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) /

5 of 10

Sep 7, 2019; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Keshawn King 935) celebrates his first touch down with Christian Darrisaw (77) in the first period against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Chargers. Christian Darrisaw. 13. player. 13. . Offensive Tackle

Last year, the Los Angeles Chargers made Justin Herbert one of their two first-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. All he did once inserted under center is proved to be a legitimate franchise quarterback at the NFL level, winning the NFL‘s Rookie of the Year award.

Now that they have the franchise quarterback in place, the Chargers can look to protect him, and they do so by adding Christian Darrisaw from Virginia Tech. This is a kid who can start on the left side at the next level, and the Chargers have to do everything they can to build up their offensive line this offseason.

60. . Offensive Lineman. Minnesota Vikings. Alijah Vera-Tucker. 14. player

The Minnesota Vikings have already come out and said the Kirk Cousins will be their quarterback in 2021, so now the focus shifts to protecting him. With the No.14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Vikings bring in the best interior offensive lineman available in Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Vera-Tucker is one of the more versatile offensive linemen in this draft class, and he is a guy who’s going to start right away for the Vikings. Minnesota has a ton of young talent, including Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson, so getting protection for Cousins is going to be paramount if they want to get to the top of the NFC North.

. Wide Receiver. New England Patriots. Jaylen Waddle. 15. player. 47

The New England Patriots are going to be in the market for a quarterback this offseason, and they have been rumored to be going after everybody from Carson Wentz to Marcus Mariota. If they do get a quarterback via free agency, which is more likely than I’m drafting somebody in the first round based on Bill Belichick‘s track record, look for them to bring in an offensive weapon here at No. 15.

Heading into the 2020 college football season, Jaylen Waddle was actually the top wide receiver for Alabama, though teammate Devonta Smith ended up winning the Heisman. He is a guy that can come in and be a real playmaker for this Patriots offense, and I do not see him slipping past the first half of the first round.

Home/NFL Mock Draft