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2021 NFL mock draft: Big surprises in 1st round

The mock draft machine is churning even earlier than usual this year, thanks to a college football season full of postponed games and top prospects opting out due to COVID-19.

The latest 2021 NFL mock draft comes from CBS Sports, and while it’s hard to label too many picks as shocking this early, this projection definitely has a handful of eyebrow-raising selections.

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence going No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t one of them, but the Washington Football team opting for Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields over Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell would be a head-scratcher at the No. 2 spot. Sewell falling past the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 3 is even more surprising, given Cincy’s need to improve their offensive line and protect their investment in Joe Burrow.

Sewell falls to the Miami Dolphins at No. 5, giving Tua Tagovailoa a franchise left tackle and a huge bargain at that pick.

Another top prospect who goes much later than expected in Florida State defensive lineman Marvin Wilson III, who nearly falls out of the first round entirely, landing with the Baltimore Ravens at the No. 30 pick.

North Dakota State’s Trey Lance is the only other quarterback to crack this first-round projection, heading to the Chicago Bears with the No. 14 overall pick.

To check out the complete first-round mock draft at CBS Sports, which includes plenty of surprise picks that aren’t likely to be household names just yet, click here.