Todd McShay 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Ja'Marr Chase to Eagles, DeVonta Smith to Lions

With the Super Bowl complete, all 32 NFL teams will focus on the offseason, particularly leading up to the 2021 NFL draft.  

ESPN's Todd McShay has provided a sampling of what might happen in April with the release of his latest mock draft. His projection includes the first four picks being quarterbacks, including the Carolina Panthers trading with the Miami Dolphins for the third pick to select North Dakota State's Trey Lance. 

The top two picks are Trevor Lawrence to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Zach Wilson to the New York Jets. The Atlanta Falcons use the No. 4 pick to take Justin Fields as Matt Ryan's successor. 

McShay also projects three wide receivers to go in the top 10, led by LSU star Ja'Marr Chase going to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 6. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith goes seventh to the Detroit Lions, followed by his Alabama teammate Jaylen Waddle to the Dolphins at eight with the pick they would receive from Carolina. 

McShay's projection of Chase to the Eagles is notable because of the looming questions about who will be the team's starting quarterback in 2021. 

There have been conflicting reports about how close a Carson Wentz trade might be. ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported on Saturday that a deal is expected to happen "in the coming days."

On Monday, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said there's no indication at this point that a Wentz deal is imminent because the Eagles "are basically waiting for an offer that they think is worthwhile."

Chase would fill one of the biggest holes that Philadelphia's roster has had for the past two years. He opted out of the 2020 season but was the most dominant wide receiver in the country during LSU's run to the national title two years ago. The 20-year-old had 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns on 84 catches in 2019. 

The Lions have gone all-in on rebuilding under new head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. They have agreed to trade Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for three draft picks, including first-rounders in 2022 and 2023, and Jared Goff. 

Since the Lions appear to be operating with a long-term plan in mind, they don't need to force a quarterback early this year if one isn't available. Wide receiver is a clear position of need with Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola all eligible for free agency. 

Smith has the potential to be a franchise player at wide receiver. He became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991. The Alabama star led the nation with 117 receptions, 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns in 13 games last season.

Waddle was limited to six games in 2020 due to a broken ankle, but he returned to catch three passes for 34 yards in the College Football Playoff National Championship against Ohio State.

The Dolphins have been linked as a potential landing spot for Deshaun Watson if the Houston Texans decide to move their Pro Bowl quarterback. That would likely upend this entire draft for Miami, but as things stand the organization needs to add playmakers around Tua Tagovailoa. 

Tagovailoa tied for 30th out of 35 qualified quarterbacks in average yards per attempt (6.3) and had the second-fewest passing yards per game (181.4) of any quarterback in 2020. 

Waddle has a built-in rapport with Tagovailoa from their two seasons as teammates at Alabama from 2018-19. 

After those three players go in the top 10, the only other wideout McShay projects in the first round is Florida's Kadarius Toney to the Washington Football Team at No. 19 to pair with Terry McLaurin. 

It seems unlikely there will be six receivers drafted in the first round like last year, but this could be the first time since 2017 that three wideouts go in the top 10.