You've read our 2021 NFL draft grades, along with the best picks for all 32 teams, biggest Day 3 steals and the lingering questions that every team has headed into the offseason. Now it's time for our panel of NFL experts to weigh in on what they liked and didn't like about all seven rounds of the draft.
With five quarterbacks off the board in the top 15 picks, a record 65 SEC prospects drafted and a few big trades, there was all sorts of intrigue around the 2021 class. There were a few immediate starters taken on the first two days, along with a few prospects who will need more time to develop before they see the field.
We asked our panel to evaluate the new crop of rookies, answering questions about the quarterbacks, their favorite picks, which team's rookie class could make the biggest impact and more. Check back every day this week to see more questions and answers:
The topics our panel has hit so far (click the links to see the answers):
Make a bold prediction about one player taken in the 2021 draft.
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh will lead all rookies in sacks. Oweh didn't record a single sack last year at Penn State. In the Ravens' pressure fronts, however, Oweh has the explosive traits to be schemed as a pass rusher. Create one-on-one edge matchups, while also utilizing Oweh's short-area speed on twists and stunts to get home to the quarterback.
Mike Clay, NFL analyst: First-round pick and projected starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw will help the Vikings' offensive line finally emerge into one of the league's better units. If Darrishaw and third-round rookie guard Wyatt Davis join center Garrett Bradbury, guard Ezra Cleveland and tackle Brian O'Neill in the lineup, Minnesota's starting line would include five Day 1 or 2 picks from the past four drafts. That's some serious pedigree.
Jeremy Fowler, national NFL writer: Davis Mills will start at least one game for Houston in 2020. The Texans could move on from Deshaun Watson after off-field allegations, and if they struggle to win with Tyrod Taylor, no use in waiting to evaluate the rookie. The Texans are high on Mills. He could surprise some people if his knees hold up after multiple surgeries early in college.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: The Giants will struggle to maximize wide receiver Kadarius Toney's skill set. There is a high-impact player here who needs some creativity and innovation to emerge fully, and frankly, I'm not sure I think the Giants have that capacity under offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Would Tyreek Hill have become Tyreek Hill on a team not coached by Andy Reid?
Seth Walder, sports analytics writer: Greg Newsome II will record an interception in Super Bowl LVI. Cleveland's roster is astonishing; the Browns are legitimate title contenders. Once they reach SoFi Stadium, opposing quarterbacks will be avoiding Denzel Ward but forced to make quick throws with Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney after them. That's when Newsome will take advantage.
Field Yates, NFL analyst: Mac Jones will lead all rookie quarterbacks in touchdown passes. The first part of this prediction is forecasting that Jones takes over as the starter by Week 1 for New England after a strong training camp. The second half is projecting a smooth transition into the NFL with a remade Patriots' pass catching group. Behind an excellent offensive line and with a great coaching staff to work with, Jones will step up right away. You wanted bold, right?
Give us a pick from Rounds 2-7 who will have some surprise value in fantasy this season.
Bowen: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles. With his dual-threat ability, Gainwell has the receiving traits to be deployed in the pass game like Austin Ekeler. Release from the backfield, align in the slot or flex out wide. Look for the Eagles to use two-back personnel with both Gainwell and Miles Sanders on the field to create matchup advantages.
Clay: Trey Sermon, RB, 49ers. Sermon was a third-round selection, but he landed in San Francisco's RB-friendly scheme. Raheem Mostert returns as the lead back, but the 29-year-old has appeared in more than 11 regular season games once and believe it or not only has 282 career carries. Sermon has the talent to beat out the likes of Wayne Gallman and Jeff Wilson Jr. behind Mostert and perhaps could emerge as the 49ers' lead back during the 2021 season.
Fowler: Elijah Moore, WR, Jets. Some scouts thought Moore worked his way into the first round with an impressive pre-draft process. The Jets gladly scooped him up at No. 34, and Moore will get a head start with Zach Wilson at rookie minicamp. The Jets don't have a true No. 1 to hog targets, so in a merit-based Jets offense, I like Moore's chances.
Seifert: Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos. Nothing complicated here. The Broncos ranked fourth last season in first-quarter rushing attempts, and with their quarterback situation remaining in flux, there is every reason to think they'll be a run-heavy offense in 2021. And when a team drafts a running back at the top of the second round, there is good reason to think he'll be featured heavily.
Walder: Michael Carter, RB, Jets. First thing I'm looking for in a rookie back is path to opportunity, and Carter's is straightforward: There aren't a whole lot of obstacles on that roster between him and playing time. Between Tevin Coleman, La'Mical Perine and Ty Johnson, what's stopping Carter from being the best of that group? Plus, with the Jets likely losing in their fair share of games, there's receiving upside here for Carter as well.
Yates: Cornell Powell, WR, Chiefs. While the Chiefs did bring back Demarcus Robinson this offseason, Powell has a chance to at some point emerge as the third wide receiver in this offense (perhaps even the second). We know that good things can come to those who catch passes from Patrick Mahomes ,and Powell was a player that I thought highly of headed into the pre-draft process.
How many rookie QBs will be starting by midseason?
Bowen: Five. With the anticipation that Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields and Mac Jones see early playing time, the question here is who is that fifth starter? And given the uncertainty of the quarterback position in Houston, I believe Davis Mills gets an opportunity before midseason.
Clay: Five. Since 2010, 34 quarterbacks have been drafted in the first round. Twenty-six were starting by Week 6 and 30 by Week 11. Teams spend a first-round pick on a QB for a reason, and despite what they claim leading up to the season, the veteran bridge option rarely lasts more than a month or so.
Fowler: Three. Let's play the under, knowing four is a safer bet. But Trey Lance is in an ideal spot to sit behind Jimmy Garoppolo, who has proved he wins when healthy. And here's to guessing Andy Dalton in Chicago or Cam Newton in New England play well enough to keep the job into November -- if not much longer.
Seifert: Five. I'm confident the list will include Lawrence, Wilson, Fields and Jones. The fifth will be either Lance, whose ascension would be based on a not-unexpected injury to Garoppolo, or Mills, whom the Texans might feel compelled to give reps to in what seems likely to be a lost season.
Walder: Five. Lance, I believe, will start right away because it doesn't make a lot of financial sense to keep Garoppolo and because Lance's rushing ability should allow for an easier transition to the NFL. If I'm shaky on any of them, it's Jones.
Yates: Four. The lone exception first-round in my opinion will be Lance, as I do believe San Francisco is planning to forge forward with Garoppolo as their starter this season. That roster does indeed have the requisite talent to make a quantum leap back to close to where it was just two years ago.
Who is your pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Bowen: Jamin Davis, LB, Washington. Playing behind one of the NFL's best defensive fronts in Washington, Davis will have free access to utilize his pursuit speed in the run game. Plus, with the second-level range to create ball production in coverage, and his traits as a blitzer, Davis should register the high-level numbers necessary to win the DROY award.
Clay: Micah Parsons, LB, Cowboys. Parsons is expected to immediately step into an every-down role in a Dallas defense badly in need of playmakers. In addition to racking up tackles as an off-ball linebacker, he's likely to generate sacks while being utilized as an occasional pass-rusher (granted he was in his second year, but Devin White racked up 178 tackles and 9.0 sacks in a similar role last season). Parsons' skill set, role and path to snaps sets him up as the favorite for DROY honors.
Fowler: Trevon Moehrig, S, Raiders. Las Vegas is starved for playmaking in the defensive backfield, and Moehrig can stuff a stat sheet with interceptions, passes defended and tackles for loss. Going from Jim Thorpe winner to DROY would be an impressive feat.
Seifert: Micah Parsons, LB, Cowboys. In some years, there is a difference between being the best rookie defensive player in the league and winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The latter usually requires some level of notable objective statistics, such as sacks or interceptions, and sometimes those numbers are a matter of scheme rather than ability. But Parsons can cover so much ground that there's every reason to think he'll be around the ball and making plays all season.
Walder: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Dolphins. The easiest way to land a defensive award is to rack up sacks, and Phillips should be placed in a strong position to do so. He'll be rushing the passer with a great secondary behind him, Miami should be leading in its fair share of games and there are potentially two rookie QBs in the division. I like Phillips' chances to put up numbers.
Yates: Micah Parsons, LB, Cowboys. Not only did Parsons have a case as the best defensive prospect in this year's class, he aligns at a position where eye-popping stats can be achieved. He's incredibly versatile and athletic, checking all the boxes needed to be an immediate starter for a Cowboys team that is desperate for defensive help.
Who is your pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year?
Bowen: Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals. With a healthy Joe Burrow back in the mix -- a quarterback who throws with high-level anticipation and location -- I'll bet on Chase as a productive, volume target in the Bengals' pass game. Chase displays easy juice after the catch, and he has the vertical separation ability to create explosive plays down the field. Scheme him up on crossers, slot fades and middle of the field targets as a rookie.
Clay: Najee Harris, RB, Steelers. I have significant concerns about the Steelers' offensive line, but Harris is a strong bet for immediate workhorse duties. He has the size to handle a majority of the carries and goal-line work, as well as the receiving chops to catch 50-plus balls. Even if his line struggles to find him lanes, Harris could push for 300 touches, which would vault him to OROY consideration.
Fowler: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins. Miami's offense isn't exactly a light show, but that's why the Dolphins drafted this guy. I heard from too many scouts who felt Waddle is a top-three overall player in the draft. He can score as a returner, a receiver or on a jet sweep. It's unfair to compare him to Tyreek Hill, but he's got some of the Hill flare.
Seifert: Justin Fields, QB, Bears. I think he's going to get on the field early, either by beating out Andy Dalton in training camp or replacing him early in the season, and there is a chance for real impact right away. After four years of using kid gloves with Mitchell Trubisky, this offense is well versed in making things easy for a young quarterback. All the young quarterback needs to do is hit the open receivers. Fields will.
Walder: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars. It'll be a bumpier ride than it was at Clemson, but Lawrence should have a pretty high floor even as a rookie after three straight top-10 QBR seasons in college. Plus, because the Jags' defense is lacking, he should put up strong production numbers trying to keep pace.
Yates: Najee Harris, RB, Steelers. No position has had a more consistent track record of instant acclimation than running back; it's also a spot conducive to impressive stats. Harris -- the first running back off the board -- has a clear path to instant touches for the Steelers as well. Combine all of that with the fact that he was the best running back in the draft and you've got a serious on-paper case for being the OROY front-runner.
Which team's rookie class will make the biggest impact in 2021?
Bowen: Jets. Their first four picks should contribute immediately. Zach Wilson, who has high-end arm talent and movement ability, is their Week 1 starter at quarterback. USC's Alijah Vera-Tucker could start as a guard or tackle on the offensive front, while wide receiver Elijah Moore and running back Michael Carter both have scheme-specific traits to fit in Mike LaFleur's new offensive system.
Clay: Lions. It's possible that this entire draft class will play a significant role this season. Penei Sewell is the starting right tackle, Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill will step right into the defensive tackle rotation, Ifeatu Melifonwu will be needed at corner, Amon-Ra St. Brown is a sleeper to lead the team's receivers room in targets, Derrick Barnes will compete at linebacker and even seventh-rounder Jermar Jefferson could play a role after Kerryon Johnson was released.
Fowler: Falcons. Atlanta needs immediate contributors for the mini-rebuild, and it drafted several who should produce in a hurry. Tight end Kyle Pitts and new coach Arthur Smith will be a lethal pair. Richie Grant can play both safety spots and excels in coverage. Offensive linemen Jalen Mayfield and Drew Dalman have the experience to become Day 1 starters. Atlanta's draft is solid if unspectacular, but over time these players will help reverse the Falcons' losing ways.
Seifert: Dolphins. Their top four picks could all end up as Day 1 starters, in terms of playing time if not depth chart, and they could be responsible for a significant upturn in production on both sides of the ball. Receiver Jaylen Waddle's connection with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa should ease his transition, and pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips is ready to make an instant impact as well.
Walder: Chargers. They ranked 31st in pass block win rate, so Slater becomes a key addition along a revamped offensive line that now includes Corey Linsley, Oday Aboushi and Matt Feiler along with Bryan Bulaga, who missed a good chunk of 2020 due to injury. Plus, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (joining a secondary with a returning Derwin James) and wide receiver Josh Palmer could make immediate impacts as well.
Yates: Dolphins. The Dolphins had about as much valuable draft capital as any other team in the league this year and wound up making four picks in the first 42 selections. All four of them -- wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips, safety Jevon Holland and offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg -- profile as possible or likely starters and will have a role on a team that won 10 games last year. Though Miami had a relatively quiet free agency, improvement could come in the form of a hulked-up draft class.
What was the most head-scratching pick of the draft?
Bowen: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Raiders. Leatherwood has the ability to be a solid pro as an offensive tackle or guard in Jon Gruden's system. The Raiders, however, lack difference-makers on the defensive front, and there was an opportunity at No. 17 for Vegas to draft the best edge rusher in this class: Miami defensive end Jaelan Phillips.
Clay: Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars. Jacksonville hit a home run when it found a feature back in James Robinson as an undrafted free agent last offseason. And yet a team with serious needs, especially on defense, decided to spend a first-round pick (No. 25) on another running back. I don't get it. Etienne is an outstanding prospect and explosive playmaker, but the running back position just doesn't move the needle enough to justify this selection.
Fowler: Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals. Chase (No. 5) has a chance to be an incredible NFL player. But when a team with a porous offensive line and a young quarterback coming off serious knee surgery can pick any offensive lineman it wants, embracing that luxury seems like an easy call. The Bengals let eight offensive linemen go off the board before taking Jackson Carman at No. 46. That's a gamble when first-round offensive linemen hit at higher rates than receivers.
Seifert: Pat Surtain II, Broncos. Surtain (No. 9) is a great prospect, but the Broncos had both Justin Fields and Mac Jones available at No. 9 overall. Perhaps they didn't have elite grades on either quarterback, and maybe they haven't completely given up on Drew Lock. But they've already hedged once at quarterback by acquiring Teddy Bridgewater, and there is no comparison between cornerback and quarterback when it comes to positional value. This only makes sense if the Broncos ultimately acquire Aaron Rodgers, perhaps putting Surtain in the deal.
Walder: Pat Surtain II, Broncos. What's the Broncos' path to a Super Bowl right now? It can't be with Bridgewater or Lock under center, right? Fields (or Jones) would have given them upside at quarterback to support an otherwise pretty strong roster. If general manager George Paton was adamant about passing on those two QBs, he should have traded down and secured extra picks next season -- because they're going to need a new quarterback at some point. I'll rescind all criticisms if this was all part of an eventual deal for Rodgers, but until that happens, passing on Fields was a confounding choice.
Yates: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Raiders. When a team itself acknowledges the pick as controversial, it's hard to ignore. The Raiders' selection of Leatherwood isn't head-scratching from a need standpoint, but rather that it occurred about 20 picks sooner than I thought was the earliest we'd see him go off the board. Las Vegas marches to the beat of its own drummer in the draft and isn't concerned with other teams' boards, but value matters in the NFL draft, and this was too high.
What was your favorite pick of the draft?
Bowen: Justin Fields, QB, Bears. I like the aggressive move here from general manager Ryan Pace to trade up for the Ohio State quarterback. Fields (No. 11) has the high-level physical tools -- and the playmaking traits -- to elevate Matt Nagy's offensive system.
Clay: Justin Fields, QB, Bears. No position moves the needle quite like quarterback, and Chicago simply wasn't going to get over the top with Andy Dalton under center. Enter Fields, who is an outstanding playmaker with his legs, but who has also been one of the most efficient passers in the FBS over the past three seasons. This was a smart trade up and breathes some life into the Bears' outlook.
Fowler: Rashawn Slater, OT, Chargers. Love this pick because the Chargers called their shot. When they signed interior line help in free agency, they made clear they weren't signing a tackle, because the draft would solve that problem. And they got who many teams considered 1A to Penei Sewell without giving up capital to move up. The plan worked perfectly, and now Justin Herbert is set up for success up front with a much-improved line, led by Slater (No. 13).
Seifert: Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens. It's difficult to imagine Bateman (No. 27) producing massive numbers in the Ravens' run-based scheme. But he's going to give quarterback Lamar Jackson exactly what he needs and really hasn't had since he ascended to the starting role in 2018: a polished, well-rounded route-runner who can get off the line of scrimmage and catch anything in his radius.
Walder: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Vikings. General manager Rick Spielman pulled off an incredible Day 1 of the draft by getting the Jets to overpay for pick No. 14 and then landing the tackle he may well have selected at the Vikings' original selection in Darrisaw. Plus, I took notice when my colleague Matt Bowen called Darrisaw (No. 23) the best pass-blocking lineman in the class. In the modern NFL, if there's one area I want to prioritize for my offensive linemen, it's pass protection.
Yates: Rashawn Slater, OT, Chargers. General manager Tom Telesco has emerged as one of the most stealth in the league, and landing Slater was a phenomenal value. Not only does he project as a longtime starter, but it happens to be at the team's grandest area of need. While I would have had no issue with Telesco angling up the board to select Slater, standing pat at No. 13 and landing him made this pick that much more valuable.