Several Crimson Tide players in Way-Too-Early 2021 NFL Mock Draft
By Cj Dew
With the 2020 NFL Draft behind us, we take a look at next year’s early draft prospects. Could Nick Saban produce a record of total first-rounder Crimson Tide players in 2021? Take a look below at my predictions.
With everything going on in the world due to COVID-19, one area that took a hit was obviously the NFL Draft. This was the first year things were done with webcams, live streams, and more. Hopefully, next year will be a different story, but if it’s not, at least it was enjoyed. We saw a lot of interesting picks in this year’s 2020 NFL Draft, including Jalen Hurts to the Philadelphia Eagles, Tua to the Dolphins, and more. It’s never too early to check out where the top prospects could land in 2021. This past season we saw Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide produce 9 NFL draft picks, which was just short of some other teams. The Crimson Tide were loaded with talent, especially from the 2017 recruiting class. That particular class translated its talent in the draft, and now we move on and look at next year.
Picks 1-12
1.) Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Jacksonville needs a quarterback badly. Why not “Tank for Trevor”?
2.) Carolina Panthers- Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
After Cam Newton, the Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater, but is he really the longterm answer?
3.) Washington Redskins- Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
It was rumored that the Redskins wanted Amari Cooper, but drafting Chase gives them a true No. 1 receiver.
4.) Cleveland Browns- Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
The Browns just drafted Jedrick Wills to help out their Baker Mayfield, but for this offense to really succeed, bolstering the line can’t hurt.
5.) NY Jets- Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Micah Parsons is a stud pass rusher, who can help alleviate some pressure off of CJ Mosely. Solid pick.
6.) Cincinnati Bengals- Gregory Rosseau, DE, Miami
The Bengals have helped the offense by securing Joe Borrow, but their defense still needs work. By the draft next year, Rosseau should be even more polished.
7.) LA Chargers- Walker Little, OT, Stanford
The Chargers have drafted Justin Herbert in hopes of him being their franchise quarterback. Like any other team in this situation, building a base (offensive line) always helps.
8.) NY Giants- Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
The Giants will hope by 2021 that Daniel Jones has filled the boots as the starting quarterback. They have Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate, and Darius Slayton, but Justyn Ross out of Clemson is a freak of nature. Jones to Ross sounds nice.
9.) Miami Dolphins- Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
The 2020 draft was a massive help for the Miami Dolphins as they drafted Tua Tagovailoa, and loaded the line, as well as defense. Like others, this pick makes too much sense. Protect Tua at all costs.
10.) Arizona Cardinals- Xavier Thomas, DE, Clemson
Zach Allen dealing with injuries raises questions to if he can hold his own long term. Thomas, the former Top 5 recruit, steps in and starts day 1.
11.) Atlanta Falcons- Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
The Matt Ryan days are slowly but surely coming to a close. Purdy threw right at 4000 yards, along with 27 touchdowns, and only 9 interceptions last season. At worst, Purdy can learn the ropes for a little while.
12.) Jacksonville Jaguars-Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State
Wilson steps in to take over at defensive tackle, solidifying this Jaguars defense, propelling them to better postseason odds.
Last year we saw several quarterbacks taken off the board in the first 12 picks, and this year should not be any different.