NFL Mock Drafts 2021: Compare Mel Kiper, Daniel Jeremiah, Todd McShay & latest from other experts

Is there a draft in here?

This is 2021. Of course there is. In fact, there is a draft everywhere.

Everyone has an NFL mock draft now. Just ask your next Uber driver or Target cashier if they’ve got a mock draft. They absolutely do, and don’t be surprised when they tell you that when they’re bagging up your toilet paper and oat milk.

MORE NFL DRAFT: SN’s latest 2021 mock draft | Top 100 big board

See, everyone’s got a mock draft. But, truthfully, there are people — experts, if you will — who know a little bit more about the NFL draft, the ins and outs, needs of teams and knowledge of prospects than your average barstool GM.

This year, there are a number of intriguing storylines heading into the first round: How many QBs will go in the first round? How many in the top 10? How many Alabama players will be selected?

Here’s what some of the experts are saying about this year’s first round:

Vinnie Iyer’s mock draft (Sporting News)

Iyer’s latest mock draft was released on April 13.

Noteworthy:

— Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley, not Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II, is the first cornerback off the board at No. 8 to the Panthers. Farley’s stock is questionable at the moment as he recovers from back surgery.

— Four straight QBs kick off the 2021 NFL Draft, with Justin Fields sliding to the Broncos at No. 9.

— Sam Cosmi, first-rounder? While Cosmi’s versatility is praised, some question his first-round viability. In any case, Iyer projects Cosmi to go ahead of Teven Jenkins, at No. 21 to the Colts.

You can read SN’s full seven-round mock draft here.

Mel Kiper’s mock draft (ESPN)

Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft was released on April 13 and features mock trades:

Noteworthy:

— Of course, all eyes on the QBs, and Kiper has the Patriots trading up to secure a falling Justin Fields at No. 10 — the NFL’s worst nightmare.

— The Detroit Lions could go in any direction, but in this mock they take Ja’Marr Chase as the first WR off the board.

— The Packers finally get Aaron Rodgers the receiver he so desperately wanted, grabbing Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman at No. 29. 

Todd McShay’s mock draft (ESPN)

McShay’s latest mock draft was released on April 1, but was updated to include the Sam Darnold trade and what it could mean for the rest of the NFL draft.

Noteworthy:

— John Elway and Denver finally have a long-term solution at the QB position, as McShay has Trey Lance going to the Broncos at No. 9. Elway has been searching for the next great QB after Peyton Manning for years.

— Najee Harris — who recently told McShay “kiss my ass” — ends up with the Steelers at No. 24, alleviating pressure on the Steelers offense, which suffered on the ground last year.

— Everyone’s worst nightmare confirmed: Bill Belichick gets his hands on a future franchise quarterback, with the Patriots trading up to 11 to grab a falling Justin Fields.

Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft (NFL Network)

DJ’s latest mock draft was released on April 6.

Noteworthy:

— Jared who? Jeremiah has the Lions selecting Ohio State passer with the No. 7 overall pick. Detroit, of course, traded Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff (and more) this offseason. The Goff Era in the Motor City might be over before it even begins.

— After letting All-Pro center Corey Linsley walk in free agency, the Packers reinforce the offensive line with Landon Dickerson at No. 29.

— Five is the magic number, as in five first-round QBs. Jeremiah takes it a step further: Five quarterbacks will be selected in the top 10, the first time that will have happened in NFL Draft history.

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