NFL Mock Draft: How Jets’ Sam Darnold trade impacts Las Vegas Raiders at No. 17
By Brad Weiss
NFL Mock Draft: How Jets’ Sam Darnold trade impacts Las Vegas Raiders at No. 17
11. New York Giants, WR, DeVonta Smith
At pick No. 11, the New York Giants get another weapon for Daniel Jones, adding DeVonta Smith, who is fresh off a Heisman Trophy-winning season at Alabama. Smith joins a collection of wideouts led by Kenny Golladay in New York, as they move to continue to help Jones develop under center.
12. Philadelphia Eagles, CB, Jaycee Horn
The Philadelphia Eagles are likely hoping one of the elite wideouts are still available at No. 12, but if not, they will turn their attention to cornerback. With this pick, the Eagles add Jaycee Horn, who is one of the top-3 cornerbacks in this draft class and fills the void on their defense.
13. Los Angeles Chargers, OT, Rashawn Slater
The Los Angeles Chargers found their franchise quarterback in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, they add a franchise left tackle. Rashawn Slater is the kind of offensive tackle that can protect Justin Herbert’s blindside for the next ten seasons, making him a steal at No. 13.
14. Minnesota Vikings, OL, Alijah Vera-Tucker
The Minnesota Vikings have to get better in the interior of their offensive line, and they do just that by drafting Alijah Vera-Tucker with pick No. 14. Vera-Tucker is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft class and will be excellent at clearing holes for Dalvin Cook.
15. New England Patriots, QB, Trey Lance
While the New England Patriots will likely have to trade up to get him, in this mock, they land North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance at pick No. 15. Lance would sit behind Cam Newton in 2021, eventually taking over late in the season, before being Bill Belichick’s top signal-caller for the foreseeable future.
16. Arizona Cardinals, CB, Caleb Farley
Despite back surgery that is hurting his draft stock, Caleb Farley still lands in the first round, going to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 16 overall. Farley fixes one of the few deficiencies on this Cardinals defense, as they look to finally get over the hump and make the playoffs with Kyler Murray at quarterback.