2021 NFL Mock Draft: Six quarterbacks go in the first round
By Brad Weiss
87. . Cornerback. Carolina Panthers. Caleb Farley. 7. player
The Carolina Panthers were hit hard by COVID-19 this week, with eight players being placed on the COVID/reserve list, so it remains to be seen what the team is going to look like this weekend. The good news is that the Panthers will be getting running back Christian McCaffrey back, which should help the offense immensely.
On defense, the Panthers struggle mightily against the pass, and they should utilize their top-10 pick on the cornerback position. Outside of Patrick Surtain II, Caleb Farley is the No. 1 cornerback in this draft class and should join the Alabama cornerback in the top-10 picks.
8. player. 44. . Edge. Atlanta Falcons. Gregory Rousseau
The Atlanta Falcons absolutely pummeled the Las Vegas Raiders two weeks ago, scoring over 40 points, and forcing Derek Carr into four turnovers. Their pass rush was on point in that game, but unfortunately, they came back down to earth in the loss against New Orleans on Sunday.
Looking ahead, the Falcons are going to be reinventing their pass rush, and it can start with Gregory Rousseau, a sack master from Miami (FL). Rousseau decided to sit out the college football season, and will prepare for the draft, and should definitely be within the first 15 picks next year.
59. . Wide Receiver. Miami Dolphins. Ja'Marr Chase. 9. player
The Miami Dolphins hold two first-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, and their first selection, the one they are getting from the Houston Texans, they need to bring in a weapon for Tua Tagovailoa. There is a lot to like about this Dolphins team, which currently holds a wild card spot, but wideout is an issue.
Enter Ja’Marr Chase, who should be one of the first two wide receivers off the board next year. In Chase, the Dolphins bring in a legitimate WR1 for Tua, who will be in his second year in 2021, a year where the quarterback show the most growth or take a big step back.