2021 NFL Draft - Pro Football Rumors

2021 NFL Draft: Team By Team

April 29th, 2021 at 10:24am CST by Zachary Links

The 2021 NFL Draft has arrived! Soon, picks will soon be swapped and shuffled at lightning speed. But, before the trading frenzy starts, here’s a look at the draft picks owned by each team:

Arizona Cardinals – Picks: 6

Round 1: No. 16 overall
Round 2: No. 49
Round 5: No. 160
Round 6: No. 223 (from Vikings)
Round 7: Nos. 243, 247 (from Bears through Raiders)

Atlanta Falcons — Picks: 9

Round 1: No. 4 overall
Round 2: No. 35
Round 3: No. 68
Round 4: No. 108
Round 5: Nos. 148, 182, 183
Round 6: Nos. 187, 219

Baltimore Ravens – Picks: 10

Round 1: Nos. 27, 31 (from Chiefs) overall
Round 2: No. 58
Round 3: Nos. 94 (from Chiefs), 104
Round 4: Nos. 131, 136 (from Chiefs)
Round 5: Nos. 171, 184
Round 6: No. 210

Buffalo Bills — Picks: 7

Round 1: No. 30 overall
Round 2: No. 61
Round 3: No. 93
Round 5: Nos. 161 (from Raiders), 174
Round 6: No. 213
Round 7: No. 236 (from Panthers)

Carolina Panthers — Picks: 8

Round 1: No. 8 overall
Round 2: No. 39
Round 3: No. 73
Round 4: No. 113
Round 5: No. 151
Round 6: Nos. 191 (from Broncos), 193, 222

Chicago Bears — Picks: 8

Round 1: No. 20 overall
Round 2: No. 52
Round 3: No. 83
Round 5: No. 164
Round 6: Nos. 204, 208 (from Seahawks through Dolphins), 221, 228

Cincinnati Bengals — Picks: 8

Round 1: No. 5 overall
Round 2: No. 38
Round 3: No. 69
Round 4: No. 111
Round 5: No. 149
Round 6: No. 190
Round 7: Nos. 202 (from Dolphins through Texans), 235 (from Lions through Seahawks)

Cleveland Browns — Picks: 9

Round 1: No. 26 overall
Round 2: No. 59
Round 3: Nos. 89, 91 (from Saints)
Round 4: Nos. 110 (from Eagles), 132
Round 5: No. 169 (from Rams)
Round 6: No. 211
Round 7: No. 257 (from Bills)

Dallas Cowboys — Picks: 10

Round 1: No. 10 overall
Round 2: No. 44
Round 3: Nos. 75, 99
Round 4: Nos. 115, 138
Round 5: No. 179
Round 6: Nos. 192 (from Lions), 227
Round 7: No. 238

Denver Broncos — Picks: 8

Round 1: No. 9 overall
Round 2: No. 40
Round 3: No. 71
Round 4: No. 114
Round 5: No. 152
Round 7: Nos. 237, 239 (from Giants), 253 (from Browns)

Detroit Lions — Picks: 6

Round 1: No. 7 overall
Round 2: No. 41
Round 3: Nos. 72, 101 (from Rams)
Round 4: No. 112
Round 5: No. 153

Green Bay Packers — Picks: 10

Round 1: No. 29 overall
Round 2: No. 62
Round 3: No. 92
Round 4: Nos. 135, 142
Round 5: Nos. 173, 178
Round 6: Nos. 214, 220
Round 7: No. 256

Houston Texans — Picks: 8

Round 3: No. 67
Round 4: No. 109
Round 5: Nos. 147, 158 (from Patriots)
Round 6: Nos. 195 (from Cowboys through Patriots), 203 (from Washington through Raiders, Dolphins), 212 (from Saints)
Round 7: No. 233 (from Bengals)

Indianapolis Colts — Picks: 6

Round 1: No. 21 overall
Round 2: No. 54
Round 4: No. 127
Round 5: No. 165
Round 6: No. 206
Round 7: No. 248

Jacksonville Jaguars — Picks: 10

Round 1: Nos. 1, 25 (from Rams) overall
Round 2: Nos. 33, 45 (from Vikings)
Round 3: No. 65
Round 4: Nos. 106, 130 (from Rams)
Round 5: Nos. 145, 170 (from Browns)
Round 7: No. 249 (from Titans)

Kansas City Chiefs — Picks: 8

Round 2: No. 58 (from Ravens), 63 overall
Round 3: No. 94
Round 4: Nos. 136, 144
Round 5: Nos. 175, 181
Round 6: No. 207 (from Steelers through Dolphins)

Las Vegas Raiders — Picks: 8

Round 1: No. 17 overall
Round 2: No. 48
Round 3: Nos. 79 (from Cardinals), 80
Round 4: No. 121
Round 5: Nos. 162 (from Dolphins), 167 (from Seahawks)
Round 6: No. 200

Los Angeles Chargers — Picks: 9

Round 1: No. 13 overall
Round 2: No. 47
Round 3: Nos. 77, 97
Round 4: No. 118
Round 5: No. 159
Round 6: Nos. 185 (from Jaguars through Titans), 198
Round 7: No. 241

Los Angeles Rams — Picks: 6

Round 2: No. 57 overall
Round 3: Nos. 88, 103
Round 4: No. 141
Round 6: No. 209
Round 7: No. 252

Miami Dolphins — Picks: 8

Round 1: Nos. 6 (from Eagles), 18 overall
Round 2: Nos. 36 (from Texans), 50
Round 3: No. 81
Round 5: No. 156 (from Cowboys through Eagles)
Round 7: Nos. 231 (from Texans), 244 (from Washington)

Minnesota Vikings — Picks: 10

Round 1: No. 14 overall
Round 3: Nos. 78, 90 (from Ravens)
Round 4: Nos. 119, 125 (from Bears), 134 (from Bills), 143
Round 5: Nos. 157, 168 (from Steelers through Ravens)
Round 6: Nos. 199

New England Patriots — Picks: 10

Round 1: No. 15 overall
Round 2: No. 46
Round 3: No. 96
Round 4: Nos. 120, 122 (from Cardinals through Texans), 139
Round 5: No. 177
Round 6: Nos. 188 (from Texans), 197
Round 7: No. 242

New Orleans Saints — Picks: 8

Round 1: No. 28 overall
Round 2: No. 60
Round 3: Nos. 98, 105
Round 4: No. 133
Round 6: No. 218
Round 7: Nos. 229 (from Jaguars), 255

New York Giants — Picks: 6

Round 1: No. 11 overall
Round 2: No. 42
Round 3: No. 76
Round 4: No. 116
Round 6: Nos. 196, 201 (from Cardinals)

New York Jets — Picks: 10

Round 1: Nos. 2, 23 (from Seahawks) overall
Round 2: No. 34
Round 3: Nos. 66, 86 (from Seahawks)
Round 4: No. 107
Round 5: Nos. 146, 154 (from Giants)
Round 6: Nos. 186, 226 (from Panthers)

Philadelphia Eagles — Picks: 11

Round 1: No. 12 overall (from 49ers through Dolphins)
Round 2: No. 37
Round 3: Nos. 70, 84 (from Colts)
Round 4: No. 123 (from Dolphins)
Round 5: No. 150
Round 6: Nos. 189, 224, 225
Round 7: Nos. 234, 240 (from 49ers)

Pittsburgh Steelers — Picks: 8

Round 1: No. 24 overall
Round 2: No. 55
Round 3: No. 87
Round 4: Nos. 128, 140
Round 6: No. 216 (from Buccaneers)
Round 7: Nos. 245 (from Dolphins), 254 (from Ravens)

San Francisco 49ers — Picks: 9

Round 1: No. 3 overall (from Texans through Dolphins)
Round 2: No. 43
Round 3: No. 102
Round 4: No. 117
Round 5: Nos. 155, 172 (from Saints), 180
Round 6: No. 194
Round 7: Nos. 230 (from Jets)

Seattle Seahawks — Picks: 3

Round 2: No. 56 overall
Round 4: No. 129
Round 7: No. 250

Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Picks: 8

Round 1: No. 32 overall
Round 2: No. 64
Round 3: No. 95
Round 4: No. 137
Round 5: No. 176
Round 6: No. 217
Round 7: Nos. 251 (from Steelers), 259

Tennessee Titans — Picks: 9

Round 1: No. 22 overall
Round 2: No. 53
Round 3: Nos. 85, 100
Round 4: No. 126
Round 5: No. 166
Round 6: Nos. 205, 215 (from Chiefs)
Round 7: No. 232 (from Falcons through Dolphins)

Washington Football Team — Picks: 8

Round 1: No. 19 overall
Round 2: No. 51
Round 3: Nos. 74 (from 49ers), 82
Round 4: No. 124
Round 5: No. 163
Round 7: Nos. 244 (from Vegas), 246, 258 (from Chiefs through Dolphins)

Latest On Bears’ First-Round Draft Plans

April 28th, 2021 at 10:39pm CST by Ben Levine

The Bears may be looking to jump up the draft board in pursuit of a quarterback. Jason La Canfora reports (via Twitter) that the Bears “have canvassed the teams currently selecting between 7-10,” with the front office focused on drafting a signal caller. Chicago is currently slated to pick at No. 20, which would probably be too late in the round to select any of Mac Jones, Justin Fields, or Trey Lance.

There have been rumblings throughout the offseason that the Bears could be looking to trade up for a quarterback, although we heard recently that the organization hadn’t been particularly active in trade discussions. With general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy potentially on the hot seat, it would be a surprise if they don’t take a bona fide starter with their first-round selection. The team seems to be set in 2021 with Andy Dalton and Nick Foles under center; if Pace and Nagy opt for a young quarterback, there’s a chance they won’t be around to see their plan come to fruition. Chicago has plenty of immediate needs, so there’s some merit to retaining their draft selections and adding players at other positions.

On the flip side, neither Dalton nor Foles are very inspiring choices, and the front office may believe the Bears have a higher upside in 2021 with any of the rookie quarterbacks. Head coach Matt Nagy even seemed to acknowledge that the organization has been eyeing a handful of rookies QBs during a recent meeting with reporters.

La Canfora notes that the Patriots have joined the Bears in shopping around for a top-1o pick, and the reporter believes that one of New England or Chicago will ultimately be successful in their pursuit of a rookie quarterback. We heard a similar sentiment earlier today, with one report indicating that New England could look to trade up from No. 15 all the way to the Falcons at No. 4.

Steelers Eyeing Zaven Collins, Najee Harris?

April 28th, 2021 at 10:23am CST by Zachary Links

The Steelers are keeping their fingers crossed for linebacker Zaven Collins and running back Najee Harris, according to a source who spoke with Mike Florio of PFT. However, according to many prognosticators, both players are likely to be off the board by the time the Steelers make their pick at No. 24 overall.

Earlier this week, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert threw cold water on the notion that the Steelers will trade up from their original first-round choice. Of course, things can always change, especially if the Steelers are truly locked in on Harris and Collins.

Harris is widely regarded as the best running back in this year’s draft. Initially buried on the depth chart, the Alabama product emerged as a junior with an average of 5.9 yards per tote. Then, he passed on the draft to turn in an even more impressive 2020 season. Harris helped the Tide capture yet another National Championship while racking up 1,466 yards on the ground with similar efficiency (5.8 ypc). Those totals, coupled with 43 grabs for 425 yards and 30 total touchdowns, positioned Harris as one of the strongest prospects in the ’21 class.

Unfortunately for the Steelers, both Harris and Collins have caught the attention of the Cardinals at No. 16. Collins, a Tulsa product, has been lauded for his versatility. In just eight games last year, Collins managed four sacks, 54 total stops, and 7.5 tackles for loss. With the ability to play as a pass rusher or pure linebacker, he’s been quietly moving up boards in recent weeks. On Thursday, we’ll find out if he’s out of the Steelers’ reach.

North Carolina RB Javonte Williams Could Be First-Round Pick

April 27th, 2021 at 10:15pm CST by Ben Levine

While Alabama’s Najee Harris and Clemson’s Travis Etienne have continually been mentioned as potential first-round picks, another running back could hear his name called during the first day of the draft. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero writes that North Carolina’s Javonte Williams could end up sneaking into the first round of the upcoming draft.

“I love Javonte Williams,” an AFC executive told Pelissero. “I think he’s the best back in the draft.”

In an era where teams seem to reset their running back depth chart every few years, it’d be a bit of a surprise if three running backs end up getting selected in the first round; we’ve only seen two first-round running backs over the past two years (Josh Jacobs (No. 24, 2019) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (No. 32, 2020)). Still, Williams has the talent to warrant that lofty draft stock.

As Pelissero notes, Williams’ strength should be an asset in the NFL (with the reporter citing this giant run against Miami). The running back is more than a bruiser, however; his pro day numbers (including a 4.55-second 40 and a 36-inch vertical jump) showcase his athleticism. Williams also showed improved pass-catching ability throughout his collegiate career, culminating in a 2020 campaign where he hauled in 25 receptions.

So where could the running back land? Pelissero points to the Steelers are a potential landing spot. Pittsburgh has continually been mentioned as a suitor for Harris, but it’s uncertain if the running back will fall all the way to No. 24. If the top running back is off the board, the team could end up favoring Williams over someone like Etienne.

Should We Expect Fewer First-Round Trades This Year?

April 27th, 2021 at 5:15pm CST by Ben Levine

If you’re expecting fireworks on Thursday night, you may be disappointed. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport notes that he isn’t hearing as much trade activity as usual (Twitter link), specifically with day-one picks. The reporter cautions that he could envision a team trading into the top-1o in pursuit of one of the top quarterback prospects, but other than that, the insider isn’t hearing a whole lot of first-round-trade chatter.

Rapoport offers another explanation for an expected lack of trades. There seems to be a consensus forming that there’s a drop-off in prospect quality after the top seven or eight players. As a result, teams are wary of trading back due to the significant drop in “elite, premium” players (the ol’ ‘take the dollar instead of four quarters’ mentality). Similarly, considering there’s only seven or eight top players in the draft, teams outside of the top-10 may believe they’re better staying put.

Peter King of Football Morning in America offers a similar sentiment. with one GM pointedly telling him that “the 49ers ruined the market by trading two ones to move nine spots.” As a result, teams in the top-10(ish) are expecting a king’s ransom for their first-round selection, and there aren’t a lot of suitors who are willing to spend big. Instead, King suggests that we may see a number of trades during the second day of the draft, with one GM describing No. 35 to around No. 75 as the “hotbed of this draft.”

For what it’s worth, NFL Network noted that there’s been an average of 5.2 trades made in the first round since 2011.

Of course, trade junkies have somewhat gotten their fill already. That aforementioned 49ers/Dolphins trade sparked off another deal with the Dolphins and Eagles.

Jerry Jones: Cowboys Won’t Trade Up For Kyle Pitts

April 27th, 2021 at 3:11pm CST by Zachary Links

It’s been said that Jerry Jones can’t take his eyes off of Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. Although he may be high on the exceptional athlete, the Cowboys owner says that he’s not about to pay a king’s ransom for him.

“We’re not going to spend inordinate value [to trade up for Pitts,]” Jones said (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News).

This is consistent with what we’ve been hearing in recent days — the Cowboys love Pitts’ blend of size, speed, and agility, but they aren’t about to mortgage the rest of their draft ammo for him. Moving up from No. 10 would be mighty costly, especially after the 49ers gave up a 2022 third-rounder and two future first rounders to go from No. 12 to No. 3.

Other teams could be tempted to move up for Pitts, who tallied 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight games last year — good for an average of 17.9 yards per catch. But, any team that wants to guarantee Pitts’ availability would have to pry the No. 4 pick away from the Falcons.

Drew Rosenhaus: Caleb Farley Won’t Last Beyond No. 20

April 27th, 2021 at 9:44am CST by Zachary Links

If it weren’t for his back issues, Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley would likely be a top 10 prospect in this week’s draft. But, despite the medical risk, agent Drew Rosenhaus insists that his client will be taken somewhere in the top 20.

“I’ve had multiple teams tell me that in the middle of the draft, they are going to draft him,” Rosenhaus told NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). “I don’t expect him to make it to pick No. 20. I’m convinced, based on my discussions, that he’ll go in the first 20 picks.”

Farley hasn’t played since 2019 and he’s gone under the knife twice since then. His most recent operation came in March, but his surgeon has told clubs that Farley should be cleared before training camp in late July. Even though Rosenhaus’ estimation should be taken with a grain of salt, that’s excellent news for Farley in advance of Thursday night.

Originally a quarterback in high school, Farley committed to the Hokies in 2017 as a wide receiver. After an ACL tear wiped out his true freshman season, he was asked to change positions again — this time, he moved to cornerback. By 2019, he was a star for Virginia Tech, racking up four interceptions and 12 passes defensed en route to First-Team All-ACC honors. He also allowed a completion rate of less than 50% on passes thrown in his direction.

In 2020, Farley opted out due to the pandemic. Then, while preparing for the draft, he irritated a joint at the base of his spine. Rosenhaus seems to think that Farley’s potential will vault him into the top half of the first round, but it’s not hard to imagine him sliding to Day 2.

“Doubtful” Steelers Will Trade Up From No. 24

April 26th, 2021 at 10:37am CST by Zachary Links

Don’t expect the Steelers to move up the board between now and Thursday. In a chat with reporters, GM Kevin Colbert threw cold water on the idea that he could advance from No. 24.

“I’m very doubtful that we’ll trade up,” Colbert said (Twitter link via Missi Matthews of the team website). “We value our eight picks.”

Even after restructuring Ben Roethlisberger‘s deal this offseason, the Steelers need to give consideration to the future of the quarterback position. It’s a certainty that three of this year’s top quarterbacks will be taken at the top of the order, which will drive demand for the remaining first-round candidates. However, Colbert doesn’t seem to think that any of the potentially available passers will be worth the cost.

Meanwhile, Colbert indicated that he’s high on the depth of this year’s cornerback crop. He also gave a strong endorsement of this year’s center prospects, stating that several of them are capable of starting in the NFL.

Dolphins Didn’t Plan On Stockpiling Picks

April 26th, 2021 at 10:28am CST by Zachary Links

The Dolphins’ have amassed an impressive collection of draft picks in recent years, but that’s not necessarily their modus operandi, head coach Brian Flores says.

“I wouldn’t say the goal is necessarily to accumulate first-round picks. I think it’s to put the best team together,” Flores said on the Dolphins’ Drive Time podcast. “I think there’s a variety of ways you can do that. Trade, free agency, waiver-wire transactions, obviously the draft. And I think Chris and his staff have done a great job of using all those different avenues to bring in players and I think we’ve brought players in through those variety of ways — I think we’ve used them all. But it’s to put the best team together, not necessarily a team full of first-round picks…We look through those different avenues to acquire players, that’s really always at the forefront.”

The Dolphins managed to rack up three first-round picks in 2020. On Thursday, after moving around the board, they’ll have two first-round choices at No. 6 and No. 18. And, thanks to their 49ers trade, they’re on course to have two top-32 picks in 2023.

In theory, the Dolphins could keep trading down to further strengthen their future arsenal. But, if Flores is to be believed, that won’t be their focus heading into the 2021 draft.

49ers Down To Mac Jones, Trey Lance?

April 26th, 2021 at 10:18am CST by Zachary Links

The 49ers’ focus at No. 3 appears to have narrowed to Alabama’s Mac Jones and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). Pelissero notes that Lance and the Niners chatted following his second pro day last week, which was specifically tailored to Kyle Shanahan‘s favorite drills.

Previously, the 49ers were believed to have three quarterbacks in consideration with Justin Fields completing the trio. Now, it seems that the Ohio State star is no longer in the mix. This jibes with a recent report from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who now seems on course to be available for the Falcons at No. 4.

Lance seems to have the most overall buzz of the three, since he’s believed to have the most upside. Jones, despite his 77% completion rate last year, seems to have garnered disproportionate attention from the Niners. Still, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo (Twitter link) has yet to hear from an executive that thinks it’d be crazy for the Niners to take him (and mortgage future picks for him) at No. 3.

“Mac’s a stud,” said the anonymous executive. “[He has] everything you want.”

2021 NFL Draft News & Rumors