2021 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom First-Round Mock Draft
With the 31st pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select…
26. . Wide Receiver. Baltimore Ravens. Rashod Bateman. 31. player
Ravens GM (for this pick only): Leigh
After the Chiefs traded their first-round pick to the Ravens in exchange for offensive tackle Orlando Brown, the Ravens get a second pick in round one and it’s only four picks after their first selection. They go defense with their first pick and decide it’s time to address the wide receiver position, which they’re in need of.
Rashod Bateman falling this far in the first round made it a pretty easy decision for the Ravens and they can thank the Chiefs for them being able to get him. Bateman had 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2019 season and had 472 yards and two touchdowns through just five games in 2020. He’d bring electricity to the Ravens’ offense and give them a legitimate No. 2 option at a very important position.
Staff Reaction: The Ravens could have spent this pick on an offensive lineman after trading Brown to the Chiefs, but it’s hard to fault them for adding Bateman to their arsenal of weapons. Lamar Jackson will love having this guy to throw to. – Kole
With the 32nd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select…
48. . EDGE. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jaelan Phillips. 32. player
Buccaneers GM: Cullen
The Buccaneers managed to bring most of the band back after winning the Super Bowl over the Chiefs in February. Because of that, the defending champs are that much older. The Bucs could’ve gone a number of ways here (including nabbing Elijah Moore, the speedy slot receiver out of Ole Miss), but they correctly decide on help on the edge.
Phillips collected eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss for the Hurricanes last season, and the Bucs will add him to a stellar pass rush. He might not be a starter in 2021, but the Bucs have found their replacement for the aging Jason Pierre-Paul.
Staff Reaction: It’s hard to know where the Buccaneers will go here as they brought everyone back. Far too rich for a quarterback and a team with so many veterans, finding playing time is difficult. I may have gone with Terrace Marshall or Central Florida DB Aaron Robinson, as getting help in the trenches is a common choice for a Super Bowl-winning team, and Phillips will help keep a really aging defensive line. Not much impact as a rookie but there’s depth and developmental talent there. – John
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Next. 7-Round Mock Draft: Chiefs Add 2 Immediate Contributors. dark
That sums up KC Kingdom’s first-round mock draft! Which picks stood out to you?