they let go due to fiscal concerns. Time and time again, the front office and talent evaluators made draft day choices which maintained the integrity of the team. Replenishing and replacing popular and productive players is what Pittsburgh does, and choosing a talent like Jones may be the next example of restocking a team need. Jones was extremely productive at Pittsburgh and could do the same for the professional version of the city with the same name.

"},{"index":25,"title":"Jaguars (via LAR): Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Moehrig-_t_USATSI_13610833.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1607532712,"caption":"

Jacksonville may be the first team to select a safety in the first round, and Moehrig would be worth that day one selection. Moehrig is an astute playmaker who's averaged approximately 54 tackles and 10 passes defended over the past two seasons. During his time at TCU, his seven career interceptions are only four less than all of the safeties on Jacksonville, the past three seasons combined (11 total interceptions). The Jaguars need a difference maker and leader in the secondary, and Moehrig may be that stud.

"},{"index":26,"title":"Browns: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/ojulari_a_USATSI_15385353.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1610643402,"caption":"

Ojulari is a twitchy, athletic player who showcases a reactive quickness that puts blockers on their heels, and stresses the perimeter protection of an offensive line. He threatens more with his speed than power, but Ojulari can transition his athletic bursts into enough force to move blockers or level ball carriers. The Browns could use another edge rusher and playmaker along its front seven. Considering unrestricted free agent, defensive end, Olivier Vernon's asking price, the fact Cleveland will soon have to decide on quarterback, Baker Mayfield's contract; drafting a talented and affordable player like Ojulari would make sense.

"},{"index":27,"title":"Ravens: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Oweh_J_Getty_11840002899.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1611177359,"caption":"

Saying Oweh is athletic is like stating Superman is "super," it’s obvious and somewhat repetitive. Nevertheless, that's exactly what Oweh is, an athletic marvel who's, too physically gifted to ignore. Currently, his football acumen isn't equal to his physical gifts and that's the intoxicating part, because once his technique and football IQ matches his athleticism, he'll dominate at a pro bowl level. The Ravens are talented enough on defense to wait for Oweh to mature, so drafting him now is an investment for the near future.

"},{"index":28,"title":"Saints: Terrace Marshall, Jr., W, LSU","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/marshall_t_USATSI_15072574.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1611177435,"caption":"

Earlier in the year, I pegged Marshall for a first rounder because of the numbers he was putting up. Once he opted out of the season after playing several games, he fell a bit because of other talented players showcasing their skills. Injuries, other opt outs during the season and several factors occurring in the NFL have piqued a renewed interest in Marshall's viability, as a day one selection. New Orleans may be saying its final good-bye to eventual, Hall of Fame quarterback, Drew Brees, so the need for more explosive players is a possibility. Marshall has a wide catch radius and his long speed makes him a homerun threat on any pass play.

"},{"index":29,"title":"Buccaneers: Jaylen Twyman, DL, Pittsburgh","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/twyman_j_USATSI_13852810.png","credit":"USA Today","published":"","caption":"

Twyman is another player whose opted out season will place greater significance on his 2019 campaign when it comes to evaluating him. Potentially, having sat out a season could be a mixed bag, but Twyman may have shown enough to still be chosen in the first round. Twyman will have to display at his school's Pro Day (where schools host performance drills for its athletes) the same burst and agility that made him a terror in 2019. The Bucs may need to replace Ndamukong Suh and Twyman has the attitude to do it, Tampa Bay has to make sure the skills match the desire.

"},{"index":30,"title":"Bills: Jay Tufele, DL, USC","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/tufele_j_USATSI_11349704_1.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1611177529,"caption":"

Buffalo is emerging as a team that could challenge for the Super Bowl each season. Still, the Bills struggle against the run and securing a better rush defender is a must. Tufele is a versatile interior defender who can play in any alignment. Extremely agile, his strength and coordination help him remain balanced and stout against the run. Once Tufele establishes his anchor, he's very difficult to move or maneuver around. He flashes pass rushing skills, too. Because of his quick first step and nimble feet he laterally adjust to blockers, only to shed them on the way to the quarterback. A solid pick for Buffalo if he’s still available at 30th overall.

"},{"index":31,"title":"Packers: Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/nixon_d_USATSI_15306431.png","credit":"USA Today","published":1609357912,"caption":"

Nixon is rising up draft boards because in just 21 games played, he's amassed 19 tackles for loss, sacked the passer eight and half times, and returned an interception 71 yards for a score. Nixon is the 2020, Big Ten Player of the Year, and is a dominating instinctive athlete. The Packers lack the type of energy and explosiveness from the defensive front that Nixon generates. Nimble for a man his size (6'3", 305 lbs), he's able to deftly shift his strength and weight to gain leverage on blockers sooner than they expect. Nixon is more talented than experienced at this time, but once he matures both physically and mentally, he may become unblockable.

"},{"index":32,"title":"Chiefs: Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/surratt_c_USATSI_13841494_0.png","credit":"","published":1610035016,"caption":"

Kansas City's linebackers don't generate a lot of game altering plays. During the 2020 campaign, the Chiefs' second level unit only forced three fumbles and had zero interceptions on the season. Surratt, however, is a versatile athlete who impacts the entire field, as evidenced by amassing 206 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in the last two seasons. A former quarterback turned linebacker, Surratt's blend of size, agility and toughness make him an intriguing prospect. Clearly, he's an adaptable athlete who can make plays, but his rawness to the position makes him a bit over-aggressive at times and exposes his inexperience. The Chiefs, however, are deep enough to let this burgeoning talent mature and develop.

"}]}

2021 NFL Mock Draft 19.0: Mac Jones replaces legend on historic franchise