By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 9, 2024
It’s never too early–or too late–to start preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft by creating a list of prospects, projecting where each NFL team will finish the season, then building a 2021 NFL mock draft. But where will your team end up in the first round for the draft? Will they be able to get the best available player who fits their needs? Do you honestly know which player your team should pick, or are you hoping to get lucky and land Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields when he falls in the first round? Maybe you’re set at QB and need help with your offensive line, like both teams in New York. Let’s say your team ends up with a top-six pick as you head into our quiz–who should they pick?
2021 NFL Draft
The 2021 NFL Draft comes with many unpredictable factors that can affect the end results. So, it's often a challenge to guess which NFL team will pick which players. Most people can figure out how Round 1 of the draft is going to go, but without knowing the draft order, it's still a guessing game. Will Trevor Lawrence go number one or will he end up falling down the draft in round 1 based on team needs?
2021 NFL Draft: Which Player Should Your Team Pick?
So, it's 2021, and the NFL Draft is like a buffet of college football stars, just waiting to get a handshake from Mr. Goodell and break into the big leagues. Can you feel the excitement? We're talking about a smorgasbord of talent, ripe for the picking. Every fan is on the edge of their seat because this is where the journey to the Super Bowl can begin—or where dreams can get fumbled at the one-yard line. Oh, the drama!
Now, before we dive headfirst into the snack-stadium of prospects, let's have a little heart-to-heart about who your team should zero in on. Maybe your squad is a quarterback away from being a dynasty, or perhaps you're one game-wrecker on the D-line short of making offensive coordinators lose sleep. No worries, because this draft class is littered with talent all over the board. We're here to rummage through the season's stats, combine freaks, and game tapes to guide you to that collegiate gem that should be donning your team's colors.
Whether you're a die-hard fan wearing cheese on your head or waving a Terrible Towel, we've got some prime cuts to consider. So, grab your team Jersey, maybe a good luck charm or two, and let's play GM for a day. Who knows, our squad might just find the next rookie sensation that turns into a franchise legend. Just be ready to high-five your fellow armchair quarterbacks when your team nails the pick. Ready for some fun draft talk? Hut hut, hike!
Team Needs and Draft Strategies
Hey there, fellow football fanatics! Before we tackle our BrainFall quiz to see which NFL dreamboat—er, I mean draft pick—our team should swoon over, let's get the Xs and Os down for our "Team Needs and Draft Strategies."
Plotting the Pick: A Team's Conundrum
First off, how do you go about plotting the pick? It's like setting up a fantasy football date—but way more intense. Teams like the Bengals are sending heart eyes at offensive tackles like Penei Sewell. Why? Because size matters in protecting that precious QB and keeping our offense swooshing down the field. But wait, maybe Ja'Marr Chase, that wide receiver heartthrob, catches your eye too? Oh, the decisions!
Rookie Impact Expectations
Expecting our rookies to waltz in and win prom king? Slow down! We're looking for rookie impact that makes a splash from the get-go. Think of a pass rusher like Kwity Paye joining the Seahawks’ defense—our very own heavyweight date ready to tango with the quarterbacks. Or imagine Kyle Pitts flexing his tight-end muscles for the Cowboys, snagging touchdowns like it's a bouquet toss at a wedding. We want those who can strut onto the field and own it, making our selection look like the best pick-up line we ever used.
Draft Profiles and Projections
As we dive into the 2021 NFL Draft, let's shuffle through the stack of cards each team has been dealt. Whether you're rooting for a fresh face under center or a monster on the defensive line, the prospects this year are as spicy as grandma's old secret recipe. From collegiate gladiators at powerhouse schools like Alabama and Ohio State to the hidden gems in the rough, let's peek at who's up for grabs.
The Quarterback Carousel
Remarkably, QB prospects are looking hotter than a habanero this season. Trevor Lawrence from Clemson is the belle of the ball, almost a shoo-in for the Jacksonville Jaguars to snap up with visions of him being the new Joe Burrow. But hey, don't snooze on Ohio State's Justin Fields, whose rocket arm could potentially be making waves with a team like the 49ers or the Falcons. And let's not forget BYU's Zach Wilson – the kid's been tossing footballs like hot potatoes, perfect for someone in the AFC looking to spice things up.
Tackling the Tackles and Other Linemen
Our big boys from schools like Oregon and USC are making moves – we're talking about mammoth Penei Sewell and versatile Alijah Vera-Tucker. They're the guys you want if you're in the market for someone who can protect your QB like a lioness guarding her cubs. Rashawn Slater from Northwestern is another name to watch; he's got moves that could have defensive lines spinning in circles. And don't overlook Michigan's Jalen Mayfield, rolling into the draft with the potential to beef up an AFC North team like the Raiders or Broncos.
Defensive Game Changers
If defense is your cup of tea (or, let's say, your cup of mud-strong coffee), the 2021 draft has some serious Joe Friday – "just-the-facts-ma'am" – contenders. Micah Parsons of Penn State is looking to be a five-star general on the field, and corner Patrick Surtain II from Alabama has been swatting passes like annoying flies at a picnic. Eyes are also on Miami's Gregory Rousseau, who could bring a hurricane of pass rush to a team like the Panthers or Falcons – assuming they fancy a defender who plays like he's been shot out of a cannon.
Skill Position Stars
What's a draft without some sizzle at the skill positions? The SEC is a factory, and it's churning out stars like Kyle Pitts from Florida – this TE's got hands stickier than a tub of movie theater popcorn butter. Or perhaps LSU's Ja'Marr Chase is more to your flavor, a receiver who can out-jump any corner in the land. And for those who like a good ground game, say hello to Najee Harris of Alabama, ready to plow through defenses like they're made of cotton candy.
