NFL Mock Draft: Texans find Deshaun Watson replacement in first-round

2021 NFL Mock Draft: Texans find a Deshaun Watson replacement in the first-round

By Brad Weiss | Feb 3, 2021

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: A general view of the National Team at the line of scrimmage facing off against the American Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 31: Quarterback Trey Lance #5 of the North Dakota State Bison runs for a touchdown against the Butler Bulldogs during their game at Target Field on August 31, 2019, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Micah Parsons. 7. player. 50. . Linebacker. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions made the biggest splash of the past week, trading away franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. In return for Stafford, the Lions got Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff and a multitude of draft picks, so while Stafford is heading to L.A., you have to think Detroit should be okay without him.

With the No. 7 pick, they can now focus their attention elsewhere, adding arguably the best defensive player in this draft class. Micah Parsons is going to be a three-down linebacker at the next level, and Detroit certainly needs help on that side of the ball.

8. player. 87. . Linebacker. Carolina Panthers. Trey Lance

The Carolina Panthers apparently were going hard after Matthew Stafford, another indicator that the team may be ready to move on from Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback. It is not like Bridgewater is a bad quarterback by any means, but he is likely not the future in Carolina, and they draft their future here.

With the No. 8 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Carolina lands North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance, an incredibly talented signal-caller. Lance has the ability to get the job done in so many ways, and he joins an offense with a tremendous playmaker at running back in Christian McCaffrey.

45. . Cornerback. Denver Broncos. Patrick Surtain II. 9. player

The Denver Broncos are another team who could be in the market for a new quarterback, but if they stand pat with Drew Lock, they have to address the defensive side of the ball. One area of concern heading into next season is cornerback, and with pick No. 9, they get the most NFL-ready player at the position group.

Patrick Surtain II was a star at Alabama, becoming a leader of one of the best defenses in college football. In Denver, he would start right away, and significantly improve a position group that has gotten worse over the past few seasons.

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