Draft season is here! The four members of the 3GML will be working over the next three months to improve their rosters for the 2021 campaign and the NFL Draft will play a huge role in that work. For our first mock draft we take a look at who we think each team will take with their first round picks.
3. San Francisco 49ers - QB Justin Fields (Ohio St.) - The 49ers were a quarterback short of their title aspirations. Teddy Bridgewater started hot but cooled dramatically and as a result, the team struggled down the stretch. It became obvious Bridgewater wasn't the answer and San Francisco needed a boost. However, their 9-6-1 record kept them from being within reach of any of the top targets in the draft. A blockbuster trade later and San Fran is poised to take their quarterback of the future in Justin Fields. The Niners are likely hoping Zach Wilson falls to three, but we can't see a scenario where he gets past the two-hole. However, Fields absolutely has the skills to be a franchise QB with a nice blend of athleticism and throwing prowess. The franchise's next five years are riding on getting this right and San Francisco would be giving Fields a great chance at proving them right with their pick.
13. Houston Texans - WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama) - We saw how much the Texans offense struggled this year as their receivers struggled to separate. In order to compete next year, they have to address this position. How Smith falls this far is beyond us, but his size is likely going to cause some teams pause. Add Ja'Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle to this draft class and you have just enough to make this a realistic possibility. Smith was an animal at Alabama and the Texans will gladly take him to improve their weak receiving corps. Smith possesses the route running skills GM TH loves and will move into the WR1 role immediately. When you combine his skillset with Denzel Mims' size, the outlook in Houston changes dramatically.
15. Miami Dolphins - Edge Jaelan Phillips (Miami) - The Dolphins are once again under EP's leadership and ready to get back to the top of the AFC East. The Dolphin's roster has a hole at pass rush and will address it in the draft rather than free agency. Phillips is a former five-star recruit who transferred from UCLA before this season and flourished. EP loves versatility and wants someone who can play all over the place. Phillips can put his hand in the dirt or stand up, play outside or rush from the interior. Miami is known for being a jack of all trades on defense and Jaelan Phillips embodies that philosophy.
18. Houston Texans - LB Zaven Collins (Tulsa) - The other glaring weakness for the Texans this season was in linebacker coverage. For as good as Zach Cunningham was, he struggled when asked to do anything but stop the run and tackle. Collins is an electric player who was arguably the best defensive player in the country this season. His football IQ is high and we can see him quickly becoming the defensive play caller for the Texans defense. Look for Zaven and Zach (or Z squared) to be a dynamic duo in Houston for years to come.
32. Green Bay Packers - WR Kadarius Toney (Florida) - The defending champs will have a number of holes to fill as multiple players depart in free agency. Green Bay doesn't have a lot of flexibility in their cap space and will struggle to bring many players back. Expect JuJu Smith-Schuster to be one of those, leaving a huge hole at WR3. As of right now, Equanimeous St. Brown is number three on the depth chart, followed by a bunch of UDFAs. One injury to Stefon Diggs or Justin Jefferson would bring this dynamic passing attack to a screeching halt. Toney will address this need as a much needed slot receiver that can also stretch the field. He naturally creates space and has good hands. MVP Aaron Rodgers will be celebrating with a scotch after this pick.
