Because they are made to believe, mock designs tend to go wild. Lots of planned trades. Runs in certain positions. A surprise or two.
There’s an obvious trend for this year’s selection process – one that shouldn’t stun anyone. It’s all about the quarterbacks, with passers-by possibly occupying the top four spots.
Here’s a look, other than trades, at what could happen Thursday night in Cleveland, a year after the NFL successfully created a virtual draft due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Jacksonville
Just like in 2020 with Joe Burrow, this is a blast when the new trainer Urban Meyer gets his signal caller.
TREVOR LAWRENCE, QB, CLEMSON
2. New York Jets
Perhaps the Jets are luckier behind the middle with this election than with the often injured and disappointing Sam Darnold, who is now in Carolina.
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
3. San Francisco (from Miami via Houston)
Obviously, GM John Lynch and trainer Kyle Shanahan had picked someone to be their future quarterback when they made this deal. This goal is …
MAC JONES, QB, ALABAMA
4. Atlanta
If Julio Jones can stay healthy and Calvin Ridley keeps moving up, the Hawks could have one of the league’s most dangerous crimes, by …
Kyle Pit, TE, Florida
5. Cincinnati
Thanks to their early focus on QBs, the Bengals sat nicely here, knowing they were either Pitts or …
PENEI SEWELL, OT, OREGON
6. Miami (from Philadelphia)
Hey Tua, do you remember how LSU outperformed Bama in 2019? One of the reasons for this now is your teammate.
JA’MARR CHASE, WR, LSU
7. Detroit
If the Lions stay here, they will pose a great threat to new passerby, Jared Goff. The question is whether they will go for Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith or her teammate Jaylen Waddle.
DEVONTA SMITH, WR, ALABAMA
8. Carolina
There is no more obvious example of the importance of insult in the NFL these days, with the Panthers making it up to eight direct players from this side of the ball.
RASHAWN SLATER, OT, NORTHWESTERN
9. Denver
We have a feeling the Broncos are not being sold on Drew Lock as their long-term quarterback, and with two major prospects remaining, Denver is grabbing one.
JUSTIN FIELDS, QB, OHIO STATE
10. Dallas
Finally, a defensive player and the cowboys have a choice of throwing. Do they pass rushers, linebackers, or help with secondary school?
PATRICK SURTAIN II, CB, ALABAMA
11. New York Giants
Selecting 11th place is often difficult with so many potential elite talent gone. Not this year as the Giants debate whether to attack or defend a playmaker.
JAYCEE HORN, CB, SOUTH CAROLINA
12. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami via San Francisco)
Philly wanted Horn to reinforce his worrying supporting role, but the division’s rival grabbed him. So the Eagles complement their reception group.
JAYLEN WADDLE, WR, ALABAMA
13. Los Angeles chargers
After you’ve solved all your quarterbacking issues with offensive rookie of the year Justin Herbert, it’s time to grab a protector for him.
CHRISTIAN DARRISAW, OT, Virginia Tech
14. Minnesota
This is where the pass rushers come in and the Vikings get lucky by getting the top guy. And yes, it is noteworthy that a potential bag master took so long. Blame the QBs.
KWITY PAYE, EDGE, MICHIGAN
15. New England
Do the Patriots really believe Cam Newton can bring them back to the fore after Tom Brady wins titles in Tampa Bay? We don’t buy it.
TREY LANCE, QB, NORTH DAKOTA STATE
16. Arizona
Walking back is a necessity, but it’s too early as there is so much talent left in other positions. How about one of the two best linebackers?
MICAH PARSONS, LB, PENN STATE
17. Las Vegas
Trainer Jon Gruden loves speed. On his return to coaching, the fast lane hasn’t worked very well so far, partly due to injuries to Raiders prospects. Here goes the other best linebacker.
ZAVEN COLLINS, LB, TULSA
18. Miami
With Chase on hand to liven up the offense, Miami could use some disruptive off-D-Line skills. Stay local …
JAELAN PHILLIPS, EDGE, MIAMI, FLA.
19. Washington
Ron Rivera has built a solid defense as always. The offense is a bit mixed up at the front, so it makes sense to use a blocker.
ALIJAH VERA-TUCKER, OT-G, USC
20. Chicago
Fans around Grant Park will be screaming for offensive talent. But the best players left on the board play defense.
GREG NEWSOME II, CB, NORTHWEST
21. Indianapolis
One of the league’s better drawing teams in recent years, the Colts have to grapple with Anthony Castonzo’s resignation. However, this may not be the best value here. So look for a pass rusher.
CARLOS BASHAM, EDGE, WAKE FOREST
22. Tennessee
Can’t see the Titans addressing anything other than their fighting defense, which requires a pass rusher, linebacker, and cover cornerback. Despite some previous problems, choose the CB …
CALEB FARLEY, CB, VIRGINIA TECH
23. New York Jets (from Seattle)
With the range acquired in commerce with Jamal Adams, the Jets want a cornerback, but the best are gone. They have so many needs that an offensive lineman, pass rusher, or receiver is an option. Possibly even going backwards.
AZEEZ OJULARI, EDGE, GEORGIA
24. Pittsburgh
The Steelers could use some help in the trenches, especially in the middle. However, you can address this the next time you choose. An attack seems more likely.
TEVEN JENKINS, OT, OKLAHOMA STATE
25. Jacksonville (from Los Angeles Rams)
Some believe Meyer will expand his Clemson collection by bringing back Travis Etienne. We believe he is defending for the highest level of security in this class.
TREVON MOEHRIG, S, TCU
26. Cleveland
A team that appears to be on the rise despite the hysteria on Lake Erie ignoring the fact that the Browns are not a player away. Defense is the right choice for filling a keyhole, especially if Jadeveon Clowney flops again.
JAYSON OWEH, EDGE, PENN STATE
27. Baltimore
Many wideouts are still available at the lowest point of this design. So is Baltimore dipping in here or is he waiting and taking a defender?
ELIJAH MOORE, WR, MISSISSIPPI
28. New Orleans
After Drew Brees retires, it is believed that the Saints are in transition. Coach Sean Payton and GM Mickey Loomis don’t see it that way.
TYSON CAMPBELL, CB, GEORGIA
29. Green Bay
The Packers are guaranteed not to take a quarterback this time. Please give Aaron Rodgers another playmaker on offensive.
KADARIUS TONEY, WR, FLORIDA
30. Buffalo Bills
The Bills don’t seem too sure about their linebacking group, especially after the Matt Milano saga. One of the up and coming players on draftboards goes here …
JAMIN DAVIS, LB, KENTUCKY
31. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore got that spot in an exchange with the Chiefs in dire need of offensive line assistance and acquired Orlando Brown Jr. in the deal. So the ravens who strengthened their receiving group need an O-lineman.
SAM COSMI, OT, TEXAS
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs did such a tough job in the free hand that they held their ties together for another Super Bowl run. You will complete the opening round with the best overall chance remaining.
GREGORY ROUSSEAU, EDGE, MIAMI, FLA.
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FILE – Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence arrives in New Orleans ahead of the NCAA College Football Playoffs national championship game against LSU this Monday, January 13, 2020. Lawrence is a likely top pick in the NFL Draft from April 29 to May 1, 2021 in Cleveland. (AP Photo / David J. Phillip, File)
FILE – BYU quarterback Zach Wilson warms up before attending Pro-Day soccer practice at the School for NFL Scouts in Provo, Utah this Friday, March 26, 2021. Wilson is expected to be a first choice in the NFL Draft from April 29 to May 1, 2021 in Cleveland. (AP Photo / Rick Bowmer, File)
FILE – BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) throws a file photo in the first half of the field during an NCAA college football game against the state of Texas in Provo, Utah this Saturday, October 24, 2020. Wilson is a likely first choice in the NFL Draft from April 29 to May 1, 2021 in Cleveland. (AP Photo / Rick Bowmer, File)
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