Mel Kiper’s predictions for all 32 first-round picks including Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, DeVonta Smith



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It’s officially mock NFL draft season. Let’s start with my preliminary projections for the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, starting with the Jacksonville Jaguars in first place.

It will be one of the most interesting projects since I started covering them over 40 years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought extraordinary changes to the pre-draft process. There is no NFL combine. Pro days will be limited to teams. This week’s Senior Bowl is the only event where coaches, scouts and front office leaders can meet prospects – through plexiglass.

A year ago, everyone was talking about Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and his rise to the top. There has been little drama surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals’ pick at No.1. This year? Well, let’s just say the draft starts with the New York Jets at No.2. There will be a lot of drama over the next three months until the first round begins on April 29.

Let’s get into the choices. The draft order for picks 1 through 30 is set and we use ESPN’s Football Power Index to project picks 31 and 32. I’ll be on shows all day, culminating with our SportsCenter Special: NFL Mock Draft 1.0 by Mel Kiper at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the ESPN app.

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