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2021 NFL mock draft: How the first round could play out for K.C. Chiefs

By Logan Lazarczyk

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Brett Veach General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs watches the final minutes of the game against the Miami Dolphin from the visiting team tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Brett Veach General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs watches the final minutes of the game against the Miami Dolphin from the visiting team tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker #75 of the USC Trojans adjusts his helmet during the first half of a football game at Rose Bowl on November 17, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker #75 of the USC Trojans adjusts his helmet during the first half of a football game at Rose Bowl on November 17, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

16. Arizona Cardinals: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

Arizona made a surprising move when they snatched J.J. Watt from hopeful teams who were looking for his services. However, now is the time to find a player who can protect their electrifying quarterback. Kyler Murray was sacked 27 times last season, an improvement from the 2019 season when Murray was sacked 48 times. However, Murray still took a number of big hits while in the pocket. Alijah Vera-Tucker would be perfect for the Cardinals because of his versatility to play at tackle or guard. Vera-Tucker’s awareness and ability to set the edge would give Murray running lanes to evade pressure. Defense is also a clear need for Arizona, but Vera-Tucker is too good of an offensive line talent to pass up here.

17. Las Vegas Raiders: LB Jeremiah Owsusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

Las Vegas can go many directions at this pick, but at this point in the first round, Jeremiah Owsusu-Koramoah is the best defensive player available. The Raiders were pitiful against the run last season, and need a run-stopping linebacker who can close running lanes quickly. Cory Littleton was a major disappointment for the Raiders last year and Nicholas Morrow is headed into free agency. Owsusu-Koramoah won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season, and possesses the ability to disrupt any play. Kansas City will once again face another defensive player who will pose many issues at the line of scrimmage.

Super Bowl LV was a blueprint to slow down the Chiefs: Have a strong front-seven that can harass Mahomes. Jon Gruden should look at that and capitalize on the Notre Dame product falling to them in the middle of the first round.

18. Miami Dolphins: EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Miami

Gregory Rossaeau stays in Miami and has the opportunity to step into a defense that has a good amount of talent at each position. The Dolphins could use a linebacker after releasing Kyle Van Noy, but Rousseau is a fine option at 18th overall. Rousseau opted out of the 2020 season, but in 2019, he accumulated 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. The Miami product can be viewed as slightly undersized, but his length and explosiveness can exploit offensive lineman at the next level. Rousseau has an extremely high ceiling and will join a Dolphins’ defense that flew under the radar last season.

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