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

With pick number 16 in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals will look to do something to bolster their defensive line. One player who has been mentioned as the top edge rusher in this draft class is Gregory Rousseau, a talented and dynamic player from the University of Miami.

The Cardinals found their star quarterback two years back with the number one overall pick, selecting Kyler Murray, and after bringing in DeAndre Hopkins, the offense has some playmakers, but the defense is still lacking upfront. Rousseau helps them in that department immediately.

The Las Vegas Raiders did a nice job last season putting points on the board, but the problem was their defense couldn’t stop other teams from doing the same. General manager Mike Mayock has already said that the team lacks playmakers on defense on all three levels, so there is no doubt they will be selecting one with the number 17 overall pick this April.

With this pick, the Raiders should use the selection on an edge rusher, bringing in Kwity Paye from the University of Michigan. The Raiders drafted an edge rusher with the number four overall pick back in 2019, but Clelin Ferrell has yet to prove himself at the NFL level in terms of getting after the quarterback, something Paye should have no problem doing.

The Miami Dolphins hold two first-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, and after adding a wide receiver early, they bring in more weapons on offense here. With the number 18 overall pick, the Dolphins add Najee Harris, an extremely talented running back from the University of Alabama.

With this pick, the Dolphins now give their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, two of his college teammates, which should help him in his development. Miami nearly made the playoffs last season, and the expectation is that they will make it this year.