A Mock NFL Draft: You Pick The First Round

Most NFL teams have been eliminated from Super Bowl LV contention, meaning it’s time to turn their attention to the 2021 draft. It’s pretty obvious which player will be taken first overall, but the rest of the first round is anyone’s guess.

When the first round is held virtually on April 29, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is the consensus No.1 overall pick to hear his name called first. Just about every expert is predicting him to go to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who desperately need a franchise quarterback after a 1-15 season.

That’s where things start to get interesting.

The New York Jets own the No.2 pick. The Miami Dolphins will pick third in the first round despite nearly making the playoffs as a result of a previous deal they made with the Houston Texans.

For much of the 2020 college football season, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was projected to be the second player off the board. Now, BYU signal caller Zach Wilson is thought to be in the mix.

However, some analysts think the Jets will decide to go with Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell. That would create a wide range of possibilities on the board.

Will the Dolphins draft a quarterback at third overall if they aren’t convinced Tua Tagovailoa is a franchise player? Will teams in the hunt for a promising QB trade up for the chance to grab Fields or Wilson? And what about the Heisman Trophy and national championship winners?

Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith is sure to be taken within the first few picks after winning the Heisman Trophy and going for 215 yards and three touchdowns in the first half of the national championship game. Alabama quarterback Mac Jones likely played his way into the first round with a strong playoff run, and Crimson Tide cornerback Patrick Surtain II could be a top-10 pick.

How do you think the first round will play out? Make your selections and see how you stack up on the day of the draft.

Here’s a look at the latest draft order with projections for Nos. 25-32 since those picks have yet to be determined.

1) Jacksonville Jaguars

2) New York Jets

3) Miami Dolphins

4) Atlanta Falcons

5) Cincinnati Bengals

6) Philadelphia Eagles

7) Detroit Lions

8) Carolina Panthers

9) Denver Broncos

10) Dallas Cowboys