2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders fill void on offense in full first-round mock
2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders fill void on offense in full first-round mock
31. . WR. New York Giants. Jaylen Waddle. 11. player
The New York Giants have a decision to make soon on the future of former first-round pick Daniel Jones as he enters the third year of his career. They put a big-time weapon around him with the addition of Kenny Golladay in free agency and they do the same by snatching up Jaylen Waddle with the 11th overall pick.
Waddle was injured for much of the 2020 season but is one of the premier receivers in the draft and has the ability to be a game-breaker for the Giants. Drafting him would give New York a wealth of talent on offense and would give Daniel Jones no excuses as he tries to prove he is worthy of being a franchise QB.
player. 54. . CB. Philadelphia Eagles. Jaycee Horn. 12
The Philadelphia Eagles are in full-time rebuild mode after trading Carson Wentz to the Colts and they begin that process by selecting a player that many believe is the best cornerback in the draft. Just like Patrick Surtain II, Jaycee Horn is the son of a former Pro Bowler in Joe Horn and boasts all of the measurables and talent to be worthy of a top-15 pick.
Horn is a three-year starter out of South Carolina and has the size at 6’1, 205 and showed off his speed with a 4.39 40 at his pro day in March. The Eagles have plenty of needs up and down the roster but locking in a potential Pro Bowler at cornerback is a great way to start their rebuild on defense.
13. . OT. Los Angeles Chargers. Christian Darrisaw. 13. player
The Los Angeles Chargers have a franchise quarterback on their roster in Justin Herbert who stepped in unexpectedly early in the season and showed a level of ability and maturity beyond his years. Herbert was one of the surprises of the 2020 season and his growth has accelerated the timeline of the Chargers as they look to knock off Kansas City from their perch atop the AFC West.
Herbert was sacked 32 times in 2020, tied for 11th in the NFL, and the Chargers know they need to improve along the offensive line to keep him upright. Bringing in Christian Darrisaw, who projects as an immediate starter and potential franchise left tackle which is a position of need for LA. Darrisaw is a three-year starter from Virginia Tech and has the talent and experience to be a day-one starter for the Chargers at LT.
. OL. Minnesota Vikings. Alijah Vera-Tucker. 14. player. 60
The Minnesota Vikings lost their long-time LT Riley Reiff to free agency and now have a massive hole on the left side of their offensive line with his departure. Alijah Vera-Tucker is an option for them at pick 14 considering he played the position for USC though many project him as a guard at the NFL level.
Vera-Tucker has plenty of athleticism which he displayed with a 5.10 40 and 32-inch vertical at his pro day at 6’4″, 308lbs, and has all of the makings of a long-term starter in the NFL. The Vikings’ offensive identity is built around a nasty run game and Vera-Tucker could step in immediately and be an asset in that regard no matter if he plays guard or tackle.
47. . WR. New England Patriots. DeVonta Smith. 15. player
The New England Patriots were big spenders in free agency as they looked to rebuild their roster after a down year in 2020 and they choose to focus on offense with the selection of DeVonta Smith from Alabama with the 15th pick. The slight receiver ran away with the Heisman Trophy in 2020 and cemented himself as the best receiver in college football with 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Smith is on the smaller side at 6’1,175lbs and most of the concerns around him are about his size but he has the talent and ability to make big plays regardless of his size. The Patriots have not had much luck drafting receivers in the first round but they will look to break that drought by adding the electrifying Smith in this year’s draft.