2021 NFL Mock Draft: DeVonta Smith charges up the draft board after National Championship Game

The Detroit Lions found themselves on the outside looking in once again in terms of the playoffs, and have a lot of work to do this offseason with their roster. Also, they have to find a new head coach, so this is no time for them to start looking at changing things at the quarterback spot, especially with Matthew Stafford still a very good quarterback. Instead, the Lions should focus on the defensive side of the ball with this pick, bringing in the best linebacker in this draft class in Micah Parsons. Parsons sat out the 2020 college football season, so he is going to be ready to go, and would instantly become the leader on this Lions defense as a rookie.

The Carolina Panthers have issues on both sides of the ball, and it remains to be seen whether or not they plan to make Teddy Bridgewater a long-term fix at quarterback. He had his moments last season, but the offense was stunted because star running back Christian McCaffrey missed most of the season due to injury. If they decide to roll with Bridgewater, they use this No. 9 overall pick on the secondary, bringing in an NFL-ready prospect in Alabama quarterback Patrick Surtain II. This is a kid who can come in and fill the void left by James Bradberry, giving the Panthers an elite cornerback for years to come.

The Denver Broncos have no idea whether or not Drew Lock will be the man for them under center in the long-term, as he has had quite an up-and-down start to his NFL career. If they do decide to go in another direction, there are great options in this year’s draft class, including North Dakota State star Trey Lance. Lance is one of those do-everything quarterbacks who is perfect for today’s NFL, and he would be inheriting a ton of stellar weapons in Denver. This is a very young, and exciting offense, and if Lock is not the guy to steer the car, Lance could be him.