2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders land defensive star in full first-round mock
18. Miami Dolphins – LB, Zaven Collins, Tulsa
The Dolphins had a good defense in 2020, but their linebacker unit could use some help. Zaven Collins brings old school linebacker size (6’4, 260lbs) with modern-day athleticism. He is a hybrid prospect capable of playing multiple positions, and Brian Flores is the type of coach who could get the most out of such a unique player.
Collins won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy for the country’s best linebacker with 54 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 4 interceptions. Those stats alone show off how versatile he is and the playmaking he can provide. Miami could get their own version of Jamie Collins, who they saw plenty of during his time in New England.
19. Washington Football Team – LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Again we aren’t making trades, but Washington could be a team that makes an aggressive move to get a QB. But at this spot, they are better off going after an elite talent at a different position than just taking someone like Mac Jones, who really doesn’t offer much upside.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is a versatile and explosive linebacker who provides the coverage ability you need from a modern-day linebacker. Add to that the high motor, and you have a player that head coach Ron Rivera will love. Washington will still have plenty of holes to fill on offense, but given how the board fell, they add to an already strong defense at this pick.
20. Chicago Bears – OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
Much like the Washington Football Team, the Bears need a quarterback and could be a team that gets aggressive in a trade-up. But at pick 20, they opt to find protection for whoever they end up getting at QB. Teven Jenkins was a three-year starter at Oklahoma State and had many reps in pass protection at both left and right tackle.
He isn’t the most fleet of foot, but once he gets his hands on you, the play is over for that defender. With so much experience and talent, Jenkins is the type of player the Bears can plug right into the lineup and provide an instant upgrade.