2021 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. Major updates.
Next update: Occasionally. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this 2021 NFL Mock Draft is based on my NFL Power Rankings, adjusting for playoff seeding in the 19-32 range.
NFL Draft Recent Links:
2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 10/30): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (10/25)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 7/24): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (10/26)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)


    *** 2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT updated Sept. 16. This mock draft will be updated occasionally. Follow @walterfootball for NFL Draft updates. ***
  1. New York Jets: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
    There’s no question that the Jets would select Trevor Lawrence if they landed and kept the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. There’s a chance they’d trade the selection, but I think it’s more likely that they’d remain atop the draft and go with the best quarterback prospect we’ve seen in years.

    The truth is that Sam Darnold has regressed over the years. He looked lost in the opener versus the Bills. I blame Adam Gase, but Darnold is at fault as well. I imagine the Jets would treat Darnold like Josh Rosen, trading him for a second-round selection and then taking a new quarterback first overall. It worked for Arizona.

    Lawrence is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has it all, and that includes size (6-6, 215), a big arm, accuracy and mobility.

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    Pick change; previously Ja’Marr Chase, WR


  2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
    The Jaguars traded away A.J. Bouye, prompting Leonard Fournette to tweet the Will Smith meme where he’s standing in Unce Phil’s empty mansion. That perfectly describes Jacksonville’s situation, as Fournette and Yannick Ngakoue have been shipped off since. The team is devoid of talent in most places, and it could obtain the No. 1 overall pick as a result.

    However, the opening-week win over the Colts may have ruined plans. If they remain in the top two, they’ll want to find a franchise quarterback, though it’s slowly looking like Gardner Minshew might be the quarterback of the future.

    Fields made the egregious mistake of committing to a program with a talented, young quarterback in Jake Fromm, so he was blocked from starting. Fields, however, was able to transfer to Ohio State, where he dominated in his first season.

    Pick change; previously Trevor Lawrence, QB

  3. Carolina Panthers: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
    I’m not sure why the Panthers traded for Russell Okung, but he’s not the long-term answer at left tackle, given that he turns 32 in October. If Carolina is out of position for either Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields, it’ll find someone who can protect Teddy Bridgewater.

    Penei Sewell was so good as a sophomore, he received a second-place Heisman vote.

    Pick change; previously Justin Fields, QB



  4. Detroit Lions: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
    The Lions have an excellent edge rusher in Trey Flowers, but they need another talented player at the position to help combat Aaron Rodgers.

    Gregory Rousseau will be a redshirt sophomore entering the 2021 offseason, but he logged double-digit sacks as a redshirt freshman in 2019. He was compared to Calais Campbell entering Miami.

    Pick change; previously Joe Tryon, DE

  5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
    A.J. Green is finally healthy again, but how long is that going to last? He’s entering his mid-30s, so the Bengals will need to find a new No. 1 receiver soon. Why not reunite Joe Burrow with his favorite weapon?

    Ja’Marr Chase caught 17 passes in his freshman year, then took a huge step forward in 2019, displaying the ability of a top-10 prospect.

    Pick change; previously Walker Little, OT



  6. Chicago Bears: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
    The primary reason why the Bears regressed from 2018 to 2019 was a decline in offensive line play. Both tackles struggled, so the Bears will have to address the position. They could also go after a tight end.

    Walker Little was projected as a top-10 prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft before he suffered an injury. He’ll be back to that designation in 20201 if he can show that he’s healthy.

    Pick change; previously Penei Sewell, OT

  7. Miami Dolphins: Joe Tryon, DE, Washington
    The Dolphins don’t have much of an edge rush. After fixing their offense in the 2020 NFL Draft, they can address their stop unit with two selections in this class.

    Joe Tryon came out of nowhere to have a breakout 2019 campaign. He has a nice frame (6-5, 262) and tons of upside to be an impactful edge rusher in the NFL.

    Pick change; previously Gregory Rousseau, DE



  8. Washington Redskins: Alex Leatherwood, OT/G, Alabama
    The Trent Williams drama finally came to a conclusion when the Redskins traded him to the 49ers. They’ll need a new left tackle.

    Alex Leatherwood, a former five-star recruit, has excellent strength to be a stellar run blocker and the athleticism to block elite edge rushers.

  9. Miami Dolphins: Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
    The Dolphins made some major upgrades to cornerback this offseason, but they currently have holes at safety.

    Andre Cisco has a chance to sneak into the first round when he declares, as he’s been a very productive player.



  10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
    The Jaguars need to make sure Trevor Lawrence/Justin Fields is protected as well as possible. Their offensive line stinks right now and is in dire need of some upgrades.

    Jalen Mayfield did a great job against Chase Young late in 2019, showcasing his athletic potential.

  11. Philadelphia Eagles: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
    The Sidney Jones experiment is over. The Eagles need a new No. 2 cornerback for the present and a new top cornerback once Darius Slay goes elsewhere.

    Son of former Dolphins star cornerback Patrick Surtain Sr., Surtain II was tested early by teams, yet was able to punish opponents for doing so. The 6-foot-2 cornerback projects as a top-15 pick in the future.

  12. Los Angeles Chargers: Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas
    The Chargers did a good job of upgrading their offensive line this offseason by adding Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga. They still need a left tackle to replace Russell Okung.

    Sam Cosmi is very athletic, but is considered raw at the moment.

  13. Cleveland Browns: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
    Odell Beckham Jr. could be shipped off if he continues to cause trouble. Here’s a replacement for him if that happens.

    DeVonta Smith is an excellent route runner with great hands and tremendous run-after-catch ability.

    Pick change; previously Tamorrion Terry, WR

  14. Dallas Cowboys: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
    The Cowboys drafted Trevon Diggs, but they still need another cornerback.

    Shaun Wade has a ton of upside and was able to produce well in the slot in 2019. He’s expected to move outside this year.

  15. Denver Broncos: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
    The Broncos have a great front seven and outstanding safeties. Cornerback is the weakness of their defense, however, and it must be addressed.

    Paulson Adebo has great size, coverage skills and play-making ability. He struggled a bit in 2019, but could rebound next year.

    Pick change; previously Israel Mukuamu, CB



  16. Atlanta Falcons: Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State
    The Falcons were reportedly hoping to trade up for Javon Kinlaw, but they couldn’t get a deal done. They may target a defensive tackle early in the 2020 NFL Draft unless Marlon Davidson has a great rookie campaign.

    Marvin Wilson has outstanding size (6-5, 311) and athleticism, and he is capable of putting consistent pressure on the quarterback.


  17. Go to 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

    Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.



Go to 2022 NFL Mock Draft | Go to 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie Campbell


Go to 2023 NFL Mock Draft | Go to 2020 Fantasy Football Rankings







NFL Picks - Oct. 30


2025 NFL Mock Draft - Oct. 30


NFL Power Rankings - Oct. 28


Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4






NFL Draft Links:

My 2003 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/24): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2003 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/8/08)
My 2004 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/24): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2004 NFL Draft Prospects/ 2004 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/6/08)
My 2005 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/23): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2005 NFL Draft Prospects
2005 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/4/08)
My 2006 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3
2006 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/28)
2006 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded on 7/3)
My 2007 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/ Round 4/ Round 5/ Round 6/ Round 7
Other 2007 Mock Drafts:April Fools
2007 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/24)/Kenny Ortiz's Top 40 Prospects
2007 NFL Combine and Pro Day Results
2007 NFL Draft Grades
2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/Round 4/Round 5/Round 6/Round 7
Alternative 2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/7): Round 1 /Round 2
2008 NFL Re-Draft - Round 3 (UPDATED 4/27)
2008 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 8/5)
Other 2008 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (4/25)/ Craig Smith (4/22)/ Emmitt Smith (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Shocker (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Backwards (4/19)/ Forum Mock (4/15)/ April Fools (4/1)
2009 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
Other 2009 Mock Drafts: Re-Draft (4/26) /Matt McGuire (4/25) /Reader Mock (4/25) /Hunter Ansley (4/24) /Backward Mock (4/19) /Emmitt Smith (4/16) /Celebrity Mock (4/9) /April Fools (4/1) /Experts (3/30) /KFFL (3/14)
2010 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/22): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2010 NFL Mock Re-Draft Day 3 (4/24): Round 4 (Walt's) / Round 4 (Matt's)
2010 NFL Mock Re-Draft Day 2 (4/23): Round 2 (Walt's) / Round 3 (Walt's) / Round 2 (Matt's) / Round 3 (Matt's)
Other 2010 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (4/22) /Backward Mock (4/20) /Emmitt Mock (4/17) /Celebrity Mock (4/8) /Experts (3/17) /Reader (4/13) /Consensus (2/25)
2011 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2011 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2011 Mock Drafts: Free Agency (5/9) /Greg Cox (4/28) /Backward Mock (4/22) /Emmitt Mock (4/21) /Team Big Boards (4/21) /Celebrity Mock (4/13) /Experts (4/7) /Not Mock (4/6) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Greg Cox's 2012 Mock (2/22) /Matt McGuire (1/8)
2012 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2012 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2012 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/26) /Pick History (4/23) /Emmitt Mock (4/19) /Not Mock (4/19) /Backward Mock (4/17) /Celebrity (4/15) /Goals (4/10) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/6) /Greg Cox (9/9)
2013 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2013 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2013 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /GM Mock (4/21) /Charlie's Trade Mock (4/20) /Goals (4/19) /Rapid Reader Mock (4/18) /Emmitt Mock (4/14) /Not Mock (4/13) /Pick History (4/5) /Backward Mock (4/4) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/7) /Archived 2013 NFL Mock Drafts
2014 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATE 5/8): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2014 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 5/10): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2014 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/8) /Goals (5/3) /Not Mock (4/27) /Emmitt Mock (4/20) /Trades Mock (4/13) /Celebrity Mock (4/11) /Backward Mock (4/4) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/6) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2015 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2015 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 5/2): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2015 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/30) /Goals (4/25) /Not Mock (4/19) /Emmitt Mock (4/17) /Trades Mock (4/12) /Celebrity Mock (4/10) /Backward Mock (4/3) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/5) /Overreaction Mock (12/29)
2016 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2016 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2016 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/28) /Combo (5/8) /Goals (4/23) /Not Mock (4/22) /Emmitt Mock (4/17) /Trades Mock (4/16) /Celebrity Mock (4/10) /Backward Mock (4/7) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/6) /Overreaction Mock (1/4)
2017 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2017 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2017 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/27) /Combo (5/7) /Goals (4/22) /Not Mock (4/21) /Emmitt Mock (4/16) /Backward Mock (4/9) /Celebrity Mock (4/7) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/7) /Overreaction Mock (1/2)
2018 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2018 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2018 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/26) /Combo (5/6) /Goals (4/21) /Not Mock (4/20) /Emmitt Mock (4/15) /Trades Mock (4/13) /Backward Mock (4/8) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Reader Mock /Free Agent Mock (3/11) /Senior Bowl (1/27)
2019 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2019 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2019 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /Combo (5/5) /Goals (4/20) /Not Mock (4/18) /Witten Mock (4/14) /Trades Mock (4/12) /Emmitt Mock (4/7) /Backward Mock (4/5) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/10) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/26) /Video Mock (1/8) /Overreaction Mock (12/31)
2020 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/23): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2020 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2020 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/23) /Combo (5/3) /Goals (4/18) /Emmitt Mock (4/12) /Trades Mock (4/8) /Backward Mock (4/5) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Free Agent Mock (3/16) /Corey Long (3/13) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/27) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2021 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2021 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 5/1): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2021 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (5/17) /Goals (4/23) /Backward Mock (4/18) /Emmitt Mock (4/11) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/30) /Overreaction Mock (1/4)
2022 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2022 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/30): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2022 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/28) /Goals (4/22) /Backward Mock (4/20) /Emmitt Mock (4/15) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Senior Bowl Mock (2/5) /Overreaction Mock (1/10)
2023 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/27): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
2023 NFL Mock Re-Draft (UPDATED 4/29): Walt Round 4 /Walt Round 5 /Charlie Round 4 /Charlie Round 5 /Walt Round 2 /Walt Round 3 /Charlie Round 2 /Charlie Round 3
Other 2023 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/27) /Backward Mock (4/19) /April Fools Mock (4/1) /Senior Bowl Mock (2/4) /Overreaction Mock (1/9)
2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6
Other 2024 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /April Fools Mock (3/31)
2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 10/30): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (10/25)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 7/24): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (10/26)
2018 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2017 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2016 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2015 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2014 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2013 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2012 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2011 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2010 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2009 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2008 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2007 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2006 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2005 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2004 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2003 NFL Draft Re-Mock / 2002 NFL Draft Re-Mock