2021 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets and Giants go No. 1 and 2
By Brad Weiss
Christian Barmore. 16. player. 50. . Defensive Tackle. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions were the beneficiary of a bonehead play by Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley, as his late touchdown opened the door for Matthew Stafford to drive his team down for the win. Detroit has now won two straight games, and are putting themselves in position to make a run at the playoffs.
On defense, Detroit still needs help, and despite adding some talent to that side of the ball via the NFL Draft in 2020, they should still target the defense next April. Christian Barmore is an outstanding defensive tackle prospect, and with the Lions, he would fellow Alabama Crimson Tide player Da’Shawn Hand.
42. . Cornerback. San Francisco 49ers. Caleb Farley. 17. player
What an incredible Sunday for San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Playing against his old team inside Gillette Stadium, Jimmy G dominated the New England Patriots, showing Bill Belichick and company a small glimpse of what they traded away.
Still, this is a 49ers team that needs help on both sides of the ball, specifically in the defensive backfield at cornerback. Caleb Farley should be the second cornerback off the board after Patrick Surtain II, and he would slide right in as a starter in San Francisco.
. Cornerback. New Orleans Saints. Shaun Wade. 18. player. 15
The New Orleans Saints picked up a huge NFC South victory this past weekend, beating division rival Carolina at home by the score of 27-24. This is a team that is going to hang around in the NFC playoff picture all season long, and once they get Michael Thomas back, they should be at full strength.
On defense, New Orleans needs to get better in the secondary, even with a dominant young talent like Marshon Lattimore back there. Shaun Wade is a fellow Ohio State Buckeye that could help this team immediately, as they continue to be a force within the conference.