2021 NFL Mock Draft: Texans trade Deshaun Watson to Panthers, land Justin Fields
Justin Fields. 3. player. 10. . QB. Houston Texans
TRADE, Part 1: Texans trade QB Deshaun Watson to Panthers for 2021 first (8) and second-round (40) picks, 2022 first-round pick, 2023 second and third-round picks, LB Shaq Thompson
TRADE: Part 2: Texans trade No. 8, No. 67, No. 107 and Carolina’s 2022 first-round pick to Dolphins for No. 3, 2022 third-round pick
Let’s get crazy.
For starters, the Houston Texans trade Deshaun Watson to the Carolina Panthers, the team that owns the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. But with the need to replace their departing quarterback, they have to be aggressive and move up to No. 3 in this mock draft. That allows the Miami Dolphins to continue stockpiling picks from the Texans while Houston moves up to get Fields.
When you look at Fields’ arm, athleticism and build, he clearly is in the mold of a player who could be a franchise quarterback. However, the Ohio State product was rarely asked to tackle the mental aspects of the position necessary to succeed in the NFL. That’s why there is some concern about him. At the end of the day, though, that can be taught and all signs point to him being able to steer the Texans into a positive new era.
Ja'Marr Chase. 4. player. 44. . WR. Atlanta Falcons
On the heels of a disastrous 2020 season, there have been calls for the Atlanta Falcons to completely blow it up. Namely, people have surmised that the franchise could trade quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones. But that was seemingly shot down this week with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reporting that the “expectation” is for both to be on the roster in 2021.
In the case of Ryan, I believe that. He could get another chance with a new coaching staff. With Jones, though, he’s on the wrong side of 30 and his health has been an issue. And I believe he could very well still be dealt this offseason.
Operating under the assumption that happens, the Falcons get a replacement at No. 4 with Ja’Marr Chase. The LSU product opted out in 2020 but put up 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns with Joe Burrow in 2019. His blend of size, YAC ability, hands and route-running make him an elite prospect, even if he’s not a burner. Pairing him with Calvin Ridley is a nightmare for opposing secondaries.