There’s still a college football season still to play this fall (or so we hope), but that hasn’t stopped the projections for next year’s 2021 mock NFL drafts. We’ve already heard from ESPN and Mel Kiper on who he projects to be taken in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and now we have our first look at CBS Sports’ first mock draft.
It’s probably not surprising that there are three Ohio State players included in the projection, but it may be a shock where R.J. White has one of them landing. We won’t quite spoil the surprise for you just yet, but let’s just say we agree he’ll go early on. However, if he goes where White has him projected, it’ll be a quick turn of the page decision by the brass there.
So, here we go — where the three OSU players are projected to go in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports.
Next … A quarterback to where?
No. 3 – QB Justin Fields, Washington Redskins
Say what? Yes, if this happens I’ll shave my head and go streaking in my neighborhood. You can hold me to that. For Fields to go to Washington would mean Dwayne Haskins was SO bad the organization was forced to cut bait and move on. He’ll get a chance to show what he can do this year, and he has already shown flashes of the promise of what he can be. Add that to his work ethic this offseason and what teammates are saying about him, and no way, no how this happens. But that’s just my opinion.
Regardless, here’s what White says about the pick.
What White says about picking Fields
“This pick depends on whether Dwayne Haskins takes a sizable step forward in Year 2, but if Washington is picking here, they’ll have to seriously consider upgrading to the more dynamic Fields, especially if the Buckeye posts a big follow-up to his incredible 2019 season.”
Next … A lockdown corner?
No. 11 – CB Shaun Wade, New York Jets
This makes a lot of sense if the Jets are positioned here. The organization is definitely in need of a top-flight corner and Wade would seem to fit that bill if he has the season we all think he will as the No. 1 guy in the OSU secondary in 2020.
What White says about picking Wade
“The Jets could have taken a corner at No. 11 in this year’s draft had one of the top two options slipped outside the top 10, and it doesn’t seem likely the position group will be any better in 11 months. Wade is a versatile defensive back who could go higher if he proves himself on the outside this year.”
Next … An anchor on the offensive line
No. 24 – OL Wyatt Davis, Minnesota Vikings
It’s anyone’s guess where teams end up at this point obviously. If however, the Vikings could get their hands on Davis, it would be a good fit at the back end of the first round.
What White says about picking Davis
“The Vikings added a potential left tackle in 2020 in Ezra Cleveland, but they still have work to do on the interior. Davis is the best guard prospect in next year’s class, so he’d be a nice find here.”
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