2021 3-round NFL mock draft: Washington Football Team adds a QB
By Ian Cummings
57. Los Angeles Rams: Washington CB Elijah Molden
Even without defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, safety John Johnson, and 2020 slot cornerback Troy Hill, the show goes on in Los Angeles. The Rams need a new versatile defensive back to fit in alongside Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams, and Elijah Molden makes a lot of sense. With his elite instincts, he can be a high-level starter on day one.
58. Kansas City Chiefs (via BAL): Purdue WR Rondale Moore
Insert “this seems unfair” as cliche leading sentence for Chiefs’ selection of speedy wide receiver.
The Chiefs managed to get a second-round pick back in their recent trade for Orlando Brown. In doing so, they were able to give themselves an opportunity to stop Rondale Moore’s fall here. Moore may be only 5-foot-7, but he’s an elite athlete and run-after-catch threat. In Andy Reid’s offense, the possibilities are almost limitless.
59. Cleveland Browns: LSU LB Jabril Cox
The Browns passed on more immediate needs to add the top talent on the defensive tackle board earlier. Now, they can return to their list of needs, and take the best player available in Jabril Cox. Cox is already a smooth, high-level coverage player, something the Browns drastically need on the second level. He also has the size to become a good run defender in time.
60. Indianapolis Colts (via NO): USC WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
In my opinion, Amon-Ra St. Brown is a wide receiver who deserves first-round consideration. I’m willing to take responsibility if I’m wrong, but aside from deep speed, there isn’t much lacking from his game. He’s explosive, slippery after the catch, sharp as a route runner, and extremely competitive in contested situations. He shouldn’t go this late, but the Colts aren’t complaining.
61. Buffalo Bills: UCF CB Aaron Robinson
With Levi Wallace coming back on a one-year deal, the Buffalo Bills have some short-term stability on the boundaries at cornerback. Still, they need a slot cornerback to help free up the unit, and Aaron Robinson fits well there. He’s a good athlete who’s very physical, and he showed plenty of flashes at the Senior Bowl in January.
62. Green Bay Packers: North Carolina WR Dyami Brown
I truly hope the Packers’ performance in the first two rounds last year was just an anomaly, because they can’t afford another year like that in the draft. There’s too much value at positions of need to draft poorly, and Dyami Brown is a prime example. He can be a super fun match with Aaron Rodgers, with his ability to get open deep and take slants to the house. He’d also be a potential target for the Washington Football Team on Day 2.
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Tennessee OG Trey Smith
Honestly, why not just go all-in on the offensive line? That’s the mindset the Chiefs have adopted here, taking one of the top guards in the class in Trey Smith. Now their line has Orlando Brown, Joe Thuney, Kyle Long, Trey Smith, and high-upside 2020 rookie Lucas Niang, in addition to Laurent Duvernay-Tardif returning. Things are looking up for Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.
64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: North Carolina RB Michael Carter
The Buccaneers still lack a running back who can catch the football consistently out of the backfield. They signed Giovani Bernard, which helps a lot in the short-term. But if they want more juice in that rotation, Michael Carter makes a lot of sense. He’s a smooth, agile runner who’s very natural as a receiver, and he can learn a lot from Bernard as he develops his game.