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) /

6 of 10

Gregory Rousseau, Miami Hurricanes. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

player. 32. . Edge. Arizona Cardinals. Gregory Rousseau. 16

The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of things to be thankful for in terms of the offensive side of the ball, as quarterback Kyler Murray is a playmaker, and DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best wideouts in the league. They could use a running back, and Najee Harris could be in play here, but instead, we look at the other side of the ball.

Gregory Rousseau fills a big need for this Cardinals team, as he is one of the elite edge rushers in this draft class. Arizona is very close to being a perennial playoff team, and if they can get a better pass rush next season, they could be a team to beat in a deep NFC West.

Las Vegas Raiders. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. 17. player. 28. . Linebacker

The Las Vegas Raiders were solid on the offensive side of the ball last season, as Derek Carr threw for over 4,000 yards, Darren Waller had 1,000 yards receiving, and Josh Jacobs had 1,000 yards on the ground. The issue was on the other side of the ball, as they finished No. 30 in the NFL in points allowed per game.

Looking ahead, the offseason is going to be focused around the defense, and they get a fantastic player here at pick No. 17. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is the kind of three-down linebacker this team is missing, and he is hopefully the missing piece on a position group that includes Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski.

Miami Dolphins. Jaylen Waddle. 18. player. 59. . Wide Receiver

The Miami Dolphins hold two first-round picks in 2021, and after bringing in protection for Tua Tagovailoa in the top-3 selections, they get him a playmaker here. With pick No. 18, the one they earned by barely missing the playoffs, Miami brings in wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, a former teammate of Tua’s at Alabama.

This mock only works if the Dolphins decide that Tua is their guy, and even he knows things can change due to the fact Deshaun Watson wants to come to Miami. If they get Watson, both of these picks are gone, and Tua is throwing passes in Houston next season.

Home/NFL Mock Draft