This is only my fourth NFL mock draft of a surreal season, but I've had enough time to develop initial thoughts on the talent breakdown of the 2021 class:
— Quarterback appears top heavy. There could be as many as six go in the first round (a first since 1983), but there's a significant drop off after the top eight-or-so prospects.
— Clemson's Travis Etienne will likely be the only running back selected in the first round, but the class is deep.
— There will be at least five wide receivers selected in the first round and the class is very talented again.
— Florida's Kyle Pitts and Penn State's Pat Freiermuth are two potential first-rounders at tight end, but Miami's Brevin Jordan could make it three in the first 50 picks.
— This is the most talented offensive line group I've evaluated — I've been doing this since 2013 — and there are potentially nine tackles who could earn first or second-round grades from me. Anywhere from 12-to-14 may end up in my final Top 50 Big Board.
— Edge rushers look top heavy as well, with a lot of projection required.
— Defensive line is deep, but lacks any elite talents.
— There could be as many as five linebackers selected in the first round and there's talent throughout.
— Outside of offensive line, cornerback looks like the deepest position with a lot of elite size.
— I currently don't see a safety being drafted on the first day, but the class is very deep and full of playmakers.
