2021 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after national championship

This might be a surprise pick for the Jets, but I truly believe they’re going to put their faith in Sam Darnold for at least one more season. Since they won’t be able to select the clear franchise quarterback in this year’s class (Trevor Lawrence), expect the Jets to go with the next best overall prospect: Penei Sewell.

The Oregon offensive tackle is one of the best offensive lineman prospects in recent years and it’d be wise for the Jets to bolster that mediocre line.

In fact, New York allowed 43 sacks this season which was good for ninth-most in the NFL. They didn’t protect the quarterback effectively enough which was a major reason for the inconsistencies at that position. Find the starting tackle of the future and protect Darnold better and see how much he improves.

Sewell opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the draft and he had quite the list of accomplishments in just two seasons: Outland Trophy winner, AP Pac-12 Co-Offensive Player of the Year, PFF Pac-12 Player of the Year, unanimous first-team All-American, Freshman All-American. Oh, and he only allowed one sack in nearly 1,400 career snaps.