2021 NFL Mock Draft: Texans trade Deshaun Watson to Panthers, land Justin Fields
Trey Lance. 7. player. 50. . QB. Detroit Lions
Make no mistake, the Detroit Lions didn’t trade for Jared Goff because they want him to be their quarterback of the future. He’s a stopgap player at best but, if we’re being totally honest, the plan was clearly to add him so that they could get another first-round pick in order to take on his salary. However, having an experienced player to start in 2020 when the team isn’t going to be good puts them in prime position to draft Trey Lance at No. 7.
In terms of his potential, Lance is on the same page as Wilson and Fields. However, the floor and need for development are much greater. Lance has a live arm with a great natural feel for the position and the ability to make plays with his legs. But with one season as the starter in FCS, he needs reps against top-tier competition. Goff can start in 2021 and allow Lance to get the time required to ready him to start in 2022.
. WR. Miami Dolphins. DeVonta Smith. 8. player. 59
(Pick via Texans by way of Panthers) – Though there are a number of people who support the notion of the Dolphins taking Penei Sewell at No. 3, finding an aggressive trade partner and moving down the board might be best for them. Doing so will allow the franchise to continue acquiring more valuable draft capital as the rebuild takes full shape. And hey, they still land DeVonta Smith at No. 8.
The Heisman Trophy-winner is slight-framed and that’s a concern — but that’s also where the concerns stop. His blend of explosiveness, elite route-running, sure hands and versatility make him a high-caliber weapon ready to win in the NFL from day one. He would be a perfect weapon that Miami currently lacks and would also be paired with his former Alabama quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.