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

Alex Leatherwood was a projected first-round pick a year ago, but along with guys like Najee Harris and Dylan Moses, he decided to come back for one more run at a national title after missing the playoff in a disappointing 2019 season. While he put his draft stock on the line with his return, I don’t think he hurt it much, if at all.

Plus, who could be mad about another national title?

I have the Packers taking him here at the end of the first round in a spot that could easily go to someone like Jackson Carman from Clemson, but Leatherwood has the experience and he even won the Outland Trophy given to the best interior lineman in the country.

The Packers need an offensive tackle more so than a guard, but Leatherwood could play either one. Many believe he projects more as a guard, but the fact that he was a dominant tackle at the collegiate level should ease some of that concern.

Aaron Rodgers may want a receiver, but he would settle for some offensive line help.