NFL mock draft 2021 – Mel Kiper’s new predictions for all 32 first-round picks,

Let’s dig into my third mock for the 2021 NFL draft, with post-free agency projections for pick Nos. 1-32 of April’s draft. After a flurry of moves last week, this is when we can finally see what teams really need — and which teams filled holes with multiyear free-agent deals.

After I put three trades in my Mock Draft 2.0, I have two more in this edition. One is for a team moving up to take a quarterback, and the other is to get a player who might be a top-five lock in any other year. I think you’ll find them interesting.

With no NFL scouting combine this year, there is still a lot up in the air before Round 1 begins on April 29. Pro days are finishing up soon, and that’s when I’ll set my rankings. There are dozens of intriguing prospects who have yet to work out for teams.

We’ll start with the Jaguars at the top of, course, and end with the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers, with some surprises along the way. The Jets have a huge decision looming at No. 2, with only a few more weeks left until we know for sure what they’re planning.

More draft coverage: Mailbag
Full draft order: Nos. 1-259
McShay’s Mock Draft 3.0
Jump to a trade: No. 3 | No. 9

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

With four picks in the top 45, new Jaguars coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke can get Lawrence some premier help. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take a wide receiver with one of their second-rounders (Nos. 33 and 45), and there should be stellar options on the board (Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman, Ole Miss’ Elijah Moore or LSU’s Terrace Marshall Jr. would be ideal weapons). Offensive line and tight end are other positions to prioritize. But c’mon, this pick is Lawrence all the way. And the Jags have the No. 25 selection to add a high-end talent, as well.

Notable free-agent additions: CB Shaquill Griffin, S Rayshawn Jenkins, DT Roy Robertson-Harris, WR Marvin Jones Jr., TE Chris Manhertz

Notable free-agent losses: WR Keelan Cole, QB Mike Glennon

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

I’m down to 50-50 here on the Jets keeping quarterback Sam Darnold. Free agency didn’t tip off general manager Joe Douglas’ plan; he went out and got much needed receiving help with Corey Davis and Keelan Cole Sr., but this team needed weapons regardless of who is playing quarterback. We still have a ways to go until Round 1 begins, but this is the scenario in which Douglas gets a second-round pick for Darnold — maybe from the 49ers, Broncos or Panthers, if my upcoming mock trade doesn’t happen — and the Jets move forward with a new face of their future. Wilson has a superstar ceiling.

Notable free-agent additions: WR Corey Davis, DE Carl Lawson, LB Jarrad Davis, WR Keelan Cole Sr., S Lamarcus Joyner, DT Sheldon Rankins

Notable free-agent losses: WR Breshad Perriman, C Pat Elflein, DE Henry Anderson

Trade: Carolina makes its move

The Panthers trade up five spots to get a quarterback, while the Dolphins move down to No. 8 and acquire what could be a 2022 first- or second-round pick (plus more considerations).

Miami already owns four picks in the top 50 — including the Texans’ first- and second-round picks — and now it could add another premier pick (or multiple) in next year’s draft.

With a loaded quarterback class, Miami is in a great position to trade down a few spots and still fill its needs. This is a win-win trade for both teams.

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

We’ve seen the Panthers be aggressive to try to add a quarterback this offseason — in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes — and it’s clear that Teddy Bridgewater isn’t their long-term answer at the position. I think the top four quarterbacks will be off the board by the time Carolina picks at No. 8, which means it is going to have to keep up that aggressiveness if Matt Rhule & Co. like Fields or North Dakota State’s Trey Lance. Fields could be eased in as the starter, and he’ll have a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver with DJ Moore. The Panthers would instantly become a must-watch offense every Sunday.

Notable free-agent additions: OT Cameron Erving, C Pat Elflein, LB Haason Reddick, TE Dan Arnold, LB Denzel Perryman

Notable free-agent losses: WR Curtis Samuel, TE Chris Manhertz, DE Stephen Weatherly

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Mel Kiper Jr. gets heated when discussing Justin Fields’ value in the NFL draft.

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Atlanta’s salary-cap situation means it mostly has to stay out of free agency, and it even had to restructure quarterback Matt Ryan’s contract to get under the $182.5 million cap. That restructure means the organization can’t move on from Ryan until 2022, at the earliest, but that’s OK. Lance is going to need time to adapt to the speed of the NFL. He only started 17 games in college, all of which were against FCS competition, and it’s a big jump to the pros. The Falcons need to start thinking about the future. They also are a prime trade-down option, particularly to try to get better value for a defender — and acquire more picks.

Notable free-agent additions: S Erik Harris, LB Brandon…