2021 NFL Mock Draft: Teams trading up for a franchise QB
By Brad Weiss
. Edge/Linebacker. Tennessee Titans. Joseph Ossai. 22. player. 35
The Tennessee Titans made it to the playoffs this past season even though they had significant issues on defense, which is something they need to address this offseason. Head coach Mike Vrabel was an outstanding defensive player during his playing days, so the expectation is he’s going to want to build that group immediately.
With the No. 22 overall pick, the Titans should look to bring in a player like Joseph Ossai from the University of Texas, as he checks many boxes for them. He is a kid who can not only play linebacker but come up in the box and rush the edge, making him a dynamic playmaker in this draft class.
10. . Edge/Linebacker. Houston Texans. Zaven Collins. 23. player
With their second of two first-round picks from the New York Jets, the Houston Texans decide to bolster the defensive side of the wall. Rumors are circulating that the team may move on from J.J. Watt, and if they do, they are going to have to upgrade at the edge rusher spot.
One player, they should take a look at is Tulsa edge rusher Zaven Collins, who is one of the more dynamic players on the edge in this draft class. If the Texans are going to rebuild, it is going to be a complete breakdown and build back up, and the combination of Justin Fields and Zaven Collins can help them start over.
Offensive Tackle. Pittsburgh Steelers. Alex Leatherwood. 24. player. 55.
The Pittsburgh Steelers look like they were going to cruise to a Super Bowl this year, after getting out to an 11-0 start. However, the wheels fell off after that, and they lost in the Wildcard round of the 2020 playoffs.
Looking ahead, they have to do something about their offensive line, especially with Ben Roethlisberger looking so old towards the end of last season. Keeping him upright is going to be paramount, and they do that by bringing in Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood, one of the more dominant offensive tackles in the draft class.