Tennessee's Derrick Henry-centric offense doesn't require Ryan Tannehill to throw often, but the passing attack has been efficient to keep opposing defenses honest. Only the Ravens and Patriots threw it less than the Titans in 2020, but they were tied for sixth in Y/A (7.9). Only the Packers (9.13%) and Seahawks (7.10%) had a higher TD% than the Titans (6.80%) in 2020.
While the Titans signed Josh Reynolds in the offseason, they lost Corey Davis as well as tight end Jonnu Smith. While all previous iterations of my mock had the Titans focused on the defensive side of the ball, wide receiver could be in play here as well. Timing faster than expected in the forty, Bateman is a polished and productive receiver that finished his sophomore (and last full season) with a 60/1,219/11 receiving line.
The addition of Janoris Jenkins helps, but after moving on from former first-round pick Adoree' Jackson, as well as Malcolm Butler, the Titans will be looking hard at cornerbacks in this year's draft. Newsome, agile and scrappy, would fit in perfectly.
There's a need at corner that I think the Titans are trusting Kristian Fulton to step up and into this season. Adding even more speed to the receiver position is an attractive option, and they know Moore well after drafting A.J. Brown out of Oxford just two years ago.
The Titans will consider a cornerback, but they do need an edge rusher to play opposite free agent addition Bud Dupree. Last year, they paid $22.5 million for Vic Beasley and Jadeveon Clowney and didn't get a single sack, so they have to do better this year.
The Titans have a strong foundation on the defensive line, but the value of adding a talent like Barmore at this point in the draft could really take the Titans' front to another level. He has Pro Bowl potential as both a run stuffer and pass rusher.
They've lost some firepower in the passing game and could use a YAC threat such as Moore. A.J. Brown and Josh Reynolds are OK on the outside, but the slot is vacant now. Perhaps the Titans could give Moore a shot to be their primary returner after losing Kalif Raymond to the Lions.
Though the Titans are another team that could address their pass rush, I really like Moore's fit as Ryan Tannehill's primary slot target. Moore had 1,193 receiving yards in eight games last season, working predominantly out of the slot. He can be a high-volume, easy-throw target alongside A.J. Brown, who has blossomed into a legit No. 1 wideout. Cornerback is another position to watch for Tennessee.
Phillips was the standout defensive player at Miami's pro day, but he's really all about upside and potential. He offers burning speed and a desire for excellence -- he wants to be coached. I don't think the Bud Dupree and Denico Autry signings mean the Titans are done upgrading their awful pass rush from a season ago.
Since stepping onto Clemson's campus as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2018 recruiting cycle, Lawrence has been the presumptive top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite all of the losing in Duval County over the past 10-15 years, this marks the first time in franchise history that the Jags own the rights to the top pick in the draft.
While nobody is a perfect prospect, Lawrence checks all of the boxes with elite arm talent, mobility and leadership. The Urban Meyer era begins with the best QB prospect since Andrew Luckand a treasure trove of draft capital -- nine picks in the first five rounds (top 170).
Before his back surgery, Farley was in the mix to be the draft's CB1 and a top-10 pick. Back injuries are always tricky, but Farley is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Given the rebuild going on in Duval County, the Jaguars can be patient with Farley as they are in no position to contend this year. Farley has an ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), athleticism (sub-4.4 forty) and ball skills (six INTs in two seasons).
Literally heads and shoulders above the rest of an exceptional quarterback class, Lawrence has all of the traits to transform Jacksonville into a contender. Perhaps best of all, he is an ideal fit in Urban Meyer's scheme.
Considering they finished 1-16 last season, the Jaguars are surprisingly talented with just two positions of major concern -- QB and TE -- following a spending spree in free agency. Urban Meyer might appreciate the impact Freiermuth made in the Big Ten more than most, and the drop-off in talent at tight end is significant enough to warrant what some would perceive as a slight reach.
With 10 picks, including the first one of the second round, I can absolutely see the Jags trading up a few spots and getting their (second) guy of the draft. Meyer wants to establish the line of scrimmage, so I can see him adding to the defensive line here where there's value in the late-first in taking a defensive tackle like Barmore, who absolutely turned it on in the College Football Playoff.
Lawrence being selected first overall was inevitable. He's one of the most talented quarterbacks to enter the NFL in years. He'll be the centerpiece for new coach Urban Meyer's rebuilding effort.
Moehrig is the best safety in the draft and would upgrade the position for Jacksonville. Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore is another candidate here, as the team mulls a change to a 3-4 defense.
In most years, there is a level of intrigue up until draft day regarding the No. 1 pick. This isn't most years -- Lawrence is the pick.
25. Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
Wide receiver isn't a screaming need for the Jaguars, but new coach Urban Meyer covets speed. Moore (and his 4.35 40-yard dash and 6.67 3-cone) checks that box. If Lawrence and Moore reach their full potential, Jacksonville will be talking about this first-round haul for a long time.
He skipped the NFL scouting combine medical recheck in Indianapolis for his surgically repaired shoulder to get married. Solid excuse. It also tells us that Lawrence knows for sure he's going first overall.
When the Jaguars lost out on Tyson Alualu, it left a void up front. It's clear they want to add size and athleticism. The redshirt sophomore isn't ready for prime time yet but has disruptive traits and the highest ceiling of what looks like a lean year for DTs.
With a depleted roster and in the beginning stages of a rebuild, new Jaguars coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke have a chance to start fresh, take one of my highest-graded quarterbacks ever and build around him. The Jaguars have three more picks in the top 45 -- at Nos. 25, 33 and 45 -- to plug other holes, and they need to hit on those. Lawrence is a no-brainer as the top signal-caller in this class.
I'll stick with Moehrig to the Jaguars here as a free safety complement to free-agent signing Rayshawn Jenkins. I thought about a pass-catcher, but the Jaguars could find an impact player in Round 2 (they pick at Nos. 33 and 45). Offensive line could be another position to target, but they shouldn't reach. Moehrig, who had 19 pass breakups over the last two seasons and won the Thorpe Award as the country's best defensive back in 2020, isn't likely to be on the board in Round 2. He's my top-ranked safety.
This one has been the books since the Jets beat the Rams in Los Angeles last December. I don't think Urban Meyer leaves the FOX Sports studios if Trevor Lawrence isn't available for Jacksonville at No. 1.
Urban Meyer knows how critical the pass rush is to building a champion. The Jags finished last season with the second-fewest sacks (18) in the NFL. Oweh is a one-year starter, but ran an absurd 4.36 40-yard dash at his pro day, can pressure the QB and can be an immediate contributor to a defense that can use one.
Before the Chiefs released starting (but injured) tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, it would have been reasonable to slot a tackle here given how much pressure they allowed in the Super Bowl. With both tackles no longer on the roster, it's become even more of a pressing need for 2021 and beyond. While he lacks ideal length and strength, Cosmi was a three-year starter at Texas with experience at both right tackle (2018) and left tackle (2019, 2020) and possesses outstanding athleticism.
The Chiefs surprised many with the release of longtime starting tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, but there is young talent already on the roster. This year's draft offers plenty more, including Jenkins, among the nastiest blockers in this class and a four-year starter with experience on both sides.
Zero sacks in 171 pass-rush snaps last season scares me on Oweh, but it's really hard to turn away from his remarkable pro day. You don't want to get too caught up in the athletic testing but … my goodness. Perhaps Steve Spagnuolo can unlock his potential and unleash him on the AFC West.
The Chiefs are redoing their entire offensive line. They've added Joe Thuney, Kyle Long and Austin Blythe to fortify the interior, but haven't done much at tackle, so drafting one in the first round would make sense.
The Chiefs have made necessary additions on the interior this offseason, but offensive tackle is a position that the organization must address through the draft. Leatherwood is a guard for some and a tackle for others. Regardless, he is a battle-tested blocker ready to start from day one.
The Chiefs could use another big, fast receiver, believe it or not, and Marshall fits the bill. There are some pitfalls in his evaluation (medical concerns, opting out midseason), but Marshall makes sense -- yet another LSU pick late in Round 1.
And this also would have a feel-good element to it, too. Marshall's great uncle, Joe Delaney, was the Chiefs' second-rounder in 1981 and a beloved star in the making prior to his drowning in 1983 while trying to save some children.
It has to be offensive tackle or edge rusher for the Chiefs here, right? The Super Bowl loss showed off some major weaknesses, even if this roster is still one of the league's best. Oweh is an interesting case because his coaches raved about his athletic traits, and he just ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at 257 pounds. That's unbelievable. Sacks aren't everything, but he didn't have any last season, and Oweh could be the first FBS defensive lineman since Dominique Easley (2014) to be selected in the first two rounds after not recording a sack in his final collegiate season, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Scouts rave about his upside, but I still would have liked more production.
LSU has been so loaded with talent the past few years that Marshall's name has almost gone under the radar in NFL draft circles. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder scored 23 touchdowns in 19 games over the past two seasons.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Buffalo Bills from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The Bills ranked middle of the league in team sacks (38, T-15th), but no player had more than five sacks in 2020. In addition, starting defensive ends Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison are both on the wrong side of 30. While the Bills drafted A.J. Epenesa in the second round last year, taking a swing on the immense upside of Oweh at the back of Round 1 makes sense.
Despite his lack of production (zero sacks in 2020 after posting five in 2019), Oweh has rare traits. As Bruce Feldman noted in his annual Freaks list, Oweh is "the most explosive one of the bunch" (of athletic freaks). The 257-pound defender ran a 4.36 forty with a 39.5-inch vertical at Penn State's Pro Day.
Only five teams surrendered more rushing touchdowns than the Bills a year ago (21) and none of those clubs reached the playoffs. The 2021 defensive tackle class is below average, but most see the massive (and still ascending) Barmore as the best of the bunch.
It feels like a corner or edge rusher here would be a reach for the Bills even though they're needs. I didn't plan to have a running back go in the first round, but Buffalo needs a dynamic three-down back who has the speed to be a home-run hitter and the hands to be Josh Allen's safety valve.
A couple of players who have dropped because of injury concerns -- cornerback Caleb Farley and edge rusher Gregory Rousseau -- could be in play here, but Barmore is also an option as the Bills try to build up the interior of their defensive line.
Did you know Oweh had zero sacks last season? I understand why that stat has been recycled every time Oweh's name is mentioned, but disruption is production and he had plenty of backfield disruption on tape. Late to the game, he is just scratching the surface of his immense potential.
The Bills have struggled to heat up their pass rush and could use another body here. As it turns out, Oweh might have the most tailor-made EDGE body in the entire class. He's an elite athlete with rudimentary pass-rush skills that can be coached up over time. His upside is thrilling, and Oweh should be a good locker-room fit in Buffalo.
With starting defensive ends Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison over the age of 30, the Bills need to get younger on the edge. They took AJ Epenesa in Round 2 last year, but that's not enough. The speedy pass-rusher Ojulari had 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last season. Cornerback and running back are other positions Buffalo could target.
Samuel can play multiple positions in the defensive backfield and had an outstanding season in 2020, giving up just 179 yards in eight games, per PFF. He also had an impressive pro day to back up the solid career in Tallahassee.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Miami Dolphins from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
What brilliant draft-board maneuvering by the Dolphins! After moving back (and then up) to No. 6, they get the guy they most likely would have targeted at No. 3 while banking future high picks in the process. Provided four quarterbacks kick off the draft, the Dolphins would be guaranteed one of Penei Sewell or Chase and would likely be happy in either scenario.
Opting out in 2020, Chase, the 2019 Biletnikoff Award recipient, would have been the WR1 had he been eligible to join last year's talent-laden crop of wide receivers. As a true sophomore and a 19-year-old, Chase dominated SEC competition to the tune of 84 receptions for 1,780 yards (21.2 Y/R) and 20 touchdowns. Not only did he lead the country in yardage and touchdowns, no receiver had more 15-yard receptions (46) or 25-yard receptions (25) than Chase in 2019.
Emmanuel Ogbah led the Dolphins with a career-high nine sacks, but they parted ways this offseason with Kyle Van Noy (six) and Shaq Lawson (four), whom they just added last offseason. In addition, Ogbah is entering a contract year.
Paye is a freakish athlete that topped Bruce Feldman's Freaks' List heading into last season. Given his rare physical traits for his size and his tenacity, Paye's best football is ahead of him and his upside is through the roof if he can put it all together.
I love Miami trading out of No. 3, picking up additional draft picks -- including a 2023 first-rounder -- and still getting one of the players it would have been looking at in its original slot. Will Fuller V is only on a one-year deal, and bringing in Smith to join him and DeVante Parker would give Tua Tagovailoa the weapons he needs in the passing game. Smith is an explosive and savvy route runner, and let's not forget that he was one of Tagovailoa's favorite targets in Tuscaloosa.
With DeVonta Smith off to help Tua Tagovailoa, we can now look to protection. Vera-Tucker has played tackle, but he's a better fit at guard in the NFL. Miami took 34 sacks last season, and Tagovailoa was blitzed at the fourth-highest rate in the league (35.3% of his dropbacks).
After trading down and then back up, the Dolphins have plenty of options. Miami is relying on a lot of young faces on the offensive line, so it wouldn't hurt to have a star quality tackle, especially if last year's first-round pick Austin Jackson doesn't pan out. Sewell is considered a can't-miss prospect with All-Pro potential.
Oweh didn't record a sack for the Nittany Lions in 2020, but there just aren't many 6-5, 257-pound athletes who can run a 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds, bench press 225 pounds 21 times and leap 39.5 inches. The Dolphins could use that kind of skill set to add some burst to a young defensive line.
In the last iteration of the mock, I had predicted the Dolphins would potentially trade down, which I got right. What I did not foresee coming was the Dolphins already trading back up to sixth overall, which makes me think they strongly believe a player they would have considered at No. 3 will still be here at No. 6.
PFF had the Dolphins ranked as the 20th best pass blocking and 30th ranked run blocking unit in the league last year so they could use an immediate upgrade there. Even though Sewell sat out all of last season, he has been long thought to be the best offensive tackle in this draft and has all the characteristics of a cornerstone tackle in the NFL.
Paye did not disappoint at his pro day and solidified his status as one of the first defensive lineman to be selected in this draft. Paye has the ability to create pressure as a traditional end or showed he has the speed to stand up and rush off the edge as displayed by his 4.52 40 time.
It's scary that a 10-win team with such a good coach and plenty of young talent also has four picks in the top 50. The Dolphins are desperate for wide receivers who can get open and it's clear that will be the target here (or they wouldn't have made this deal with the Eagles). Miami mimics Cincinnati by reuniting a top receiving prospect with his old college quarterback. A healthy Waddle is the most explosive all-around athlete at receiver in this class and his addition will only expedite former Crimson Tide teammate Tua Tagovailoa's development.
One way to alleviate the pressure off of a young quarterback is to give him a dynamic running back who is a three-down threat and capable of scoring every time the ball is in his hands. Etienne, a three-time All-American and the ACC's career rushing leader, fits the bill perfectly.
Dolphins could go with Etienne or Najee Harris. Etienne is more of a home-run hitter, whereas Harris is more of an all-around back. Both have good hands.
Tua Tagovailoa -- if he isn't part of a package for embattled Deshaun Watson -- can use an alpha dog No. 1 receiver, and injury-prone deep threat Will Fuller isn't it. Offensive tackle Penei Sewell is tempting, but Chris Grier and Brian Flores drafted three offensive linemen last year, including No. 1b pick LT Austin Jackson.
Shaq Lawson was traded to the Texans and Kyle Van Noy returned to the Patriots. Emmanuel Ogbah gets a three-cone drill monster to aid and assist the pass rush.
After trading out of the no. 3 spot, the Dolphins turned around and immediately moved back up to no. 6 via a trade with the Eagles. The latter move gives Miami a chance to land one of the top pass catchers in this draft, all of whom would still be available in this scenario. Chase is the top-ranked receiver on my board and brings a physical presence that would complement newly signed free agent Will Fuller's speed. He'd give Tua Tagovailoa a good chance to break out in his second NFL season.
After hitting a home run early in the draft by trading back and landing Ja'Marr Chase, the Dolphins hit another one here by picking one of my favorite players in this entire class. Owusu-Koramoah has an extraordinary skill set that should allow him to float between linebacker and safety duties, providing Brian Flores with a movable chess piece on defense. The Notre Dame star is a ferocious defender who plays with infectious intensity.
First, let's take a second to appreciate Miami's serendipity: Had Laremy Tunsil's Twitter not been hacked on draft night in 2016, he likely would not have fallen to the Dolphins, who in turn would not eventually have turned him into four first-round picks (the Texans' first-rounder last year, this pick and the 49ers' next two first-round picks) and a third-rounder. Now, onto this pick, which could be a "best player available" situation. In this case, they stay in state and add a dynamic playmaker for Tua Tagovailoa. Kyle Pitts was the top target in Florida's high-octane offense thanks to his rare mix of size, speed, body control, route-running ability and hands. He can line up anywhere on offense and immediately be a mismatch for whoever is covering him, and even though his listed position is tight end, he might be just as good as the actual receivers in this class.
After getting an offensive playmaker at the top of the draft, the Dolphins don't look too far to add some pass-rush help to an already stout defense. After transferring from UCLA, Jaelan Phillips had a breakout season in Miami with eight sacks and 15 1/2 tackles for loss. He uses his size, speed and power very well against both the run and the pass.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Indianapolis Colts from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
With the top four offensive tackles -- five if you include Vera-Tucker -- off the board, the Colts address one of their other top needs here with Rousseau. Perhaps the Colts will bring back Justin Houston, who remains a free agent, but as productive as he's been (19 sacks over two seasons in Indy), he is also 32 years old.
Opting out of the 2020 season, Rousseau ranked second in college football in sacks in 2019. The majority of that production came while rushing from the interior, but Rousseau has unreal length and is a converted high school WR/S that is still learning the position.
The Colts lost Denico Autry to the division-rival Titans, and Justin Houston remains unsigned. That means DeForest Buckner is the only player with at least five sacks in 2020 set to return for 2021. Indy's defensive strength is a big part of its identity, and Paye has explosive speed off the edge. The production hasn't caught up to the ability just yet, but his ceiling is very high. Alternatively, the Colts could target a defensive back or maybe reach a little bit for a receiver.
Anthony Castonzo's retirement opened up a big hole at left tackle, and the Colts couldn't secure star Trent Williams in free agency to fill it. Fortunately for Indianapolis, this draft is deep at the position. Darrisaw was PFF's second-highest-graded tackle in the Power Five in 2020.
The Colts did make a few more moves this offseason which not only included re-signing T.Y. Hilton but also addressed their immediate left tackle need by signing Sam Tevi from the Chargers to a one-year deal. I still think the Colts go offensive tackle here and invest for the future since Carson Wentz was the most sacked QB in the league last year as he has a propensity to hold onto the ball too long so trying to give him the best protection possible will be paramount both now and long term.
I expected the Colts to be aggressive seeking their next quarterback in the trade market and they didn't disappoint. The next biggest priority is to continue building their pass rush. Ojulari was a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (the nation's top defensive player) with 8.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and 25 quarterback hurries. He's only scratching the surface of his talent.
The Colts didn't make many waves in free agency, as they were content to re-up running back Marlon Mack and cornerback Xavier Rhodes. But they could make a big splash in the draft by selecting Oweh. The Penn State star didn't put up big numbers in 2020, but brings sky-high potential as both a run stopper and a pass rusher. With elite athleticism and prototypical size, he could be an immediate difference-maker in Indianapolis.
After securing their quarterback situation by trading for Carson Wentz, the Colts could find another cornerback to pair with Xavier Rhodes. Eric Stokes is a long press corner with the speed to stay in lockstep with any receiver.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Jacksonville Jaguars Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Jaguars:
Over the past decade, no team has won fewer games than the Jaguars (44), but their first No. 1 overall pick in Jacksonville Jaguars draft history coincides with the availability of the best quarterback prospect to enter the league since Andrew Luck. Not only do the Jaguars have the opportunity to draft a franchise quarterback at No. 1, but they have a treasure trove of draft capital (multiple picks in four of the first five rounds) and salary-cap space (league-high per Over the Cap).
My top-ranked interior defensive lineman, the redshirt sophomore had 9.5 tackles for loss including eight sacks and three forced fumbles in 2020 and played his best football down the stretch. Six of Barmore's sacks came in the final six games of the season and Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari was the only SEC defender to record more sacks in 2020.
Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect I've seen in nearly a decade, and the Jaguars obviously want a game-changer under center as the Urban Meyer era begins. But can they surround the Clemson QB with talent? Jacksonville signed Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency to pair with James Robinson, DJ Chark Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. in what should be a much-improved offense, but also remember that the Jags have 10 picks, including three more over the first two rounds. Stay tuned!
25. Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
We've mentioned Jenkins a few times already, but the Jaguars seem like a perfect match. They are investing in Trevor Lawrence as their franchise QB, and you have to protect franchise QBs. Cam Robinson is back on the franchise tag, and Jawaan Taylor is occupying the opposite tackle position, but Jenkins could slide inside to guard as a rookie before eventually taking over an outside role. He can hold his ground against power rushers without issue.
There won't be any drama with this pick. With Lawrence under center and three more selections in the top 50, the rebuilding Jaguars can be competitive quickly in a winnable AFC South.
The signing of Rayshawn Jenkins shouldn't prevent the Jaguars from adding a safety, and none are rated as highly as Moehrig. The TCU star led all college safeties in pass breakups in each of the past two seasons, according to PFF.
It feels as if this pick has been three years in the making, ever since Lawrence burst onto the scene as a freshman at Clemson and led them to a national championship. At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds with mobility, he is the type of prospect that scouts have compared to the likes of John Elway and Andrew Luck as a once-in-a-decade type talent. With a new regime in Jacksonville headlined by Urban Meyer, they aren't going to begin their tenure by passing on a talent like Lawrence.
At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Barmore has the size to stack up against the run but also the ability and explosiveness to get to the QB, as evidenced by his team-leading eight sacks last season, including one in the national championship game to also go with two tackles for loss and five overall tackles, earning him the defensive MVP of the game award.
I know this is probably boring, to the point that some are going the contrarian route and saying Lawrence isn't the best quarterback in this draft class. He is though and Urban Meyer isn't taking someone else here. Reports have the Heisman runner-up declining the chance to attend the draft and choosing instead to watch it at Clemson surrounded by friends and family.
Second-year edge rusher Josh Allen was the only bright spot on a dismal pass rush in 2020. Oweh is raw, but explosive and talented enough to be a designated pass rusher on day one.
Jarrod Wilson will start at one safety spot for the Jaguars, but no one has made a convincing case for the other. Moehrig is the best safety in this class.
This pick hasn't changed since my last mock draft, but Lawrence's future playmaking corps has. After adding veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones and running back Carlos Hyde to a group that already included DJ Chark, Laviska Shenault, Collin Johnson, and James Robinson, Jacksonville has built what should be a strong nucleus of skill players to surround its franchise quarterback.
The Jaguars made big moves to address their secondary in free agency, retaining Sidney Jones while adding former Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin and former Chargers safety Rayshawn Jenkins. Grabbing Moehrig here would only add to that, giving Jacksonville another big-time defender with the versatility to line up in multiple spots and the instincts to make game-changing plays.
This pick is as no-brainer as it gets. Gardner Minshew surprised everyone with a good rookie season in 2019, but couldn't build on it in 2020. And quite simply, he's not Trevor Lawrence, who is in the Andrew Luck/Peyton Manning "generational" status of prospects. Lawrence brings a complete skillset to the NFL: size, arm strength, accuracy, mobility, leadership and a winning pedigree (he's only lost two games since high school).
After taking Trevor Lawrence, look for the Jags to address either the defensive line or safety with the pick they received in the 2019 Jalen Ramsey trade. Christian Barmore burst onto the scene late last season and has a knack for getting into the backfield with a great combination of power and quickness off the snap.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Buffalo Bills from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The Bills ranked middle of the league in team sacks (38, T-15th), but no player had more than five sacks in 2020. In addition, starting defensive ends Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison are both on the wrong side of 30. While the Bills drafted A.J. Epenesa in the second round last year, taking a swing on the immense upside of Oweh at the back of Round 1 makes sense.
Despite his lack of production (zero sacks in 2020 after posting five in 2019), Oweh has rare traits. As Bruce Feldman noted in his annual Freaks list, Oweh is "the most explosive one of the bunch" (of athletic freaks). The 257-pound defender ran a 4.36 forty with a 39.5-inch vertical at Penn State's Pro Day.
The top two running backs are off the board, and it's a little early for Javonte Williams (North Carolina). So why not inject some life into a middle-of-the-road pass rush instead -- especially with Jerry Hughes turning 33 before the season. Phillips had 8.0 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 2020.
Rousseau might have the biggest range of outcomes among potential first-round picks, with some evaluators placing him at the top of the edge class and others rating him as a Day 2 selection. Buffalo needs to give its pass rush a shot in the arm after not getting much from its edge rushers outside of Jerry Hughes last season.
While I don't personally subscribe to taking a running back in the first round, one or more always seem to be taken. With the Bills bringing back their entire offensive line from 2020, they could use a homerun threat at the position as Devin Singletary and Zach Moss, who were their two top RBs last year, combined for only seven runs of 20 yards or more. Compare that to Derrick Henry, who had 16 such runs on his own last season. Etienne confirmed his home run speed at his recent pro day, clocking a 4.41 40 while weighing in at 215 pounds. That would add another dynamic to an already-potent Bills offense.
Offensive tackle Daryl Williams was resigned, but the Bills still need to address the interior. Mayfield features the versatility and athleticism to thrive in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's system.
The Bills re-signed cornerback Levi Wallace to a one-year deal, but they likely won't shy away from continuing to prioritize the position. Newsome is an ideal pick in that regard, as he has excellent length and high-end ball skills. He could excel opposite Tre'Davious White.
Jerry Hughes turns 33 in August and Mario Addison will be 34 in September, so the Bills could use youth in their pass-rush alongside 2020 second-rounder A.J. Epenesa. Joseph Ossai is great at getting to the quarterback both as a stand-up linebacker and as a traditional defensive end, and what he lacks in polish, he makes up for in athleticism and relentlessness.
