NFL Mock Draft 2021: Patriots-Lions swap nets both teams a franchise quarterback and 49ers go with Mac Jones

Our NFL insider Jason La Canfora checks in with his take on how the first round will unfold

Let me begin this inane exercise with a caveat: If Bill Belichick reunites with Jimmy Garoppolo today, then things could obviously go in a different direction this evening when Roger Goodell begins to flex his bro-hug muscles. Actually, let me clarify: In full disclosure, this entire process is filled with caveats even in the best of times. Even fuller disclosure: In terms of medical information and having a combine clearinghouse for on-field and health testing, this is not the best of times to be mocking 32 players to 32 teams. Yet we proceed. So here goes, anyway! I ended up surprising myself here. Never would have guessed I have the same number of receivers and running backs in a 2021 mock. But I do. Can't recall ever feeling less certain about a class of defensive tackles or edge rushers. How about one trade that fills two QB needs? I am very much embracing the weird. (And one final disclaimer: As you are reading this, I can guarantee you that in realtime I am bugging one of my editors to please let me tear this up and rework it based on something I just heard that has probably a 51% chance at best of actually being true. And they will rightfully ignore me and/or tell me to pound sand.)