2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders land defensive star in full first round mock
2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders land defensive star in full first-round mock
8. Carolina Panthers – QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State
Carolina has been in almost every quarterback trade rumor there is, so for them to not go after a QB in the draft if given the opportunity would be strange. We’re not making trades in this mock draft, but expect the Panthers to be a team who will be aggressive in trying to move up.
The need for a star quarterback is always high, so despite Trey Lance being available at this pick right now, who knows what will happen come April. Lance has a great blend of arm talent and athleticism that makes him an incredibly intriguing prospect.
The only issue is that Lance does not have a ton of experience and has played lower-level competition at North Dakota State. But he has all the talent and demeanor to become a great QB at the next level.
9. Denver Broncos – CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
Denver should probably take a serious look at moving up for a quarterback, but if they stick with Drew Lock, then cornerback is the next best position to address. They are skinny at the position in terms of trusted talent, and this draft has some high-end prospects. Patrick Surtain II is a long and athletic corner with the ball skills necessary to win at the catch point.
He is also the son of 11-year veteran and pro-bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain, so he has seen what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Surtain can replace AJ Bouye, who was recently released, and give the Broncos someone to help them compete against the Chiefs’ offense.
10. Dallas Cowboys – CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
With Dan Quinn coming to town as the new defensive coordinator, the Cowboys will need big athletic cornerbacks, exactly what Caleb Farley is. His blend of length, speed, and nimble feet give him the potential to succeed in any system, but he is perfect for a cover 3 scheme.
As a former wide receiver, he has incredible ball skills with six career interceptions and 19 pass deflections in two seasons.
Farley is still raw as a player as he only began playing cornerback in college. And despite his frame, he has only played 58 total snaps in press coverage. However, you don’t often find physical tools like what Farley possesses, and he’s shown even in his short time as a defensive back that he is the real deal.