2021 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks dominate the Top 10, but defense controls the board

The Detroit Lions made one of the bigger splashes of the offseason already, as they traded away franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. For Stafford, the Lions got a bounty of assets, including quarterback Jared Goff, who will likely be the starter in Detroit next season.

If Goff is the guy, the Lions can pass on a quarterback here, and instead go after one of the weaker position groups on their defense. Patrick Surtain II is the best cornerback in this draft class and fills an immediate need in the Motor City, so him at No. 7 overall makes a lot of sense.

The Carolina Panthers have been trying to move on from Teddy Bridgewater this offseason and could be in the market for Carson Wentz. However, they likely are not going to get him, and at pick No. 8, they could bring in the future of their franchise by selecting North Dakota State star Trey Lance.

In Lance, the Panthers would be getting a dynamic playmaker at quarterback, one who can get the job done with his arm, and his legs. The Panthers have some elite talent on their roster, and a terrific young head coach and Lance could be one of the pieces they are missing to challenge in a tough NFC South.

The Denver Broncos are another team that could make a move at the quarterback spot this offseason, as it remains to be seen whether or not they are sticking with Drew Lock. If they do decide that Lock is their guy, they can shift their attention elsewhere in the 2021 NFL Draft’s first round, deciding on a defensive player.

That player could be Micah Parsons, who many believe is the best overall defensive prospect in this draft class. Though he did not play for Penn State this season, there is enough tape to show that he is a top-10 talent, and he joins a Denver defense that was way too inconsistent this past season.