2021 NFL Mock Draft: Teams trading up for a franchise QB

By Brad Weiss | Feb 11, 2021

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes stands in the pocket during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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Micah Parsons (11) sings the Penn State fight song with his teammates after their 45-38 victory over Appalachian State, September 1, 2018.Ydr Cc9118 Psu /

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

The Detroit Lions stay put at No. 7 overall, and with pick, they bring in arguably the best defensive player of this draft class. When it comes to talent on the defensive side of the ball Penn State’s Micah Parsons is not only the best linebacker available, but he is the best defensive player this year.

In Parsons, the Lions begin their rebuild on the defensive side of the ball, and they are likely not going to go quarterback here due to the fact they just traded for Jared Goff. The Lions are in full rebuild mode under new head coach Dan Campbell, so the 2021 NFL season could be a rough one.

Penei Sewell. 8. player. 56. . Offensive Tackle. Cincinnati Bengals

After trading down to pick No. 8 overall, the Cincinnati Bengals begin to build their offensive line around franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. After drafting Jonah Williams in the first round a few years back, the Bengals continue to bolster the offensive tackle position, this time bringing in Oregon star Penei Sewell.

In Sewell, the Bengals have bookends at offensive tackle to protect their No. 1 asset for years to come. Burrow showed in Year 1 that he has the talent to be a franchise guy at the NFL level, now they just have to work on protecting him.

9. player. 45. . Edge. Denver Broncos. Gregory Rousseau

The Denver Broncos have a lot of ways they could go during the 2021 NFL Draft, including trading up to get one of the top quarterbacks available. It is still anybody’s guess as to whether or not Drew Lock is the answer for them under center, but if they do decide he’s the guy, look for them to address their defense here at pick No. 9.

With this selection, the Broncos bring in one of the top edge rushers in this draft class in Miami Hurricane star Gregory Rousseau. Rousseau did not play during the 2020 college football season, but he showed enough in 2019 to make him a top-10 pick this April, joining Bradley Chubb along the edge in Denver.

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