1 – Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson
After being projected to be the 1st overall pick since winning the National Championship as a true Freshman, it’s no surprise that Lawrence’s expectations are sky high. With the Jags having a young offense with players like Laviska Shenault, DJ Chark, Marvin Jones, James Robinson, Travis Etienne, Walker Little, and arguably the best TE in the league in Tim Tebow, Lawrence will not be lacking any weapons to play his best at the next level. With HC Urban Meyer and a new culture coming to Jacksonville, Lawrence’s impact should be huge for the Jags this year and should help them bounce back from the 1-15 season in 2020. No one expects Lawrence to flip the Jags to a superbowl contender in 1 year, but with all the hype around him people are going to be waiting for him to turn into the savior that they’ve been waiting for. Even with all the offensive additions they’ve added some good defensive players like Shaq Griffin, Rayshawn Jenkins, Tyson Cambell, and Jay Tufele. These additions should boost their record tremendously. With all this being said I have Lawrence leading the Jags to a 6-11 record.
2 – Kyle Pitts, TE Florida
Arguably the best pass catcher in the Draft, Pitts has the talent to put the falcons at a top 5 offense in 2021. We all know the Falcons already have one of the best receiving corps in the league with Julio, Ridley, and Hurst, now with Pitts joining, this is without a doubt a top 3 receiving corps in the NFL. Atlanta now has 2 tall freak pass catchers in Pitts and Julio, that will give Ryan the ability to take risks by throwing it downfield. Atlanta doesn’t plan on getting a top 5 draft pick anytime soon, with this pick they took a generational TE prospect that should help the team for years to come. Now all they need is a QB of the future along with a few pieces on the o-line and their offense will be unreal. Their defense could still use a little help but with this being said I think Pitts helps the Falcons to a 8-9 record.
3 – Penei Sewell, OT Oregon
The Detroit Lions now have unreal lineman on both sides of the ball, but Sewell could be the best in those trenches. With Cincinnati passing on a Tackle at 5, the Lions got one of the best tackle prospects in a while. With his strength he’s able to control the defender on passing plays while flattening them on running plays. The Lions now have players like Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, and Sewell on the O-line, so Goff’s pocket should hold up pretty well while Swift should have much better running lanes. On the opposite side of the ball they have Trey Flowers, Alim McNeil, and Onwuzurike, with these studs the Lions should be very fun to watch in the trenches on Sundays. We say the Lions could be good every year but I think this is the year they pull it together. I have the Lions going 10-7 and making the playoffs.
4 – Devonta Smith, WR Alabama
The Eagles have been lacking good WR play for years, I think that ends now by picking up Devonta Smith. Now with a young offense of Hurts, Reagor, Goedert, and now Smith, they are primed for a breakout year. Hopefully Hurts and Reagor improve so that Smith really has a shot to succeed, because I think Smith could end up being the best WR from this draft if Hurts improves. I’m not too sure why everyone was scared of his weight because with NFL strength coaches he should have no problem getting bigger, stronger, and better. Even though I loved this draft for Philly I still only see them going around 5-12.
5 – Rashawn Slater, OT Northwestern
The Chargers came into the draft needing a LT, and they got arguably the best one in the draft. Slater excited many scouts and GM’s after shutting down Chase Young in the 2019-2020 season. A good amount of people had Slater above Sewell so the fact he was able to fall to 13 was an absolute steal for LA. With adding Linsley and now Slater, Herbert should have much more time in the pocket and be able to air it downfield to Allen and Williams. I absolutely loved this draft for LA, picking up Slater, Palmer, Samuel, Rumph, ect. They have a very bright future and could be dangerous for years to come. I predict the Chargers to finish 11-6 and get in as the 5th seed in the AFC.
6 – Jaelan Phillips, ED Miami
The Dolphins now have a scary D-line with Wilkins, Ogbah, and now Phillips. Phillips was most people’s top edge in the draft and the only reason he fell was because of his concussion concerns. His first step is unreal, along with his chop / hand fighting skills he should be front runner for DROY. This was a very high risk / high reward draft for Miami with them taking injury prone players in Waddle and Phillips in the 1st round. I actually like this pick more than their pick at 6. I know Tua needs more weapons, but Phillips is a generational talent and could end up being a top edge in the league for years if he stays healthy. If Tua can step up and play to his potential then I think Miami will go 11-6.
7 – Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech
With the Vikings having one of the worst O-lines for years, this draft might have ended the curse. By trading back and still taking Darrisaw, Minnesota was able to pick up Kellen Mond and Wyatt Davis which were both absolute steals. Minnesota hit the Jackpot in these first 3 rounds with how the board broke for them. After losing Riley Rieff in Free Agency, Minnesota got a better player in the draft which will fit great with their zone running scheme, as well as keep Kirk upright. Darrisaw and O’Neil should hold up the tackle spots for years to come and when Mond eventually takes over the starting job he should have a good o-line, which Kirk never got. The Vikings have improved greatly in the offseason and mostly the draft, I have them going 10-7 this year.