2021 NFL Mock Draft: Free agency flips first round projections
By Brad Weiss
player. 32. . Cornerback. Arizona Cardinals. Jaycee Horn. 16
The Arizona Cardinals added to their talent on defense by signing J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. With more pressure coming off the edge, the Cardinals now need to bolster their secondary, and they do so by adding Jaycee Horn with pick No. 16 overall this April.
In Horn, the Cardinals get an elite cover guy and someone who is not afraid to come up and make a big tackle when needed. This is a roster that is really starting to get better, and they could be on the doorstep of being perennial playoff contenders.
28. . Offensive Tackle. Las Vegas Raiders. Teven Jenkins. 17. player
What was once a big strength, is now a big weakness, as the Las Vegas Raiders have gotten rid of eighty percent of their starting offensive line from Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season. The Raiders need help all over the place in front of Derek Carr, and at pick No. 17, the selection suddenly goes from defense to offense.
With this selection, the Raiders should look to address right tackle, and they can do that by adding Teven Jenkins here in the middle of the first round. He played on the right side in college, and teaming with Kolton Miller, the Raiders get a lot younger at the bookends along this offensive line.
59. . Linebacker. Miami Dolphins. Micah Parsons. 18. player
The Miami Dolphins nearly made the playoffs this past season and holding two first-round picks, the future is definitely bright in South Beach. With pick No. 18 overall, the Dolphins find a replacement for Kyle Van Noy, bringing in talented linebacker Micah Parsons from Penn State.
Parsons is widely considered the best linebacker in this draft class, and some believe he could go a lot higher than No. 18 overall. However, if he is available, he fills an immediate need for Brian Flores, who has a tremendous defensive mind and could do so many things with a talent like this.