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

While the Los Angeles Chargers suffered through another tough season, and eventually had to fire their head coach, there was one gleaming bright spot. The Chargers used a first-round pick on Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert last year, and he showed as a rookie that they absolutely made the right decision. With Herbert engrained as the starter, the Chargers now have to focus their attention on protecting him, and they do so with Christian Darrisaw from Virginia Tech. This is a kid who can come in and start at left tackle right away, and now that the Chargers know how good Herbert is, they must start building around him.

The Minnesota Vikings are a team to keep an eye on this offseason, as they could decide to move on from Kirk Cousins at the quarterback spot. However, I believe they not only keep Cousins, but build up the offensive line in front of him, and they use their first-round pick on an interior lineman like Wyatt Davis. Davis got hurt in the national title game, but that should not affect his draft stock come April. This is a kid who is the top interior lineman in this draft class, and boasting a running back like Dalvin Cook, the Vikings have to get better upfront.

The New England Patriots went with Cam Newton as their starting quarterback this season, and while it started well, it certainly did not end that way. Newton seemed affected after contracting COVID-19, as he was playing good ball up until that point, and in 2021, they turn to Mac Jones to take over. Jones put up monster stats for Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, throwing five touchdowns against a tough Ohio State defense. He is slated for the first round and would be an excellent fit with Bill Belichick in New England as he looks to get this team back to the playoffs next season.