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

The Tennessee Titans made the playoffs last season even though they were pretty atrocious on defense, something that needs to change moving forward. Head coach Mike Vrabel is a former defensive star for the New England Patriots, so you can be sure he will plan on using his first-round selection on that side of the ball.

With this selection, the Titans decide to bring in some strength along the edge on defense, adding Jaelen Phillips from the University of Miami. Phillips is a guy who will team well with the young talent the Titans have on defense already, giving them an elite edge rusher for years to come.

With their second pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets go out and get a weapon for number two overall selection Zach Wilson. The Jets struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball last season with Sam Darnold under center, so the combination of Zach Wilson and Kadarius Toney help turn the page in that department.

Toney absolutely blew everybody away during the Senior Bowl week, significantly improving his draft stock. With the Jets, he would be the number one wide receiver on the depth chart immediately, getting the opportunity to be a playmaker in Year 1.

The Pittsburgh Steelers saw possible Hall of Fame Center, Maurkice Pouncey retire this week, leaving a gaping hole in the middle of their offensive line. This is a unit that was already struggling and will be a priority this April, so expect an offensive lineman to come off the board here at pick number 24.

With this selection, the Steelers decide to add a left tackle, bringing in Samuel Cosmi from the University of Texas. Ben Roethlisberger is not getting any younger and proved that he can no longer move around in the pocket the way he used to, so bolstering this offensive line has to be priority number one moving forward.