The 2021 NFL Draft gets underway on Thursday, April 29, and will conclude on Saturday, May1. The event is set to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, and it’s no big secret that the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to take with the No. 1 overall pick.
This year’s draft is loaded with quarterback talent and three signal-callers could go with the first three picks. Here’s a look at how we see the top 10 picks.
Jacksonville: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
New head coach Urban Meyer needs a franchise quarterback. Gardner Minshew was fun while it lasted, but Lawrence is big at 6-6 and 220 pounds and has a rocket of an arm. Meyer will build his spread offense around Lawrence.
New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
There is no question the Jets were tired of Sam Darnold. Now, there’s no question they are taking a quarterback after trading Darnold to Carolina. The Jets like Wilson, a smart quarterback with solid arm talent. His pro day throws, which were on air, were still impressive.
San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
And there it is. A 1-2-3 for quarterbacks in Round 1. The 49ers are becoming tired of Jimmy Garoppolo’s injuries. Fields is a great fit in the Kyle Shanahan offense that can get the quarterback out of the pocket and use his athleticism at times.
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Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
The rumors that Atlanta wants to trade out of the No. 4 spot could be a giant smoke screen to cover their real intentions. Yes, QB Matt Ryan is getting up there in age, but he is still productive. And, what would make him more productive? A generational tight end talent like Pitts. He’s big at 6-6, 245 pounds and fast – he ran a 4.44 40-yard dash at his pro day.
Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
With a healthy Joe Burrow back in 2021 and a solid cast of playmakers around him, it’s time for the Bengals to upgrade the offensive line. Cincy signed Riley Reiff and with Sewell in the lineup the Bengals will be much better up front. It will make Burrow even better.
Miami Dolphins: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Dolphins need playmakers for QB Tua Tagovailoa. They will get the first of many with the sixth pick in former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner is as good as they come and will instantly upgrade the Dolphins receiving corps.
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Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner will begin a run on Alabama football talent. Smith is an excellent route runner with great hands and ability after the catch. With Jared Goff now at quarterback in Detroit, Smith will become his first weapon in the Lions offense.
Carolina Panthers: Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
Carolina traded for Sam Darnold, so there is no need to draft a quarterback. The Panthers can focus on defense and go for Alabama’s Surtain, a 6-2 shutdown corner that could develop into one of the game’s best. He fits the mold of the modern corner – long, lean, fast, and tough.
Denver Broncos: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Quite possibly the first real surprise of the 2021 draft comes at No. 9 when Denver goes for Jones. In one season as the Tide’s starter, Jones proved he is NFL ready. He’s calm, smart, and can make the throws. He wasn’t as high on many team’s draft boards, but he is capable of being an NFL starter and quickly.
Dallas Cowboys: Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
The Cowboys could go defense with their first pick, but the opportunity to upgrade the offensive line is too much to pass on. Slater is a great talent that can play anywhere along the offensive line.
