BEST PICKS – FIRST ROUND (2021 NFL Draft)
15th Overall Pick QB Mac Jones (Alabama) – New England Patriots
Rumors were swirling around that Jones was going to get drafted by the 49ers with the No.3 selection. That didn’t occur. The Patriots stayed at No.15 and got the QB who fits their system. Jones is accurate, throws with anticipation and has good pocket awareness. Newton was resigned, but I expect Mac Jones to be the starter from day one.
3rd Overall Pick QB Trey Lance (North Dakota St.) – San Francisco 49ers
This is the selection that I wanted the Niners to make. Lance has all of the physical tools you want in a QB combined with being a smart and hard-working individual. His upside is through the roof. Let him sit behind Jimmy G in 2021, and he will be ready to take over as the starting QB in 2022.
7th Overall Pick OT Penei Sewell (Oregon) – Detroit Lions
I wasn’t expecting Sewell to be available for the Lions. They get a 20-year old OT with outstanding athleticism, great strength and quick feet. Taylor Decker is a LT for the team, and Sewell will be the entrenched starter on the right side. Now you have two bookends to protect Jared Goff.
8th Overall Pick WR Jaycee Horn (South Carolina) – Carolina Panthers
The Panthers needed help in the secondary. He was my top corner on the board. Horn has the size, long arms and speed. He is a physical CB who excels in press coverage.
10th Overall Pick WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama) – Philadelphia Eagles
They traded up with the Cowboys to get the Alabama receiver. Smith was my top WR in this draft. He will be a mismatch in the slot. He is an outstanding route runner with terrific short area quickness and good hands. He is a playmaker. He reunites with Eagles QB Jalen Hurts.
27th Overall Pick WR Rashod Bateman (Minnesota) – Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens got an excellent receiver at the end of the first round. He is a terrific route runner with good hands. He catches the ball away from his frame. He is versatile and can lineup outside or in the slot. Except him to become a favorite target for Lamar Jackson.
