2021 NFL Draft Goals

Posted April 23, 2021.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

What does every team need to accomplish in the 2021 NFL Draft? We’ll look at each team’s goals on this page, as well as possible selections for each squad. See how the goals are being addressed in the 2021 NFL Mock Draft (will be updated tomorrow).



  1. Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 NFL Mock Draft Jacksonville Jaguars:
    We know the Jaguars will select Trevor Lawrence with the first pick. They already have some great offensive talent, so they don’t need to add too many supporting members (one more offensive lineman, tight end.) Instead, they should focus on their dreadful defense with their other selections so that Lawrence can get as many possessions as possible.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    1. Trevor Lawrence, QB
    25. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB
    33. Christian Barmore, DT
    45. Pat Freiermuth, TE
    65. Kelvin Joseph, CB
    106. Trey Sermon, RB
    130. Richard LeCounte, S

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  2. New York Jets 2021 NFL Draft New York Jets:
    The Jets will almost certainly select Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall. They have a solid offensive line in place for him, but talent is needed at the play-making positions. Meanwhile, the poor defense must be addressed at every level.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    2. Zach Wilson, QB
    23. Jamin Davis, LB
    34. Najee Harris, RB
    66. Terrace Marshall, WR
    86. Israel Mukuamu, CB
    107. Ronnie Perkins, OLB

  3. Houston Texans Houston Texans:
    The Texans are the worst team in the NFL, and they barely have any draft picks to fill their many needs. At this point, their only goal is not to draft busts. They just need talent.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    67. Dyami Brown, WR
    109. Jay Tufele, DT



  4. Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons:
    The Falcons have a dilemma with their first-round pick. Do they take the fourth-best quarterback in this class, or do they go with the top non-quarterback prospect? Given that Matt Ryan can still play well, the latter option sounds better, though a trade down would be the best. With a better coaching staff, the Falcons could make a push for the playoffs if they add tons of talent. Specific positions that must be addressed are running back, guard, center, defensive end and cornerback.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    9. Patrick Surtain II, CB (trade with Broncos)
    35. Creed Humphrey, C
    40. Gregory Rousseau, DE (trade with Broncos)
    68. Davis Mills, QB
    108. Trey Sermon, RB

  5. Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals:
    Joe Burrow is coming off a brutal knee injury, so the Bengals must make sure his protection is as good as it can be. This would entail selecting Penei Sewell at No. 5 overall if he’s available. Otherwise, Cincinnati must strengthen its defense, which couldn’t get off the field last year. Addressing the linebacking corps, in particular, seems imperative, given that the Bengals have yet to defeat Lamar Jackson.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    5. Penei Sewell, OT
    38. Jamin Davis, LB
    69. Milton Williams, DT
    111. Payton Turner, DE



  6. Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles:
    The Eagles have one of the worst rosters in the NFL. They need upgrades at nearly every position, so it would be a mistake if they didn’t draft the best prospects available with each pick.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    12. Devonta Smith, WR
    37. Aaron Robinson, CB
    70. Dylan Moses, LB
    84. Trey Smith, OT
    123. Hamilcar Rashed, DE

  7. Detroit Lions Detroit Lions:
    The Lions could select a quarterback in the first round, but they’re most likely to wait because they’re willing to give Jared Goff a shot. Besides, no quarterback would be put in a position to win with this dreadful roster. The Lions have holes at almost every position, so it would be in their best interest to just obtain the best players available at each selection (save for running back and center.)

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    7. Ja’Marr Chase, WR
    41. Jayson Oweh, OLB
    72. Rodarius Williams, CB
    101. Tyler Shelvin, DT
    112. Austin Deculus, OT/G



  8. Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers:
    The Panthers were hoping to obtain Deshaun Watson. They settled for Sam Darnold, which wasn’t great, but yet they still addressed their quarterback situation. They’ll need help on the offensive line to protect Darnold, and they’ll also have to find several upgrades to their woeful defense.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    8. Jaycee Horn, CB
    39. Jalen Mayfield, OT
    73. Andre Cisco, S
    113. Wyatt Davis, G

  9. Denver Broncos Denver Broncos:
    The Broncos are desperate for a quarterback, so there’s some speculation that they could move all the way up to No. 4 for a signal-caller. This would be foolish because the fourth-best quarterback in this class may not be as good as Drew Lock. Denver would be better off strengthening its entire roster – especially offensive tackle, edge rusher and linebacker – and hoping that Lock improves. Taking a chance on a second-day quarterback could work.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    15. Micah Parsons, LB (trade with Patriots)
    40. Liam Eichenberg, OT
    46. Joseph Ossai, DE/OLB (trade with Patriots)
    71. Kyle Trask, QB
    114. Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB



  10. Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys:
    The Cowboys had an extremely weak defense last year, so they must fix every level of that unit. They must also address the offensive line, given their massive blocking issues in 2020. Some of that was due to injury, but it’s not like Dallas can count on Tyron Smith staying healthy.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    10. Patrick Surtain, CB
    44. Teven Jenkins, OT
    75. Josh Myers, C, C
    99. Patrick Jones, DE
    115. Pete Werner, LB
    138. Jared Goldwire, DT

  11. New York Giants New York Giants:
    The Giants finally found a No. 1 receiver for Daniel Jones this offseason, but they’re not done building around him. Offensive line upgrades are still needed for Jones’ development. Otherwise, the Giants need to continue to build their defense.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    11. Jaylen Waddle, WR
    42. Spencer Brown, OT
    76. Richie Grant, S
    116. Baron Browning, LB

  12. San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers:
    The 49ers traded up for a quarterback. We don’t know who that is yet, but they’re set up to win now, even with a rookie signal-caller. They must address a few positions (primarily cornerback), but they’ll want to add as much good depth as possible after they suffered so many injuries last year.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    3. Justin Fields, QB
    43. Aaron Robinson, CB
    102. Marvin Wilson, DT
    117. Seth Williams, WR

  13. Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Chargers:
    The Chargers did a great job of building around Justin Herbert so far this offseason, but they still need at least one more offensive line upgrade, plus a replacement for Hunter Henry and a complement for Austin Ekeler. The Chargers also have some holes on defense (cornerback, safety, edge rusher) to address.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    13. Rashawn Slater, OT
    47. Javonte Williams, RB
    77. Tre McKitty, TE
    97. Andre Cisco, S
    118. Quincy Roche, DE

  14. Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings:
    The Vikings have seen lots of talent depart in recent offseasons, thanks to Kirk Cousins’ albatross of a contract. They need to nail their draft picks once again. Their primary needs at tackle, defensive end, cornerback and safety. The former will likely be addressed in the first round.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    14. Rashawn Slater, OT
    78. Jevon Holland, S
    90. Patrick Jones, DE
    119. Marlon Tupultu, DT
    125. Jamie Newman, QB
    134. Jacoby Stevens, LB
    143. Dax Milne, WR

  15. New England Patriots New England Patriots:
    There’s some chatter about the Patriots moving up for a quarterback, but this would be a mistake. It would also be an error if the Patriots were to eschew quarterbacks all together in the 2021 NFL Draft like they did last year. Unless Justin Fields falls to them at No. 15, they should obtain a new quarterback on Day 2. Otherwise, New England has lots of needs, so adding the best players available would make sense.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    15. Jaycee Horn, CB
    46. Kadarius Toney, WR
    96. Kellen Mond, QB
    120. D’Wayne Eskridge, WR
    122. Stone Forsythe, OT
    139. Paddy Fisher, LB



  16. Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals:
    The Cardinals addressed Kyle Murray’s play-making talent and blocking through free agency with A.J. Green and Rodney Hudson. They’re now in a position to upgrade the defense so that Murray gets as many possessions as possible.

    Ideal 2021 NFL Draft (First Four Rounds):
    16. Jaycee Horn, CB
    49. Azeez Ojulari, DE/OLB


  17. Go to 2021 NFL Draft Goals: 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.

2021 NFL Mock Draft | 2022 NFL Mock Draft






NFL Picks - Dec. 13


2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11


NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9


2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29


Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4






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2011 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
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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 12/11): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (12/13)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/29): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/23)
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