2021 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks go No. 1 and No. 2 overall
By Brad Weiss
48. . Edge. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carlson Basham Jr.. 25. player
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers at one point this season looked like the best team in the NFL, as Tom Brady was playing at a high level, and the defense was stout. On Sunday night, they looked like a team that could pick in the top-10 next April, as they were trounced by division rival New Orleans.
Brady and company will get their stuff together as the season wears on, and they will be a team to beat in the NFC. With a late first round pick next April, they should address the edge rusher spot, bringing in Carlos Basham Jr. to learn from the veterans, and eventually be a double-digit sack guy in this league.
. Wide Receiver. New York Jets. Rashod Bateman. 26. player. 30
The New York Jets got a good effort from veteran quarterback Joe Flacco on Monday night, but they still became the first Jets team to start a season 0-9. After drafting Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick, the Jets used the pick they got in the Jamal Adams trade to get him a weapon, adding Rashod Bateman from Minnesota.
This kid can flat out catch the football, and for an offense looking to hit the reset button, he becomes Lawrence’s top option in the passing game. The Jets have a long way to go, but they have a ton of draft capital, and need to make sure they do the right thing with it.
Baltimore Ravens. Jevon Holland. 27. player. 26. . Safety
The Baltimore Ravens got a solid road win on Sunday, beating the Indianapolis Colts in Indy for the first time in franchise history. Quarterback Lamar Jackson passed Dan Marino as the winningest quarterback through his first 30 NFL starts, as he has posted a 25-5 record since taking over in Charm City.
Unfortunately, the defense still needs some help on the backend, and that could hurt them come playoff time. Jevon Holland should be selected here to fill the void left by Earl Thomas, as the Ravens look to continue to be a top team in the AFC for years to come.
16. . Cornerback. Buffalo Bills. Paulson Adebo. 28. player
The Buffalo Bills punched the Seattle Seahawks in the mouth on Sunday, racking up 44 points against their defense, and showing they belong in the conversation of being one of the best teams in football. Playing a day after his grandmother died, Bills quarterback Josh Allen put together a heroic effort, throwing for over 400 yards and four touchdowns.
On defense, the Bills still need to add talent at cornerback to go alongside Tre’Davious White, and they do so with Paulson Adebo from Stanford. This is one of the elite cover corners in this draft class, and in Buffalo, hit fills one of the few voids they have on this roster.