NFL Mock Draft: Forecasting the top 10 picks

The NFL Draft will be here before you know it, and while star quarterback Trevor Lawrence recently underwent shoulder surgery on his non-throwing arm, it certainly won’t affect his draft stock.

Let’s run through a too-early mock draft of the top 10 picks.

1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Trevor Lawrence is a massive favorite to be the first pick. He has been a prolific passer since high school, has played against elite competition, and has proven himself worthy of the top choice with his skill set.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are lucky to have the pick.

2. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Zach Wilson put in the effort to advance his game to the next level in 2020, and he he lived up to the hype.

He has a gifted arm, an incredible work ethic, and a strong mind for the game. The New York Jets have to decide if he is worth the pick, with Sam Darnold still very young, but the franchise looks ready to move on with new hope and a new head coach.

3. Penei Sewell, T, Oregon

If the Miami Dolphins are going to commit to Tua Tagovailoa as a franchise quarterback, they need to commit to protecting him. Penei Sewell gives them the best chance to do that.

4. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

The Atlanta Falcons are nearing the point where they need to consider a future without quarterback Matt Ryan.

The general public doesn't know much about North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance, but he has all the physical tools and has been described as a very intelligent student of the game.

As Lance’s pre-draft workouts take place, look for him to pass Justin Fields on draft boards.

5. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Joe Burrow was a record-setting college quarterback, and one of the major contributors to his success was wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

Chase is a deep threat, and as Burrow looks to rebuild the success he had in the Bayou, why not bring in one of his favorite targets?

6. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

The Philadelphia Eagles have quarterback questions, but Jalen Hurts came on admirably to end the season

Look for the Eagles to pass on Justin Fields to take Florida tight end Kyle Pitts.

Pitts is incredibly athletic and can immediately step in as an impact player who will help any quarterback he gets paired with.

7. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Micah Parsons, the former five-star recruit who dominated during his time at Penn State, is an athletic specimen who can help a Detroit Lions defense that was one of the worst in the NFL in 2020.

Parsons can play the edge, defend in coverage, and is a logical stopgap for a team that has a lot of holes on that side of the ball.

8. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

The Panthers played competitive football in 2020 and Teddy Bridgewater played well for most of it. But Bridgewater may not be a long-term solution for the Carolina.

Injury history aside, his ceiling doesn’t feel high enough to take the Panthers to the next level, while Justin Fields’ athleticism appeals to a franchise deployed Cam Newton's similar skill set.

9. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

The Denver Broncos need help in the secondary and Farley is the best cornerback available. With not many teams above the Broncos looking at Farley, this feels like one of the most natural fits in the first round.

10. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

I’m going out on a limb for this improbable pick, but would anything feel more Jerry Jones-ish than to already have CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper, then add the recent Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith?

Smith is electric and dominated the college game, and there has to be some part of Jones that thinks, with three Pro Bowl-caliber wide receivers, his Cowboys can just outscore every opponent on the schedule.