With Madden season in full swing, most enthusiasts will be looking to edit player ratings to their liking and create the players they want to see in the game. As much as this game is updated every year, those of us who love college football want to see our favorite players in the game sooner rather than later. In Madden that is. Understanding the excitement and anxiousness of using the college stars of the NFL’s future now, I decided to make this fun and put together a 2021 NFL mock draft with every college football prospect available to be drafted. Why not see what it would look like if all college players were eligible now, Madden style? The draft order is based on Lasvegassportsbetting.com odds to win Super Bowl 55 as of the end of July 2020, according to Bravado sportsbook.
1.01 Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson - Overall: 81
Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves in a fantastic situation, having Trevor Lawrence staring them in the face. The current quarterback room contains Gardner Minshew, Joshua Dobbs, Jake Luton, and Mike Glennon. Possibly the worst quarterback room in the entire league. Lawrence will bring that near-elite talent to Jacksonville, but also leadership and intangibles that are vital to the locker room. This is a no-brainer pick for the Jags.
1.02 Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State - Overall: 80
An embarrassment of a franchise needs a spark to redeem its image. That spark comes from the face of the franchise, someone who can overcome adversity and play football at a high level. Even with Dwayne Haskins coming along, but still not showing any future hope, the Washington Football team selects Justin Fields. An elite athlete as a quarterback, Fields can deliver significant playmaking ability with his legs that, for the sake of argument, Haskins cannot. Fields is also very talented as a thrower. He shows above-average arm strength, good accuracy, and anticipation at most levels with good pocket awareness. He is what this team needs and will help Washington finally contend sooner rather than later.
1.03 Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU - Overall: 78
Come on, of course, this is the pick. How could the Bengals miss giving Joe Burrow his number one receiver from LSU? Ja’Marr Chase not only helps Joe Burrow, but Burrow helps Chase be a day one factor in terms of fantasy. With AJ Green more than likely playing his last year in Cincinnati, and Tyler Boyd going into the second year of his four-year contract, Chase finds himself competing with Tee Higgins for snaps. Imagine Burrow having Boyd, Higgins, and Chase as his receivers? Wow. As much as this might seem like a bad situation for Chase with so many targets to go around, Chase’s chemistry and familiarity Burrow already put him in the driver’s seat for targets. Get ready to watch Burrow to Chase dominance once again.
1.04 Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue - Overall: 78
Let’s face it, CMC is ridiculous, but the Panthers can’t continue to ask him to do it all every season without consequences. The likes of DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel, and newly acquired Robby Anderson is who Teddy Bridgewater will be throwing the ball to this season. The addition of another versatile playmaker will help propel this team into another level of offensive production. CMC was the leading receiver in targets and receptions. He led the team in red-zone targets as well with 15. With the 4th pick, the Panthers select Rondale Moore. A dynamic playmaker that although doesn’t meet the traditional size requirements, he possesses the strength of a receiver 30lbs over his weight. Moore will add a dimension to the offense that fits Bridgewater’s limitations and provides a threat in the field’s short or deep areas.
1.05 Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson - Overall: 78
Frank Gore is a Jet. Maybe not for long, but he is a Jet. Le’ Veon Bell is considered the starter once again after a lackluster season in 2019, and Bilal Powell is still poking his head into snap counts. The Jets need a running back with the physicality and speed to be a difference-maker for this offense. With the fifth pick, the Jets select Travis Etienne. Not only is Etienne an elite speed demon on the ground, but last year he proved to be a reliable pass-catcher as well. His 37 receptions came out of nowhere, but they were a bright spot for his future NFL projection. With Etienne a Jet, maybe this team can begin forming something special on offense, finally.
1.06 Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota - Overall: 77
Not one Giants’ receiver had over 80 targets last year. Golden Tate led the team with 79, and Darius Slayton wasn’t far behind with 78. This isn’t the best introduction for adding a receiver for the Giants, but this team needs an alpha. The Giants lost its offensive identity in the receiver room when Odell Beckham Jr left, and they need it back again. Rashod Bateman is that player who can help this team get back into a balanced rhythm. Bateman possesses outstanding hands with exquisite nuance within his route running and displays a high football IQ. He will be an excellent addition for Daniel Jones, who needs a receiver capable of adjusting to inaccurate passes.
1.07 Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State - Overall: 77
There is something unique blossoming in Miami as they have done a tremendous job acquiring starters and depth for the majority of the roster spots. For most dynasty enthusiasts, if someone were to tell you years back that Josh Rosen and Tua Tagovailoa would be on the same team, most would think that would be crazy. The hole in this roster is the running back position. Jordan Howard is a solid RB but not the future. Matt Breida hasn’t proven to stay healthy, and Kalen Ballage sucks. The addition of Chuba Hubbard to this backfield would fulfill one of the missing links on this team. Hubbard would provide explosive playmaking potential and a real threat out of the backfield to take it to the house anytime he has the ball. With over 2,000 rushing yards last season, Hubbard is a proven workhorse that can help the Dolphins contend in the AFC East.
1.08 Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina -
Overall: 77
Imagine Sam Howell throwing the ball to Henry Ruggs, Bryan Edwards, and Lynn Bowden. It’s like a Devy dream. Well, it’s a dream come true in this mock. Derek Carr is not the future franchise QB, and Mariota is a depth add at best. Sam Howell is a big-bodied quarterback with outstanding arm strength and rush potential even though he hasn’t been used that way in North Carolina. For those thinking, really, Howell this high? The answer is yes. As a freshman, he threw for over 3600 yards with 38 TDs to just 7 INTs. It’s not just the stats either; he performed at a high level showing poise, accuracy, and quick mental processing in the pocket. Howell is an easy pick for the Raiders to replace Carr.
1.09 Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama - Overall: 76
The Lions could go QB here, but there is still some fuel left in the tank for Stafford. If the Lions want to have a chance at scoring enough points to compete, they need to add an explosive playmaker with the potential for scoring on special teams. Jaylen Waddle might be the best versatile, offensive threat in college football outside a healthy Rondale Moore. Kenny Golladay and TJ Hockenson provide large targets that are cemented as long term assets for the Lions. Marvin Jones is the only other receiver with relevance. Waddle would present a threat at all levels of the field, testing Stafford’s arm strength for some big plays downfield. As a returner, he could add Devin Hester type value to a team that needs every point they can get.
1.10 Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC - Overall: 76
The Texans traded away one of the best receivers in the NFL and are now left hoping that Will Fuller stays healthy, Brandin Cooks can be consistent and Kenny Stills works through his arrest issue. It’s no secret that the Texans need another playmaker for Deshaun Watson. Amon-Ra St. Brown fits the mold perfectly. He’s an intuitive receiver with excellent hands and can play through contact for the ball. He is an immediate upgrade for this offense and a plug and play receiver out the gate.
1.11 Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma -
Overall: 77
The Broncos need a QB, and as much as it seems like a stretch to draft a player that hasn’t taken a snap of collegiate football, the upside of Spencer Rattler is just too tempting. Oklahoma has produced back to back Heisman and first overall picks between 2018 and 2019. Rattler is a 5-star QB, which explains just how much talent he possesses coming out of high school and now becomes the starter for a program that produces NFL QBs. Drew Lock is not the answer as much as some want him to be. Rattler has the athleticism to make plays with his legs and the arm talent to sling the rock with accuracy at all levels. Rattler armed with Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Noah Fant manifests this offense as a legit threat to produce at a high level.
1.12 Najee Harris, RB, Alabama - Overall: 76
Kenyon Drake had a big year in 2019…for four games. Six of his eight TDs came in two of the last three games of the season. It’s great that he ended the season on a high note, but it questions just how good he is in general. With Chase Edmonds and Eno Benjamin as backups, the Cardinals need to add another RB with size, power, and athleticism to be a potential workhorse. Najee Harris is that guy. Harris enters with NFL ready size with outstanding physicality and enough athleticism to easily hurdle any defender in his way. Last season he also proved he could be a vital asset in the passing game. Adding Harris to this offense can be the icing on the cake for Arizona to contend.
1.13 Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State - Overall 74
The Chargers could add another receiver here, but the addition of another RB with tremendous talent will benefit this team for the long term. Austin Ekeler is a proven beast, but limiting the pounding he takes throughout the season is imperative for the longevity of his availability. Having a player like Breece Hall to develop alongside Ekeler would be huge. Some could say Joshua Kelley is that guy, and they may not be wrong, but if you’ve watched Hall as a freshman, he’s too special of a talent to let him slide here. A dynamic runner with equivalent ability as a receiver, Hall is a fantastic fit for the Chargers offense and can slide right in as the starter once Ekeler moves on.
1.14 Seth Williams, WR, Auburn - Overall: 75
The Browns don’t have many holes to fill on offense, which is even more pathetic that they went 6-10 last season. Both Odell Beckham Jr and Jarvis Landry are under contract for at least the next two years, but adding another receiver with size and physicality could be a nice compliment. Seth Williams delivers just that, a physical mentality with deceptive elusiveness and outstanding body control. Baker Mayfield would be driving a Bugatti of an offense if Williams were to land with the Browns.
1.15 Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State - Overall: 75
Good lord, the Bears have had the worst luck with QBs throughout the life of the franchise. Mitchell Trubisky was a mistake from the start, maybe not the player in general, but the draft capital and what they gave up to get him was to the definition insane for this front office. Nick Foles is not the answer to get this team to the postseason, so the logical approach is to draft the next franchise QB of the future. Trey Lance is an outstanding talent and has the accuracy, poise, intelligence, and playmaking ability to be a difference-maker for the Bears. Lance possesses the arm strength to carve through the lake winds, which is very important for a QB in the NFC North. There are similar concerns as Trubisky that he only has one-year starting experience and played against lesser competition. Those concerns are valid, but after watching Lance, he has all the talent to overcome these variables. Also, not focusing on the stats, but 28 TDs to 0 INTs is what you want to see from a QB playing against lesser competition.
1.16 Tamorrion Terry, WR, FSU - Overall: 75
The Falcons have a pair of former Alabama receivers leading the way for their passing offense. The addition of Hayden Hurst seems like a temporary stopgap, and the receiving depth consists of Laquon Treadwell and Russell Gage. Julio Jones enters the 2020 season at the age of 31. He is set to become a free agent in 2024, but his cap hit is 23 million next season. The Falcons add a Tamorrion Terry who delivers with speed and an outstanding catch radius. With Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and now Terry, the Falcons offense is a high powered scoring machine ready to erupt.
1.17 Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State - Overall 74
Robert Woods is set to be a free agent in 2022, and he has a 10 million dollar cap hit in 2021. Cooper Kupp is still on his rookie deal and set to be a UFA in 2021. The Rams need to add another receiver, which they do with Chris Olave. A technician as a separator with excellent hands, Olave is a talented receiver that fits the mold of what the Rams look for in a pass catcher. Whether the Rams move on from Woods or Kupp, Olave can fill in for each like a glove.
1.18 George Pickens, WR, Georgia - Overall: 74
The Titans came out of the 2019 NFL Draft with a golden nugget in AJ Brown. Unfortunately, they came out with what seems to be a bust in 2017 using the 5th overall pick on Corey Davis. Adam Humphries doesn’t add anything game-changing to the receiver corps, so the Titans find themselves adding another receiver. With a 27% dominator rating as a freshman, George Pickens found a way to breakout his first year of college on a team that only passes the ball nearly 30 times per game. Pickens added with AJ Brown gives the Titans an excellent dominant duo for Ryan Tannehill.
1.19 DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama - Overall: 74
The receiver run continues with a team that desperately needs to draft a receiver, whether they want to or not. Besides Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers relied on 5th round pick Marquez Valdez-Scantling and UFDA Allen Lazard as his pass catchers. The need for an explosive playmaker is a must. DeVonta Smith offers not only a big-time playmaking ability but also a great addition as a dynamic returner. His size is concerning, but his overall talent as a receiver can overcome those concerns. Finally, the Packers end the insanity and add Smith to a roster that desperately needs receiver help.
1.20 Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State -
Overall: 74
Devin Singletary proved to be a solid role player in his rookie season. The Bills also added Zack Moss in the 2020 NFL Draft with a third-round pick. The fact is, both are solid players but not exceptional at any one thing. Enter Kylin Hill, who has excellent mental processing, physicality, and pass-catching ability. Last year he ran for 1,300 yards and 10 TDs, proving he can carry a workhorse load. Durability is also a benefit for Hill, whereas this is a significant concern for Zack Moss. The addition of Hill benefits this offense greatly, and Josh Allen’s running forces defenses to be honest, which benefits Hill. Excellent match in the making.
1.21 Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M - Overall: 73
James Conner becomes a free agent in 2021, and it’s unlikely the Steelers resign him. Jaylen Samuels is said to be on the roster bubble, and Benny Snell is just a guy. The excitement for the possibility of Anthony McFarland is warranted, but this team needs to add another talented RB. Isaiah Spiller entered his freshman season with an NFL frame and vastly overproduced from what was expected from him. Nearly running for 1,000 yards and 10 TDs, Spiller put on a showcase at Texas A&M. Not to mention the 29 receptions for 203 yards he added on. As good as the season was for him, he did struggle against better competition, so he still needs to develop. His game against LSU was fairly impressive, though. He fits the Steelers system beautifully and can be a PPR goldmine in this system.
1.22 Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State -
Overall: 74
The Vikings traded away Stefon Diggs and drafted Justin Jefferson in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Adam Thielen isn’t set to be a UFA until 2025, but he’ll be 30 this year and carries a 13.5 million dollar cap hit by 2021. The need for QB is valid, but surrounding Cousins with talent posts a better outcome for immediate return for contention. Garrett Wilson might be one of the most intelligent receivers freshman receivers to come out in a while. He played both sides of the field in 2019 while also running numerous routes such as post, dig, go, sluggo, out, fade, hitch, seam, corner, and more. Ohio State trusted him to do this because he was already so nuanced as a receiver as a freshman. He is a unique talent with first-round NFL Draft pick potential. He adds fantastic value to the Vikings offense and immediately improves their offensive scoring potential day one.
1.23 Kedon Slovis, QB, USC - Overall: 74
The Colts went from Andrew Luck to Jacoby Brissett and now 38-year-old Philip Rivers on a 1-year, 25 million dollar cap hit. The apparent need for QB leaves the Colts drafting a very talented QB in Kedon Slovis. If JT Daniels didn’t tear his ACL in the opening game of 2019, Slovis might not be a discussion, but what he did with his opportunity warrants him a spot in this mock. Pro Football Focus charted Slovis as college football’s most accurate downfield passer in 2019. With young pass-catchers such as Michael Pittman and Parris Campbell, the athletic upside on offense is excellent. Let’s not forget Jonathan Taylor, who was put together in a lab. The future looks bright for Indianapolis with the addition of Slovis.
1.24 Joseph Ngata, WR, Clemson - Overall: 74
The Seahawks found a gem in DK Metcalf during the 2019 NFL Draft when they used the 64th overall pick on him. Tyler Lockett has become the playmaker most have been waiting on since his Antonio Brown comps during his draft process. The idea of adding another big-bodied receiver with solid route-running ability and tenacity at the catch point is too enticing for Seattle to pass up. Joseph Ngata is a made for the NFL, and he’s only a sophomore. Stuck behind Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins in 2019, Ngata only produced 17 receptions for 240 yards and three TDs. With Higgins in the NFL and Ross’s future unknown, Ngata is the guy, but the Seahawks nab the young physical playmaker to groom him into the next great Seahawk. From what Ngata has displayed in one limited year of production, he has first-round potential written all over him.
1.25 Jerrion Ealy, RB, Ole Miss - Overall: 74
The Eagles are slowly but surely filling the holes on offense. The additions of JJAW and Jalen Reagor help solidify the receiving corps, while Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz hold down the tight end position. Miles Sanders came on strong last year, but it’s evident that the Eagles like to use multiple RBs. Jerrion Ealy was arguably the most talented RB in the 2019 recruit class. His love for baseball scared most Devy owners away, but what he did in 2019 on a considerably bad Ole Miss team is nothing short of exceptional. His 20 receptions provided a glimpse of what he can be as a pass-catcher. The addition of Ealy to the Eagles offers a highly explosive impact player that is a threat to score anytime he has the ball. Mix him and Miles Sanders in the backfield, and defenses will struggle to keep up.
1.26 David Bell, WR, Purdue - Overall: 74
New England is a disaster on offense in terms of its receivers. Julian Edelman is 34 years old and who knows how he plays without Tom Brady. Mohamed Sanu has never taken the next step, and N’Keal Harry can’t separate at the line of scrimmage to save his life. The hope is that Harry becomes the WR1, but he has at least another year of development until that happens. David Bell exploded during his freshman season, making some forget that Rondale Moore was on that same Purdue team. He is a sophisticated route runner and shows the ability to play strong at the catch point, adjusting to the ball with acrobatic deliveries. With Cam Newton as the QB for the foreseeable future, Bell will see many targets from the go-up-and-get-em passes from Newton.
1.26 Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State -
Overall: 75
Pat Freiermuth is a unique case as he was eligible for the NFL Draft last year based on the fact he had one year of prep, plus two collegiate seasons. He decided to return to Penn State after producing 507 yards and 7 TDs. That gives him 15 TDs in two seasons with the Nittany Lions. While some may see Florida TE Kyle Pitts here, the fit for the Cowboys and Freiermuth is too perfect. The run game is vastly crucial for Dallas, and Freiermuth is an excellent blocker, whether stationary or on the move. He can detach from a block and quickly get into the open field to engage himself as a reliable receiver. Blake Jarwin is set to take the starting duties at tight end in 2020, but Freiermuth has something to say about that.
1.28 Zach Charbonnet, RB, Michigan -
Overall: 73
The Bucs are still trying to figure out the backfield since the departure of Doug Martin. It’s comical that the hype for Ronald Jones continues and that the Bucs added 32-year-old LeSean McCoy to the roster for depth. Most of the dynasty community is banking on rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn to emerge, but tempered expectations are the way to go right now. Zach Charbonnet is a big-bodied RB with a nice combo of strength and speed. He can make decisions quickly in the backfield even though his 2019 season didn’t entirely show evidence of this. Michigan’s offense was a disaster, and, amazingly, Charbonnet still produced as a freshman. His eight receptions also don’t do him any justice as he is a viable pass-catcher as well. His skillset in the Bucs offense will work very well, and he provides a physical, athletic upside that Tampa Bay has lacked for a while now.
1.29 Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State - Overall: 73
Michael Thomas consumed 33% of the Saints’ offensive target share with 186 targets. 33 year old Jared Cook was also a contributor with 65 targets with nine TDs. Tre’Quan Smith has fallen off the map leaving little depth for this offense at receiver. Before suffering a non-contact knee injury that turned out to be a torn ACL, Tylan Wallace proved to be one of the best receivers in college football. In only eight games last season, Wallace led the team with 903 yards and 8 TDs. The concern for his ACL tear and what that news for his explosiveness is a valid concern. Some scouts are even pointing to genetics as his brother suffered three ACL tears before retiring from football. Regardless of the injury, Wallace has shown to be a competitive receiver, one that the Saints can use to pair up with Michael Thomas.
1.30 Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis -
Overall: 72
The 49ers intelligently signed George Kittle before the season but still have holes in their offense that need to be addressed. They added Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk over the last two seasons but haven’t addressed RB yet. Raheem Mosert is a nice story, but not the long term answer. Every year is the year for Tevin Coleman in the eyes of the fantasy world, but if Coleman were going to pop, he would have done it by now. Same for Jerick McKinnon. The 49ers need to add a player that provides big-time playmaking ability as a runner or passer. Kenneth Gainwell rushed for over 1400 yards and 13 TDs as a redshirt freshman last year. He also caught 51 balls for 610 yards and 3 TDs. This is quite the feat for a first-year player. This type of versatility fits Kyle Shanahan’s system beautifully. Gainwell will prove to be a great addition to San Francisco.
1.31 Theo Wease, WR, Oklahoma - Overall: 72
There aren’t many holes in the Ravens offense, but another receiver would benefit this team for sure. The addition of Marquise Brown last year added speed, along with Devin Duvernay this year. Miles Boykin showed glimpses of potential but an unknown to this point, so the Ravens look to Oklahoma and draft Theo Wease. An immensely talented receiver with good size, Wease provides a large catch radius with well above average hands in 50/50 situations. He also possesses underrated speed and is much faster than his recorded 4.62. Wease would complement this team’s speed, adding his size and red zone threat potential to this high-powered offense.
1.32 Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida - Overall: 75
Trying to find areas for the Chiefs to add players to their already deep depth chart proves to be difficult, which is the reason they are Super Bowl champions. After looking at the offense, adding another tight end with a receiver like pass-catching ability seems like the right way to go. There is still much left in the tank for Travis Kelce, even at the age of 30, but adding a player such as Kyle Pitts couldn’t hurt. Pitts is an above-average athlete with good ability as a route runner for his size, offers quick change of direction to separate from defenders. The addition of Pitts allows Kansas City to get more creative on offense and provides insurance if anything were to happen to Kelce.
