REDRAFTING THE 2021 NFL DRAFT
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB
Original Pick: Trevor Lawrence, QB
Trevor Lawrence hasn't lit the world on fire during his nascent career, but the potential is too great to pass on him here. He had to deal with the chaos of the Urban Meyer experiment in Jacksonville, but Doug Pederson's culture change is starting to unlock the Trevor Lawrence everyone expected.
Despite the remarkable talent at several other positions in this draft, quarterback is still the most important part of a franchise. Lawrence has all the tools and talents to possibly be the greatest QB in Jaguars history.
2. New York Jets: Justin Fields, QB
Original Pick: Zach Wilson, QB
Similar to Lawrence, Fields hasn't been elite, yet, but he's also starting to show promise. Up until draft day he was widely considered the second best quarterback prospect--if not best overall by some--before falling behind Zach Wilson and Trey Lance in the selection process. Fields' passing numbers aren't outstanding, but it's his dual-threat potential that stands out. He's not just a great runner by quarterback standards, he's a great runner by all standards; only Najee Harris has been better from this class.
The Jets had a bevy of needs heading into this draft, with the most glaring stemming from the offensive side of the ball. Fields has the highest ceiling and could have transformed the Jets anemic offense.
3. San Francisco 49ers (from Texans and Dolphins): Rashawn Slater, OL
Original Pick: Trey Lance, QB (to 49ers)
Rashawn Slater was as much of a guaranteed hit as anyone in this class. An athletic brawling monster with exceptional football IQ, Slater posseses all the tools an All-Pro lineman needs. He's already proved this in two seasons with the Chargers; he played every offensive snap of the 2021 season, and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. Injuries slowed his sophomore campaign, but there's no reason to think he won't bounce back in future seasons.
As for the 49ers needs, left tackle was definitely not one of them. Trent Williams, possibly the best offensive lineman in all of football, had that position locked down already in 2021. The Niners offensive line was quite stout, but Slater's versatility means he could move all over the line and hold down the right tackle spot, clearing the way for San Francisco's vaunted rushing attack.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Ja'Marr Chase, WR
Original Pick: Kyle Pitts, TE
Ja'Marr Chase has been a beast just a few games into his NFL career. Big plays are his specialty, and he's racked up the most touchdowns and yards in this draft class. He can take the top off of any defense and boasts the speed to run away from any secondary. Six players from the 2021 draft made the Pro Bowl as rookie--Chase is one of them.
The Falcons were in a curious spot here. They needed everything, and this pick is basically just the best player available. Julio Jones was gone, and the typically potent Atlanta offense was bereft of weaponry. Kyle Pitts wasn't a bad pick and definitely deserves top-10 consideration, but Chase is rare, special kind of playmaker that couldn't be passed up.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OL
Original Pick: Ja'Marr Chse, WR
With their guy Ja'Marr Chase off the board, the Bengals look elsewhere to bolster their offense. The debate here is offensive line versus wide receiver. Cincinnati sorely needed both. The argument in favor of Penei Sewell was the depth of this class at both position groups. Sewell and Rashawn Slater were a tier above the rest of the linemen in the draft, whereas the receiving options were quite deep.
Sewell is huge with a prototypical road-grader build. He's an everyday starter and has shifted between left and right tackle as needed for the Lions. As an offensive lineman and playing for the Lions he doesn't get much attention, but he's somebody to keep an eye on for the next decade.
6. Miami Dolphins (from Eagles): Jaylen Waddle, WR
Original Pick: Jaylen Waddle, WR
If anyone is contending with Ja'Marr Chase for king of the receivers in this class, it's Jaylen Waddle. The Alabama alum exploded onto the NFL scene and immediately made an impact for the revitalized Dolphins. While Chase is the home-run hitter, Waddle is the reliable lead-off hitter.
For the Dolphins, this was a brilliant pick in 2021, and it remains the same 18 months later.
7. Detroit Lions: Micah Parsons, OLB
Original Pick: Penei Sewell, OL
Micah Parsons may be the best player in this entire class, regardless of position. Nobody has made a more immediate impact than the former Penn State Nittany Lion. His performance as an OLB/DE has transformed the Dallas Cowboys defense and the franchise's entire outlook. He was the only rookie First Team All-Pro from this draft. He was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
So why not have Parsons drafted higher? It's all about fit and need. The teams ahead simply had more urgent needs in other areas. The Lions tend to have many areas of need, and Parsons could have slid in as a starting outside linebacker and altered the complexion of the team.
8. Carolina Panthers: Patrick Surtain II, DB
Original Pick: Jaycee Horn, CB
The Matt Rhule-era Panthers loved drafting defensive players. It was a smart move to go back to the well in 2021, but in this redraft they take the best defensive back available, Patrick Surtain II. The second-generation NFL star not only has the pedigree, he's also a big cornerback who can hit and is a sure tackler. He quickly vaulted to the head of the class in interceptions, too.
Jaycee Horn was not a bad pick and looks to have a bright NFL future in front of him. However, Surtain II is just a tick ahead of him at this stage.
9. Denver Broncos: Creed Humphrey, OL
Original Pick: Patrick Surtain II, CB
The argument for this spot becomes Jaycee Horn or Creed Humphrey. Defensive back was clearly an area of need, but the offensive line also needed some new blood to go along with Garrett Bolles and Dalton Risner. Creed Humphrey was a first-round talent, but interior offensive linemen aren't typically high draft picks. The exception to the rule is if they're the best center or guard in the league. Humphrey wasted no time establishing himself as one of the best in the game at his job.
Humphrey was impecible as a rookie and has already cleaned up his play in year two. The Broncos of recent seasons typically have excellent defenses, but the offense needs help. That turnaround begins in the trenches.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Greg Rousseau, DE
Original Pick: DeVonta Smith, WR (to Eagles)
Gregory Rousseau really only had one year of college football experience, but in that season he snared 15.5 sacks. He was discussed as a project player with a tremendous ceiling. How quickly he's elevated toward that ceiling is the surprising part. Rousseau is already one of the top sackers in this class and may be the best pure edge rusher, depending on how you classify Micah Parsons' position.
With no draft-day trades and the Cowboys standing firm here they replace Parsons, who was redrafted 7th. Addressing the pass rush was the top priority for Dallas on draft day, and Rousseau is a tremendous solution to that problem.
11. New York Giants: Kyle Pitts, TE
Original Pick: Justin Fields, QB (to Bears)
Kyle Pitts slides a little bit here, but he's still well-worth a top-15 pick. His receiving numbers are in the same league with the aforementioned receivers, especially chunk plays where Pitts makes huge gains. He eclipsed 1,000 yards as a rookie and was named to the Pro Bowl. He was slowed by injury in year two, but there's no reason to think he can't bounce right back in the future.
The Giants needed to find new weapons for Daniel Jones. Pitts would have been an explosive, immediate difference-maker for the young quarterback. The Giants went wide receiver later in the draft back in 2021, but Pitts is a much safer bet and they need to seize the day if he's sitting there.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (from 49ers and Dolphins): DeVonta Smith, WR
Original Pick: Micah Parsons, LB (to Cowboys)
There was plenty of debate surrounding the top three receivers heading into the draft. Who did scouts and GMs like best: Jaylen Waddle, Ja'Marr Chase or DeVonta Smith. Each had their strengths and belonged in the top 15; thus far, each looks like a hit and they were drafted in the right order. Chase has been the big-play scoring machine and Waddle has been a high-volume catch machine. Smith has been a little more quiet with a slow burn approach to the league. He's been fantastic as a sleek, shifty possession receiver who keeps the Eagles offense on the field. He's not as flashy as Chase, but his role is just as vital.
He was Philly's first pick in 2021 and stays in this spot in the redraft.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Jaycee Horn, CB
Original Pick: Rashawn Slater, OT
Jaycee Horn's career has been hampered by a rookie injury, so this redraft pick is basically based on his draft day hype. He only played three games as a rookie before being placed on IR. However, his 2022 performance has been what the Panthers expected from him. Even with essentially one less season under his belt, his defensive numbers are competitive with any other 2021 draftee.
The Chargers of the 2020s have been desperately trying to solve their secondary issues, to mixed results. In 2021 they chose Asante Samuel, Jr. in the second round, and while he has been solid, Horn represents a different level of potential. Pairing both with Derwin James could have been the facelift this defense needed.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL
Original Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL (to Jets)
The Chargers choosing defensive backfield over offensive line opens the door for the Vikings to snag some people's favorite lineman in this class, Alijah Vera-Tucker. The former USC Trojan is the prototypical offensive lineman; 6'5" and 310 pounds with nimble feet and the athleticism to slide all over the line. He's been a stalwart for the Jets, primarily working as a left guard. He can pull down the line on kick-out blocks or help defend the blindside. "AVT" can do anything needed of an offensive lineman.
Instead of trading back, the Vikings stay at 14 and still address their priority position group.
15. New England Patriots: Kwity Paye, DE
Original Pick: Mac Jones, QB
Kwity Paye hasn't made a lot of headlines in his short NFL career, but he has become well-known to opposing quarterbacks. He started 15 games as a rookie for the Colts and tallied four sacks. Not record-breaking numbers, but a promising start. Paye missed a few games in 2022, but when on the turf he's been just as dangerous.
Paye is a vastly different player than Mac Jones. The rationale is that no other quarterback in this draft has shown first-round talent, so the Patriots address their next biggest need. After Mac Jones, New England drafted a defensive end, defensive tackle and a linebacker in 2021. When it comes to recreating the defensive front, Paye is the best player available at this stage.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Zaven Collins, LB
Original Pick: Zaven Collins, LB
Zaven Collins finally came into form in 2022. He was spot starter in 2021 and took time to master the Cardinals defense. One season later and he's a leader of the unit. He's a big, long linebacker who patrols the middle of the field and is the team's most sure tackler. He has a bright future in the NFL.
Arizona has needed defensive reinforcement for years, at all levels. Collins is the most well-rounded defensive player at this slot, and it makes sense for the Cardinals to stick with the Tulsa alum here.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Darrisaw, OL
Original Pick: Alex Leatherwood, OL
This may be the most ridiculed pick from the original 2021 draft. Leatherwood was an accomplished collegiate lineman, but most experts didn't think he was ready for primetime. Top 20 draft picks should be foundational players--perennial Pro Bowl players. Leatherwood got beat us as the starting right guard for the Raiders, was released before the 2022 season and has struggled with the Bears.
Conversely, Christian Darrisaw is blossoming into an elite blindside offensive tackle. He was a partial starter in 2021, and now reigns over the left tackle position for the Vikings. He's got the elements to be in the Pro Bowl conversation every year. That's the type of player the Raiders need to unleash the potent offense of Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller and Davante Adams.
18. Miami Dolphins: Jaelan Phillips, DL
Original Pick: Jaelan Phillips, DL
After two years Miami looks like the best drafting team on this list. They crushed the 2022 class--Jaylen Waddle, Liam Eichenberg and Jevon Holland all look like studs; as does Jaelan Phillips. He took his time working into the starting rotation as a rookie before asserting himself as the team's most ferocious pass rusher. He's become the ideal 3-4 outside linebacker for the Dolphins. Amongst this draft class only Micah Parsons has taken down more quarterbacks.
The Dolphins radically reshaped their defense in a few short years. Drafting players like Phillips and Holland to go alongside acquisitions like Bradley Chubb completely revitalized the franchise.
19. Washington Commanders: Jamin Davis, LB
Original Pick: Jamin Davis, LB
Jamin Davis is probably only known to diehard fans, or Commanders opponents. Davis wasn't particularly well-known coming out of Kentucky, either, Washington knew what it was doing by drafting one the best tacklers in the class. Middle linebacker isn't often highly coveted in the modern NFL, but Davis is the kind of player who can ignite an entire defense. He's consistently been in the top five in total tackles for 2021 draftees.
The Commanders addressed a number of needs in 2021. There's a compelling argument to place Trey Smith or Amon-Ra St. Brown here, but Davis has excelled and deserves this spot.
20. Chicago Bears: Trey Smith, OL
Original Pick: Kadarius Toney, WR (to Giants)
And now for the biggest steal of the entire draft. Trey Smith tumbled all the way to the sixth round, despite being ranked as a top-50 prospect on many big boards. Not only was he a sixth-round pick, but a late sixth-round pick. When people talk about offensive linemen being mountains, they're talking about people like Trey Smith. He stepped in at right guard and immediately paid dividends for the Chiefs. He and Creed Humphrey were both excellent finds by the Chiefs and have meshed into a human wall for Kansas City's offense.
The Bears originally traded this spot to the Giants in a pick swap. The 2021 iteration of the squad needed a lot during a period of transition, making a versatile offensive linemen incredibly valuable.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Odafe Oweh, DE
Original Pick: Kwity Paye, DE
Originally known as "Micah Parsons Penn State teammate," Oweh has carved out his own niche in the NFL. He's yet to become an every-down starter, but he's evolving into a force, much like his old Nittany Lions running mate. He specializes in chasing down quarterbacks, and there's no better place to learn that kill than with the Ravens.
With no Kwitye Paye available, the Colts look to the next best talent on the board. Oweh's skill set is similar, and he's even got a height and length advantage.
22. Tennessee Titans: Paulson Adebo, CB
Original Pick: Caleb Farley, CB
Paulson Adebo has been the best tackler among cornerbacks in this class. He mixes dropping into coverage and attacking ball-carriers on a level only matched by Patrick Surtain II. Adebo slid to round three on draft day, likely due to a lackluster end to his college career. However, the physicality and smarts that made him an asset at Stanford have returned in the NFL.
The Titans opted for a cornerback, and a highly touted one at that, as everyone was talking about Caleb Farley in 2021. Farley has barely been able to stay on the field in his young career, ending 2021 and 2022 on the IR. Comparatively, Adebo has been a stalwart for the Saints. The Titans would have a shutdown corner to pair with dominant safety Kevin Byard.
23. New York Jets (from Seahawks): Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
Original Pick: Christian Darrisaw, DT (to Vikings)
If Trey Smith isn't the biggest steal in this draft, it is Amon-Ra St. Brown. He inexplicably plummeted to pick 112--in the fourth round--despite starring at USC and being a highly touted high school prospect. St. Brown is smart, explosive and may have the stickiest hands in the class. He seemingly took the Lions by surprise as a rookie, but he's firmly established himself as one the league's most electric young players. He belongs in the conversation with Waddle, Chase and Smith as potential All-Pro receivers from this draft.
The Jets had this pick by virtue of the Jamal Adams deal. If any team needed a new top wideout, it's the Jets; pairing St. Brown with Justin Fields would be instant offensive fireworks.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, RB
Original Pick: Najee Harris, RB
First round draft picks are rarely dedicated to running backs in the modern era. Having two here back-to-back is even more rare, but both have shown why their respective franchises invested to heavily in them. First, Najee Harris is just feels like a Pittsburgh Steelers. His style is hard-nosed and heavy-hitting. He is a big back who hits like a sledgehammer. Statistically, he is the unquestioned king of the running backs from this draft.
The Steelers are one of--if not the most--effectively run franchises in the NFL. They don't miss draft picks often and rarely have glaring needs. All superlatives apply here, and they run it back with the Harris selection.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams): Travis Etienne, RB
Original Pick: Travis Etienne, RB
Travis Etienne couldn't be more different than Najee Harris as a running back. If Harris is the thunder, Etienne is the lightning. He missed his entire rookie campaign due to injury, but his second pro season has seen him catapult up the list of backs. His numbers are on-par with his peers who had two full seasons; had the injury not happened, it is entirely justifiable to think he'd be ahead of Najee Harris in rushing. Etienne is also a much more dangerous dual-threat back.
Etienne and fellow Clemson alum Trevor Lawrence picked up in the pros right where they left off in college. Their connection has been integral to the reclamation of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
26. Cleveland Browns: Tyson Campbell, CB
Original Pick: Greg Newsome II, DB
The Jaguars made three excellent picks in 2021. Lawrence, Etienne and Campbell, all selected in the top 33 picks. He's not a household name yet, but he started 15 games as a rookie and played nearly every defensive snap for Jacksonville in year two. He's got archetypal size for the position, and his ball skills are as solid as anyone's in the draft. He ranks near the top in coverage stats, alongside Patrick Surtain and Jaycee Horn.
For Cleveland this is all about filling a huge need with the best talent available. Newsome has been decent but not remarkable, and this Browns defense was remarkable complete in 2021. They just needed a shutdown corner opposite of Denzel Ward.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Azeez Ojulari, OLB
Original Pick: Rashod Bateman, WR
Azeez Ojulari had one of the best rookie outings of anyone from 2021. He played in every game, starting 13, and collected eight sacks. Only Jaelan Phillips and Micah Parsons had more.
The Ravens clearly needed to bolster two position groups in 2021, wide receiver and defensive end. With the top four wideouts drafted, and Kyle Pitts, the defensive end/outside linebacker crop is the way to go. Ojulari is the best of the bunch, and would have looked great next to guys like Justin Houston, Calais Campbell and Patrick Queen.
28. New Orleans Saints: Nick Bolton, LB
Original Pick: Payton Turner, DE
The best tackler in this class and it's not even close. Nick Bolton has amassed dozens more solo tackles than the next best player. Bolton was another gem uncovered by the Chiefs in 2021. There was no reason for him to fall to 58th, even if traditional linebackers aren't in vogue anymore. Bolton's ceiling is London Fletcher or Derrick Brooks.
This is a bit of a left turn for the typically draft-savvy Saints. Turner has been alright but hasn't set the world on fire. The Saints were set with Kwon Alexander, Demario Davis and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but Bolton almost feels just like a younger version of Davis. He would be the heir as the leader of the Saints defense.
29. Green Bay Packers: Eric Stokes, DB
Original Pick: Eric Stokes, DB
The Packers love to draft defensive backs in the first round. In 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2021 they drafted a cornerback or safety in the opening round, plus they snagged Kevin King with the 33rd pick in 2017. Some of those picks have created what may be considered the best cornerback corps in the league--Jaire Alexander, Darnell Savage and Eric Stokes.
Stokes played every game as a rookie, starting 14. Injuries cut his second season short, but he's still a stud on the outside. His interception and pass breakup numbers aren't quite as impressive as his classmates, but he's been one of the better hitters and tacklers.
30. Buffalo Bills: Carlos "Boogie" Basham, DE
Original Pick: Greg Rousseau, DE
Carlos Basham was on most pundits first-round radar, but somehow fell to the end of round two in 2021. He was an experienced defensive end who had four productive years at Wake Forest before breaking into the NFL. With a high football IQ and a beastly 280-pound frame, Basham was destined for football greatness.
The Bills have been focused on crafting a deep, rotational defensive line. Their platoon-style front is littered with talent, and they added two sterling pieces to the unit in 2021. Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham are each filling their roles, and with Rousseau gone in the redraft, Basham bumps up to round one.
31. Baltimore Ravens (from Chiefs): Liam Eichenberg, OL
Original Pick: Odafe Oweh, DE
Another savvy selection in Miami's transformative 2021 draft class, Liam Eichenberg continued a long tradition of excellent Notre Dame lineman; guys like Quenton Nelson, Ronnie Stanley and Zack Martin set the bar for Fighting Irish linemen, and Eichenberg is on a trajectory to join them. He started every game at left tackle as a rookie and played 96% of the Dolphin's offensive snaps in 2021. He was off to a similar start in 2022 before an injury took him out. Once recovered he should return to workmanlike ways.
Eichenberg is a far cry from the defensive end the Ravens drafted. So why an offensive lineman? The Ravens were in need of some youth on the offensive line, and Eichenberg would be too tempting.
32. Tampa Bay Bucaneers: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, OLB
Original Pick: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, OLB
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is another candidate for "least recognizable name" on this list, but his production has outpaced his headlines. An outside linebacker in the Buccaneer's 3-4 scheme, Tryon-Shoyinka is a long, physical specimen for the position; he's specialized in chasing down quarterbacks, and few guys in this draft have done it better.
The Buccaneers brought back everyone from their Super Bowl team, so the 2021 was all about drafting depth for the future. They had no glaring needs, so they could focus on finding the best player available. They were relying on veterans like Ndamukong Suh and Jason Pierre-Paul to be their stars on the edge, so it was wise to draft the next generation of defensive ends.