SB Nation 2021 Mock Draft Extravaganza - The WFT is nearly on the clock on Day 3!

Each year, just before the actual draft, enterprising individuals from various SBNation blogs take it upon themselves to organize a site-wide full mock draft, with (ideally) writers/posters from each of the team blogs picking on behalf of their team. This year, I will be picking on behalf of the Washington Football Team and tracking progress here. Thanks to the abomination that is Coral, the draft has been moved to Discord this year.

I’m expecting to post the full Day 2 results around 4pm EDT today, all at once.

Schedule

4/9 – 8 PM EDT / 5 PM PDT (Round 1) - Day 1 Results

4/10 – 1pm EDT / 10 AM PDT (Rounds 2-3) Day 2 Results

4/11 – 1pm EDT / 10 AM PDT (Rounds 4-7)

A pre-draft trade has been executed: WFT sends Round 1, pick 19 and Round 2, pick 19 to Cleveland for Round 1, pick 22, Round 2, pick 11, and Round 6, pick 16. Per the Rich Hill trade chart, that works out to WFT (278 + 112 = 390), Cleveland (253 + 138 + 4 = 395). (Executed on 3/30/21)

Round 1, Pick 19 - Traded to Cleveland

Round 1, Pick 22 (From Cleveland)

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame - The selection of JOK here ended up being the perfect marriage of “best player available” and a position of need. JOK was 15th on my board, and even with the trade back to number 22, was available for the taking. I considered Teven Jenkins, who I actually prefer to Christian Darrisaw (gone at #20), but JOK is cut from the same cloth as Isaiah Simmons, who was my 2020 draft man-crush. This defense with a speedy LB corps, improved CBs, and, potentially, improved safeties, is going to be terrifying. This move allows a strong focus on offense on Day 2.

Last year, JOK was named one Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks”:

Freakiest attribute: Explosiveness

He’s coming off a breakthrough season where he led the team with 80 tackles and 13.5 TFLs to go with 5.5 sacks. He arrived in South Bend weighing 198 but is now a rock-solid 220 at 6-1½. His explosiveness is reflected by his 39-inch vertical, a 10-3 broad jump and an equally impressive 20.4 mph on his GPS. Owusu-Koramoah also notched 42 pull-ups in off-season training and back squatted 555 pounds.

Round 2, Pick 19 - Traded to Cleveland

Round 2, Pick 11 (From Cleveland)

Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State - This pick single-handedly redeemed the notion of trading back in the first. There’s simply no way Jenkins would have lasted 8 more picks, to Washington’s original slot. As I said above, I would have been happy to have Jenkins in the first. To get him in the second was a dream come true. I was half tempted to call it a draft at that point and walk away.

Jenkins is a beast, with the capacity to play both tackle positions, or to move inside to guard. He’s exactly what Washington needs, as potential Scherff insurance and/or as a longer term tackle option. This quote from Brett Kollmann in the video below is the zenith of praise for an offensive lineman: “Imagine Bryan Bulaga, but with rabies. When it comes to weaponizing physical gifts with technical discipline, there might not be anybody better in this entire draft class than Teven Jenkins.”

Round 3, Pick 10

Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami - After the elation of the prior pick, this one was a bit of a letdown. I missed Richie Grant (FS), one of my top targets, by a single pick. I absolutely would have taken him here. But he was gone, so I had to re-focus. Jordan actually wasn’t the best player left on my board here (the next pick was), but this was a reasonable value range for Jordan at a top position of need, so I grabbed him. Jordan is ideally suited for 12 personnel, and with Logan Thomas lined up side-by-side, Washington adds another weapon to its growing arsenal. It goes without saying that he will need a year or two to mature into the role, as most tight ends do, particularly in order to improve his blocking.

Round 3, Pick 19

Elijah Molden, CB/S, Washington - Bluntly, Molden was not my “target” here, but I had him with an early-mid second round grade and he was, by far, the best player left on my board. He was given the following comp, “He’s not quite as athletic as Budda Baker or Bryce Callahan, not quite as versatile as Tyrann Mathieu and not yet a proven safety, a la Jimmie Ward, but Molden has traits of all three.” I think he could eventually be our free safety.

Here are some quotes from a scouting profile that ranked Molden as the #35 prospect in the draft:

Terrific positional instincts. Outstanding ability to read and react. Superior quick trigger and good short-area quickness to pounce. Displays some explosion in a small package — good testing numbers in the vertical (37 inches) and broad jumps (125 inches). Loose hips he can flip very easily.

Fearless slot corner who can lock down underneath routes and handle shifty weapons. Lines up inside, outside, at corner and as a blitzer.

Plays bigger than his size and isn’t afraid of delivering contact — scrapper who belies his size. Terrific tackler who drives through his man and typically brings him down — very few missed attempts. Manages to slip blocks and somehow disengage from them consistently to make plays. Attacks the run and screens well and cuts ball carriers’ legs out from underneath them.

Four-down player — projects as a full-time defender and major special teams contributor.

Elite intangibles, football character and personal character. Future NFL team captain. Terrific work ethic and commitment to excellence. Huskies staff raves about him, as do NFL scouts who have been through the school.

Some people may say “we’re set at slot corner,” but if you look at the draft as a tool to improve your skill at every position, Molden makes a ton of sense.

Round 4, Pick 19

Davis Mills, QB, Stanford - I went into the draft fully prepared not to take a QB, and absolutely committed to not reaching on one. The usual suspects all went in the first round, with Kellen Mond going in the 4th. At this point, the value proposition for Mills was too good to pass on - though I did have my eye on another player I really hope will be there in the 5th (Josh Palmer (WR). Turns out he didn’t make it to the 5th).

Mills was the only of the “second tier” QBs I would have considered, and that’s primarily based on the expectation that he’s still got incredible, untapped potential that was unable to be tapped because of injury issues/COVID in college. It’s important to remember he was the top rated QB prospect in the country coming out of high school. He is absolutely a developmental QB, which is perfect for Washington’s current situation.

“He’s going to be a starter. He was a big-time player coming out, but he just hasn’t been healthy, which is the only reason he never became a bigger name.” — West Coast scout for AFC team

Round 5, Pick 19

Marlon Tuipulotu, DT, USC - I’ve spoken openly about my belief that the team needs to trade a defensive lineman - preferably Daron Payne - before he gets too expensive to keep and loses all his trade value. A move like this, where a DL falls a couple of rounds later than he should, opens that possibility right up. Many would say, “why are you wasting a draft pick on a DL? We have plenty.” I’d say, this is exactly why you draft best player available. It opens doors because you get fresh talent that gives you flexibility to manage your team.

From his scouting report:

Marlon Tuipulotu is an interior defensive line prospect for the Trojans defense. He plays with good reactive athleticism, showing good body control and agility. Against the pass, he displays a good bull rush and his relentless motor allows him to continue to pursue the football. He defends the run exceptionally by displaying good block recognition, then the lateral mobility to get to the ball. He has three-down value as an interior player and is an excellent fit in an even front scheme.

Round 6, Pick 16 (From Cleveland)

Khalil Herbert, RB, Virginia Tech - I had special teams ace, Avery Williams, from Boise State, queued up to be announced here when he was swiped from me by Minnesota. Herbert was a great consolation prize and excellent value here though, so I was happy to land him. Here’s a scouting report:

Positives: Explosive ball carrier coming off a career campaign. Patiently waits for blocks to develop, runs with balance as well as body control and finds the open lanes. Possesses vision, follows blocks everywhere on the field, and keeps his feet moving. Makes defenders miss in the open field, creates yardage, and keeps plays alive.

Possesses a burst of speed and beats defenders into the open field. Terrific pass catcher extending his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Keeps the play in bounds whenever the ball is in his hands and consistently takes plays north and south. Possesses terrific blocking vision.

Round 7, Pick 17

Jacob Harris, WR/TE, UCF - How Harris has stayed under the radar is a bit of mystery to me. Massive dude who runs a 4.43 40? I think there’s no chance he lasts this long in a few weeks. He’s likely a “move” TE in the pros, but a very intriguing developmental option at a position of need.

Round 7, Pick 19

Reed Blankenship, S, Middle Tennessee - Last 7th round pick and things start to get very thin. I considered drafting long snapper Thomas Fletcher here, but that was too practical, and I was fairly certain I could get him as an UDFA. Blankenship has had some injury issues, but I profiled him earlier in the year and I figured, “hey, let’s take another flyer on a 7th round safety, it worked last time.” If nothing else, he’s an immediate upgrade on special teams:

NFL scouts really like how fluid Blankenship is in his movement on the back end of the defense. The 6-1, 196-pound senior made 58 tackles, two INTs and blocked two kicks last season in seven games and earned second-team All-Conference USA honors. Blankenship has displayed plenty of athleticism in the MTSU strength program as well, vertical jumping 38 inches and broad-jumping 10 feet to go with a 4.5 40.

Undrafted Free Agents:

We followed up the draft a couple of days later with an “undrafted free agent” selection. I was able to get several guys I would like to have on the team, at least through training camp:

• Isaiah McDuffie, LB, Boston College

McDuffie is an excellent tackler that aims low, wraps, and rarely comes up empty. From a physical traits perspective, he has the ability to play in space and coverage. With that said, McDuffie has to become a better processor. While he makes quick reads, they are often incorrect. Compounding matters is that he often plays the game through a straw and struggles to get off blocks. McDuffie has many of the characteristics of a matchup linebacker in a 4-3 defense where he can cover, play in space, and pursue, but he has a long way to go in terms of play diagnosing and processing. McDuffie was a steady presence on special teams at Boston College and that is probably his best chance of sticking at the next level to give him a chance to develop as a linebacker.

• Royce Newman, G, Ole Miss

Newman is an under-the-radar right tackle with nice size and strength as well as growth potential. He turned in a solid season in 2020 and went on to perform well during Senior Bowl practices. Though he may take a bit of time to round out his game, Newman could be a Day 3 steal and eventually develop into a Sunday starter.

• Bryan Mills, CB, NC Central

Mills would be an intriguing Day 3 pick who could assist on special teams for a year or two, and potentially be ready to jump into a starting role in a few years, as Fuller or Jackson near the end of their contracts.

• Larnel Coleman, OT, UMass

Coleman started the final three seasons of his career at UMass following a redshirt year in 2016 and only one start along the line as a redshirt freshman. After earning the gig at right tackle, starting all 12 games there in 2018, Coleman moved to the left side where he held it down for the rest of his time in college. In all, he started 13 games at right tackle and 16 at left tackle (the 2020 season was only four games long for UMass).

Coleman stood at at the GGS with his prototypical size (6’6, 315 pounds) and his excellent movement skills. His weight is well-distributed across his frame and he may even stand to put on another five to 10 pounds if he can sustain his athleticism in the process. At the end of the day, he’s likely a late day-three pick with upside.

• Thomas Fletcher, LS, Alabama - I got my long snapper.

As a senior, starting every game of his career at Alabama, he was selected as the Patrick Mannelly Award winner, given to the nation’s top, senior long snapper. He also had the distinction of recovering a fumble on a punt return against Missouri. Of note, as well, was the fact that Alabama’s kicker was a perfect 14 of 14 on field goals in 2020 and 84 of 84 on extra points.

• Israel Tucker, RB, LA Tech -

Tucker took a backseat to his teammate Justin Henderson last season but is graded higher on a number of boards around the league. His Louisiana Tech Pro Day numbers included a 40 that was as fast as 4.46 seconds, a vertical jump that hit 38.5 inches, and a broad jump that touched 10’3″.

Round 4

#107 MIN: (traded from JAX in 2020 future trade*) Anthony Schwartz, WR

#108 NYJ: Walker Little, OT

#109 ATL: Talanoa Hufanga, S

#110 CAR: (traded from HOU and SEA) Tyler Shelvin, DT

#111 SF: (traded from CLE) Trey Hill, C

#112 GB: Tylan Wallace, WR

#113 DET: Jamien Sherwood, S

#114 SEA: James Hudson, OT

#115 DEN: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR

#116 DAL: Kellen Mond, QB

#117 NYJ: (traded from NYG for 2020 future trade*) Patrick Jones II, EDGE

#118 SF: Jaylen Twyman, DL

#119 LAC: Cade Johnson, WR

#120 HOU: (traded from MIN Minshew, traded from JAX, traded from SEA) Sadarius Hutcherson, G

#121 NE: Aaron Banks, G

#122 HOU: (traded from LVR, traded from CLE, traded from JAX, traded from SEA) Tamorrion Terry, WR

#123 NE: Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE

#124 DEN: (traded from MIA, traded from PHI, traded from CLE) Patrick Johnson, EDGE

#125 WFT: Davis Mills, QB

#126 MIN: Marco Wilson, CB

#127 TEN: Cameron Sample, EDGE

#128 IND: Jacoby Stevens, S

#129 PIT: Robert Rochell, CB

#130 CHI: (traded from SEA, traded from MIA) Kary Vincent Jr, CB

#131 DAL: (traded from JAX Martin/Cann) Kenneth Gainwell, RB

#132 BAL: Tre Brown, CB

#133 SF: (traded from CLE) Chazz Surratt, LB

#134 NO: Rashad Weaver, EDGE

#135 MIN: Charles Snowden, LB

#136 CIN: Victor Dimukeje, EDGE

#137 KC: Josh Palmer, WR

#138 TB: Dan Moore Jr, OT

#139 DAL (comp): Milton Williams, DL

#140 SEA (comp): (traded from NE, traded from DEN) Israel Mukuamu, CB

#141 PIT (comp): D’Ante Smith, OT

#142 LAR (comp): Robert Hainsey, OL

#143 CAR (comp): David Moore, OL

#144 CAR (comp): Shi Smith, WR

#145 KC (comp): Derrick Barnes, LB

Round 5

#146 JAX: Deonte Brown, G

#147 NYJ: Divine Deablo, S

#148 DEN: (traded from HOU, traded from SEA) Darren Hall, CB

#149 ATL: Chuba Hubbard, RB

#150 CIN: Josh Imatorbhebhe, WR

#151 JAX: (traded from PHI) Chauncey Golston, EDGE

#152 MIN: Ardarius Washington, S

#153 NE: Jamie Newman, QB

#154 HOU (traded for DET Coutee): Janarius Robinson, EDGE

#155 PHI: Trey Sermon, RB

#156 CHI: Chris Rumph II, EDGE

#157 HOU: (traded from PHI, traded from MIA, traded from SEA) Benjamin St. Juste, CB

#158 MIN: Jonathan Marshall, DT

#159 HOU: (traded from NE Cannon) Tyree Gillespie, S

#160 LAC: Malcolm Koonce, EDGE

#161 ARI: Rhamondre Stevenson, RB

#162 CIN: (traded from BUF for 2020 future trade*) James Wiggins, S

#163 CLE: (traded from LVR) Rodarius Williams, CB

#164 WFT: Marlon Tuipulotu, DT

#165 SF: Ambry Thomas, CB

#166 IND: Buddy Johnson, LB

#167 TEN: Jaelon Darden, WR

#168 TEN: (traded from SEA Jackson to LVR, traded from LVR Byard) Joshuah Bledsoe, S

#169 MIN: Simi Fehoko, WR

#170 JAX: (traded from CLE Williams) Shakur Brown, CB

#171 SEA: (traded from JAX) Tony Fields II, LB

#172 BAL: Richard LeCounte, S

#173 SF: (traded from NO Kwon/Kiko) Elijah Mitchell, RB

#174 GB: Darrick Forrest, S

#175 CIN: (traded from BUF for 2020 future trade*) Kenny Yeboah, TE

#176 KC: Tay Gowan, CB

#177 TB: Michael Menet, C

#178 NE (comp): Tre Nixon, WR

#179 GB (comp): Nick Niemann, LB

#180 DAL (comp): Stone Forsythe, OT

#181 ATL (comp): Drake Jackson, C

#182 SF (comp): Seth Williams, WR

#183 KC (comp): Bobby Brown III, DT

#184 ATL (comp): Darius Stills, DT

#185 BAL (comp): Skipped

Round 6

#186 LAC: (traded from TEN King) Larry Rountree III, RB

#187 NYJ: Kylin Hill, RB

#188 ATL: Tommy Doyle, OT

#189 DEN: (traded from HOU Cannon) John Bates, TE

#190 NYJ: Shaun Beyer, TE

#191 CIN: Jaret Patterson, RB

#192 SF: (traded from DEN Mack Wilson/Hamilton, traded from CLE) Tariq Thompson, S

#193 DAL: (traded from DET Griffen) Keith Taylor, CB

#194 MIN: Joshua Kaindoh, DE

#195 SF: Shake Toney, EDGE

#196 HOU: Garret Wallow, LB

#197 NYG: Jemar Jefferson, RB

#198 DEN: DJ Daniel, CB

#199 LAC: Larry Borom, G

#200 MIN: Avery Williams, CB/ST

#201 WFT: (traded from LVR Beckham, traded from CLE) Khalil Herbert, RB

#202 NYG: Wyatt Hubert, EDGE

#203 SF: (traded from HOU Finley, traded from CIN) Jaylon Moore, OT

#204 HOU: (traded from MIA McKinney) Marlon Williams, WR

#205 CHI: Skipped

#206 CHI: (traded from TEN Byard, traded from LVR, traded from MIA) Skipped

#207 IND: Kene Nwangwu, RB

#208 KC: (traded from PIT) Elerson Smith, EDGE

#209 CHI: (traded from SEA) Skipped

#210 LAR: Austin Watkins, WR

#211 BAL: KJ Britt, LB

#212 LVR: (traded from CLE) Ernest Jones, LB

#213 HOU: Khyiris Tonga, NT

#214 BUF: Skipped

#215 GB: Teton Saltes, OT

#216 TEN: (traded from KC) Thomas Graham Jr, CB

#217 PIT: Marquez Stevenson, WR

#218 SF (comp): (traded from TB for 2020 future trade*) Chris Garrett, EDGE

#219 NO (comp): Tre McKitty, TE

#220 ATL (comp): Jalen Camp, WR

#221 GB (comp): Dez Fitzpatrick, WR

#222 SF (comp): Paris Ford, S

#223 SEA (comp): Whop Philyor, WR

#224 ARI (comp): (traded from MIN Cole) Skipped

#225 PHI (comp): Dazz Newsome, WR

#226 PHI (comp): Tommy Kraemer, G

#227 NYJ (comp): (traded from CAR Darnold) Jose Borregales, K

#228 DAL (comp): Quintin Morris, TE

#229 CHI (comp): Skipped

Round 7

#230 NO: (traded from JAX) Deommodore Lenoir, CB

#231 PHI: (traded from SF Ertz) Adetokunbo Ogundeji, EDGE

#232 LVR: (trade from HOU McKinney, traded from MIA) Tedarrell Slaton, DT

#233 TEN: (traded from MIA Wilson) Riley Patterson, K

#234 SEA: (traded from CIN Finley, traded from HOU) Carlos Kemp, DT

#235 PHI: Justin Hilliard, LB

#236 CIN: (traded from DET/SEA) Hamilcar Rashed, EDGE

#237 BUF: (traded from CAR) Skipped

#238 SF: (traded from DEN) Evan McPherson, K

#239 DAL: Zeck McPhearson, CB

#240 DEN: Taquon Graham, DL

#241 PHI: Brendan Jaimes, OT

#242 LAC: Drue Chrisman, P

#243 MIN: Forfeited for salary cap violations in 2019

#244 NE: Christian Uphoff, S

#245 ARI: Skipped

#246 WFT: Jacob Harris, TE/WR

#247 PIT: William Bradley-King, EDGE

#248 WFT: Reed Blankenship, S

#249 ARI: (traded from LVR Hudson) Skipped

#250 IND: Pressly Harvin, P

#251 JAX: Drew Dalman, C

#252 SEA: Trevon Grimes, WR

#253 PIT: James Smith, P

#254 LAR: Jason Pinnock, CB

#255 CLE: Zayne Anderson, S

#256 BAL: Cole Van Lanen, G

#257 NO: Jake Funk, RB

#258 GB: Grant Stuard, LB

#259 MIA: (traded from CLE, traded from LVR) Skipped

#260 KC: Olaijah Griffin, CB

#261 TB: Feleipe Franks, QB

I look forward to your thoughts in the comments below: