NFL free agency begins Monday, with the opening of the negotiating window.
The signing period starts Wednesday.
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Obviously, what happens in free agency will impact how teams approach the 2021 NFL Draft. But as you get ready for free agency, here’s our latest first-round mock projection.
1. Jaguars — QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
The draft starts at No. 2 this year.
2. Jets — QB Zach Wilson, BYU
No reason for Joe Douglas to overthink this, unless he can trade for Deshaun Watson.
3. Dolphins (from Texans) — WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
Is he the top receiver in a great draft for the position? Maybe not. But he’s really good.
4. Falcons — Edge rusher Kwity Paye, Michigan
The Falcons could also trade up, in a deal with the Jets, to get Matt Ryan’s successor.
5. Bengals — CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
After picking quarterback Joe Burrow first overall last year, the Bengals get a shutdown corner.
6. Eagles — WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
Size will be a concern in the NFL for the Heisman Trophy winner.
7. Lions — OT Penei Sewell, Oregon
Detroit, after trading for Jared Goff, will be thrilled to see Sewell fall here.
8. Panthers — QB Justin Fields, Ohio State
Teddy Bridgewater obviously isn’t a long-term answer for the Panthers.
9. Broncos — OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
Some protection for Drew Lock, as the Broncos try to determine if he’s The Guy.
10. Cowboys — Edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
He had 8.5 sacks in 10 games last season, significantly boosting his draft stock.
11. Giants — WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
The Giants badly need to get a No. 1 receiver for Daniel Jones.
12. 49ers — LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
He is one of the better prospects in this draft, so the 49ers would sprint to make this pick.
13. Chargers — OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame
The Chargers have a potential star in quarterback Justin Herbert. Time to keep him upright.
14. Vikings — TE Kyle Pitts, Florida
It would be a surprise if Pitts — one of the top three or four overall prospects in this draft — falls so far. But might as well project some surprises, right?
15. Patriots — QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State
Will he stick as the long-term replacement for that Tom Brady guy, after the Cam Newton experiment failed in 2020?
16. Cardinals — OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
No, he’s not a Quenton Nelson-level guard. But he will solidify the Cardinals’ line.
17. Raiders — LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
A do-it-all linebacker who can cover and rush the passer.
18. Dolphins — Edge rusher Joe Tryon, Washington
He opted out of the 2020 season. Will that hurt his draft stock?
19. Washington — OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
We’re projecting Washington to trade for the Jets’ Sam Darnold. Because Washington won the putrid NFC East in 2020, trading up to draft a quarterback this spring will be too difficult.
20. Bears — C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
Now the Bears just need to sort out their quarterback situation — easier said than done.
21. Colts — OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
Carson Wentz has durability concerns, so the Colts need to protect him.
22. Titans — Edge rusher Jayson Oweh, Penn State
He is testing well in the pre-draft process, but didn’t have any sacks in seven games last season. A concern?
23. Jets (from Seahawks) — CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama
Douglas would be overjoyed to see Surtain fall to him. If it doesn’t happen, Jaycee Horn is an option.
24. Steelers — OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
Ben Roethlisberger is back, and if he can’t stay healthy, the Steelers are toast.
25. Jaguars (from Rams) — CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
While Surtain could go much higher than No. 23, Horn is projected as a late first-round pick.
26. Browns — DL Christian Barmore, Alabama
The Browns will have quite the defensive line, as Barmore teams with Myles Garrett.
27. Ravens — Edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Another 2020 opt-out. Talented player, but a lot of unknowns here.
28. Saints — WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
Dominant 2018 season (1,258 yards, 12 touchdowns), but he played just seven games combined in 2019 and 2020.
29. Packers — WR Kadarius Toney, Florida
He’s been projected to the Giants at No. 11, but this is a likelier spot for him.
30. Bills — Edge rusher Carlos Basham, Wake Forest
Sixteen combined sacks the past two seasons, in 20 total games.
31. Chiefs — LB Nick Bolton, Missouri
Undersized linebacker who can be an asset in coverage, but can he get off blocks?
32. Buccaneers — CB Eric Stokes, Georgia
Another piece for Todd Bowles’ defense, as Tampa Bay tries to win another Super Bowl.
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