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Way-too-early 2021 NFL mock draft
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) could be an early selection in the 2021 draft. Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

Way-too-early 2021 NFL mock draft

The 2020 NFL Draft is in the books, so it's already time to look toward the 2021 draft. The stock of next year's players will undoubtedly change, but here's our first stab at the 2021 NFL Draft as of April 27.

 
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1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

The Jaguars are set to give Gardner Minshew another shot in 2020. If he falters, the team could be in prime position for one of the best quarterback drafts in years. Lawrence is the overwhelming favorite to be next year's first overall pick with two outstanding seasons under his belt, throwing 66 touchdowns and also showing good mobility.

 
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2. Washington Redskins: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Washington Redskins: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

Washington drafted Dwayne Haskins in the first round last year, but he struggled in his rookie season. If it happens again, the team could reenter the quarterback market. Fields had a breakout first season in Columbus, with 41 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores.

 
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3. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Cincinnati Bengals: Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

It's possible that Chase would have been the first wideout selected this year if he were eligible after an incredible sophomore season. He had 84 catches for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Tigers last season, showing great speed and hands as well as the ability to create space. The Bengals drafted Tee Higgins and have retained A.J. Green for 2020, but Green's future is in doubt after two consecutive injury-plagued seasons.

 
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4. Carolina Panthers: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Carolina Panthers: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Troy Wayrynen / USA Today Sports Images

A dominant left tackle prospect, Sewell has dominated in two seasons at Oregon. He stands as the top offensive line prospect in the 2021 class at this time.

 
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5. Miami Dolphins: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)

Miami Dolphins: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)
Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports Images

Miami revamped its defense this offseason, but teams can never have enough quality pass rushers. Rousseau had an incredible sophomore season just down the road from the Dolphins, with 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.

 
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6. Detroit Lions: Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas

Detroit Lions: Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas
Scott Wachter / USA Today Sports Images

Detroit has prioritized the offensive line over the last two seasons but could continue to strengthen it next year. Cosmi is a strong left tackle prospect at 6-foot-7, 300 pounds.

 
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7. New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Mickey Welsh / USA Today Sports Images

The Crimson Tide are set to reload at wideout in 2021 with Waddle and DeVonta Smith after losing Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs. Waddle already has 78 catches for 1,408 yards and 13 touchdowns in his first two seasons and would provide big upside for a Giants offense that is lacking at wideout.

 
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8. New York Jets: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

New York Jets: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Mickey Welsh / USA Today Sports Images

The son of an 11-year NFL corner, Surtain goes into the year as the top corner after two strong seasons at Alabama already. The Jets have had a revolving door at cornerback recently.

 
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9. Las Vegas Raiders: Walker Little, OT, Stanford

Las Vegas Raiders: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Jaime Valdez / USA Today Sports Images

The Raiders have revamped what was an elite offensive line not long ago, but 2018 first-round pick Kolton Miller has struggled in his first two seasons. If he doesn't improve this year, the 2021 class is loaded with quality tackle options like the 6-foot-7 Little.

 
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10. Los Angeles Chargers: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Los Angeles Chargers: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Joseph Maiorana / USA Today Sports Images

Two of L.A.'s top cornerbacks are in their 30s already, so the position could be a top priority in next year's draft. Wade has four picks in two seasons with the Buckeyes and would be following the footsteps of 2019 first-round picks Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette.

 
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11. Arizona Cardinals: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

Arizona Cardinals: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
Jim Dedmon / USA Today Sports Images

Could Larry Fitzgerald be entering his final NFL season? The Cardinals haven't been shy about adding wideouts since Kliff Kingsbury's hiring, and Ross has shown immense ability in two seasons with Clemson. During that time, he has 112 receptions for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns.

 
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12. Atlanta Falcons: Xavier Thomas, DE, Clemson

Atlanta Falcons: Xavier Thomas, DE, Clemson
Joshua S. Kelly / USA Today Sports Images

The Falcons opted for cornerback A.J. Terrell in the first round of this year's draft but could look toward his former Clemson teammate next year with pass rush being a need. Thomas has only five sacks in two seasons but should be set for more snaps this year.

 
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13. Denver Broncos: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Denver Broncos: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Mickey Welsh / USA Today Sports Images

The Broncos have struggled at right tackle, and Leatherwood has shown himself to be an elite tackle at Alabama. There's certainly a good chance he could pick up steam as a top five pick next year.

 
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14. Miami Dolphins (via Texans): Caden Sterns, S, Texas

Miami Dolphins (via Texans): Caden Sterns, S, Texas
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images

Miami will still be reaping the benefits of the Laremy Tunsil trade next year. Sterns has been a highly productive player in two seasons at Texas and was the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2018.

 
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15. Cleveland Browns: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

Cleveland Browns: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Nikos Frazier / USA Today Sports Images

Moore was one of the top freshman in the country in 2018 with 114 catches for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with two scores on the ground. However, he played only four games last year due to a knee injury. The 5-foot-9 slot receiver prospect could add explosiveness for the Browns as Baker Mayfield continues to develop.

 
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16. Tennessee Titans: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Tennessee Titans: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Jesse Johnson / USA Today Sports Images

A former top recruit from Pennsylvania, Parsons already has 191 tackles and 6.5 tackles in two seasons at Penn State. He's clearly the best inside linebacker prospect in college going into 2021.

 
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17. Chicago Bears: Cade Mays, OT, Tennessee

Chicago Bears: Cade Mays, OT, Tennessee
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images

A transfer from Georgia, Mays is a former top recruit with plenty of size at 6-foot-6, 318 pounds. Offensive line could be in play for Chicago next year as the team continues to rebuild that area.

 
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18. Indianapolis Colts: Jamie Newman, QB, Georgia

Indianapolis Colts: Jamie Newman, QB, Georgia
Rich Barnes / USA Today Sports Images

Transferring from Wake Forest to Georgia for the 2020 season, Newman is an extremely mobile quarterback who was the driver of the Wake offense last year with 2,868 yards passing and over 500 rushing yards in 12 games. He has a big year ahead of him with more talent surrounding him at Georgia.

 
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19. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama

Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Jason Getz / USA Today Sports Images

The Jags currently have two first-round picks next year as a result of the Jalen Ramsey trade. They spent big on Joe Schobert in free agency this offseason but could be in the market for another linebacker alongside Schobert and Myles Jack. Moses is looking to rehab his value after missing 2019 due to a knee injury.

 
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20. Minnesota Vikings: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford

Minnesota Vikings: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
Darren Yamashita / USA Today Sports Images

Minnesota drafted Jeff Gladney in the first round this year but could be in the market for more depth next year after suffering multiple cornerback losses this offseason. Adebo might have been a first-round pick this year had he declared. He has recorded eight picks over the last two seasons.

 
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21. Buffalo Bills: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia

Buffalo Bills: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Dale Zanine / USA Today Sports Images

Buffalo acquired Josh Norman this offseason to see if he has anything left. If not, Campbell is one option for 2021. He's coming off an injury-plagued season but emerged as a top NFL prospect following his 2018 season.

 
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22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images

The Bucs could find Tom Brady's heir next year with Purdy, who has helped make the Cyclones relevant on the national scene over the last two years. Over 13 games in 2019, Purdy threw for 3,982 yards and 27 touchdowns.

 
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23. Seattle Seahawks: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama

Seattle Seahawks: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
Matthew Emmons / USA Today Sports Images

Seattle has rebuilt its secondary through the draft over the last few seasons, and that could continue in 2021. Jobe is set to pick up more playing time this year and showed solid flashes last season for the Crimson Tide.

 
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24. Dallas Cowboys: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami (FL)

Dallas Cowboys: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami (FL)
Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports Images

The Cowboys added an exciting weapon in CeeDee Lamb in the first round this year and could continue building out weapons for Dak Prescott next season. Jordan has shown good receiving ability in 18 career games, with 67 catches for 782 yards and six scores.

 
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25. New England Patriots: Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina

New England Patriots: Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
Jeff Blake / USA Today Sports Images

Mukuamu really opened eyes with his sophomore season, finishing with 59 tackles and four picks in 12 games. The Pats got younger in the secondary by drafting Kyle Dugger this year and should continue that revamp in the near future with one of the oldest secondaries in the league.

 
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26. Green Bay Packers: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Green Bay Packers: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Mickey Welsh / USA Today Sports Images

Smith opted to return to school for 2020 despite a huge 2019 season with 68 catches for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has a better chance to be a first-round pick in a thinner wide receiver class next year.

 
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27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

Pittsburgh Steelers: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
Robin Alam / Icon Sportswire

Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva is entering the final season of his contract in Pittsburgh. Notre Dame has been an elite offensive line haven recently, and Eichenberg has been locked in as the team's left tackle.

 
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28. Philadelphia Eagles: Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia

Philadelphia Eagles: Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia
Dale Zanine / USA Today Sports Images

LeCounte is a former five-star recruit who has been highly productive in three seasons, including 61 tackles and four picks last year. Philly is experimenting with Jalen Mills at safety in 2020, but LeCounte is a good replacement if that move doesn't work out.

 
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29. New Orleans Saints: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State

New Orleans Saints: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Matthew O'Haren / USA Today Sports Images

Jared Cook isn't signed beyond 2020, and the tight end has long been key in the Saints offense. Freiermuth has been a great red-zone receiver in two seasons for the Nittany Lions, with 15 touchdowns.

 
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30. Baltimore Ravens: Seth Williams, WR, Auburn

Baltimore Ravens: Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
Jake Crandall / USA Today Sports Images

The Ravens drafted Marquise Brown in the first round last year and could continue to build their weapons for Lamar Jackson. Williams had 59 catches for 830 yards and eight touchdowns last season in his sophomore campaign and has plenty of size at 6-foot-3.

 
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31. San Francisco 49ers: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

San Francisco 49ers: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Chuck Cook / USA Today Sports Images

Etienne made a surprising decision to return to school in 2020. He's had back-to-back 1,600 yard rushing seasons with explosive speed and has also developed into a good receiver. San Francisco has opted to spend in free agency on running backs, but Etienne's upside and speed would make him attractive.

 
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32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jay Tufele, DT, USC

Kansas City Chiefs: Jay Tufele, DT, USC
Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports Images

Chris Jones might play on the franchise tag in 2020, and it's unclear how the Chiefs will be able to afford him beyond next season with Patrick Mahomes' contract pending. Tufele is an intriguing prospect to replace him, producing 41 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

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