NFL Mock Draft: How the first-round shakes out after Sam Darnold trade
By Brad Weiss
QB. Denver Broncos. Justin Fields. 4. player. 45.
The Denver Broncos make a huge move in this latest 2021 NFL Mock Draft, trading up to the No. 4 pick and selecting Ohio State star Justin Fields. Denver has rolled with Drew Lock across the past two seasons, and while he has had some moments, passing up on Fields proves to be too much for the franchise.
To move up, they will have to give away a lot of capital, but Fields has the talent to make it all worth it. Remember, the Broncos brought in a ton of young talent on the offensive side of the ball last year, and after seeing Lock struggle to make the offense run, they turn the franchise over to Fields.
56. . OT. Cincinnati Bengals. Penei Sewell. 5. player
Last year, the Cincinnati Bengals made Joe Burrow the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he looked every bit the part before getting injured. He will eventually come back healthy, and with the No. 5 overall pick, they bring in a player that can help him stay that way, adding Penei Sewell from Oregon.
When it comes to offensive linemen in this draft class, nobody can hold a candle to Sewell, and he will certainly be the first offensive tackle off the board. The Bengals need to build around Burrow, and with this selection, they begin to do just that.
Ja'Marr Chase. 6. player. 59. . WR. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins traded out of the No. 3 spot this past week, then back up to the top-10, trading with the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 6 overall pick. With this pick, the Dolphins bring in a weapon for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, adding LSU star Ja’Marr Chase.
Chase sat out the 2020 college football season, but that is not going to affect his draft status heading into April’s first round. This is a kid who is going to be a dynamic playmaker at the next level and just may pass teammate Justin Jefferson in terms of production as a rookie.