A new 2021 NFL mock draft on the heels of blockbuster trades between the 49ers, Dolphins and Eagles. Which quarterbacks land where, especially with more deals?
Now that we’ve had two weeks of free agency, the plans of all 32 teams now and as it pertains to the 2021 NFL Draft are all starting to round into form. And that was made even more so the case on Friday as blockbuster trades shook up the top 12 picks.
It started when the San Francisco 49ers jumped way up the board in a trade with the Miami Dolphins as the Niners moved to the No. 3 overall pick. As a result, the Dolphins slid down to the No. 12 selection while also receiving two future first-round picks and a 2022 third-round pick.
Miami, however, wasn’t done there. Apparently not wanting to miss out on a top-10 pick, the Dolphins then pulled off a trade with the Eagles, moving Miami up to No. 6 as Philadelphia went to No. 12 while also receiving a 2022 first-round pick and a mid-round pick swap.
Given that we’re already seeing this type of trading and movement, the next month leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft could get wild. But let’s check in on how things could transpire over the first two rounds with a new NFL mock draft.
2021 NFL mock draft after major trades: Picks 1-4
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
There isn’t much to discuss here. Lawrence has been the consensus No. 1 pick in this draft for the past two years. It’s safe to assume that Urban Meyer would not have come out of retirement to coach the Jaguars if he did not believe Trevor Lawrence was a transcendent talent.
TRADE – 2. Carolina Panthers (via Jets): Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
I believe if the Jets loved any of the other quarterbacks in this class that they would have traded Sam Darnold by now. My guess is that they trade back and look to build a complete roster. Carolina will use this pick to select Zach Wilson as the quarterback of the future. I envision them rolling Teddy Bridgewater out as the starter and groom Wilson for the NFL. Although, Wilson’s recent buzz might push him into starting sooner rather than later.
3. San Francisco 49ers (via Dolphins): Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
San Francisco pulled off a hefty trade to move into the top three. It’s safe to assume they will be going after a quarterback and, with Justin Fields still available, there’s reason to believe that he’ll be the starting quarterback for San Francisco this fall. Fields has great athleticism and an amazing arm. Under the tutelage of Kyle Shanahan, he will likely have the best career of any quarterback in this class.
TRADE – 4. Chicago Bears (via Falcons): Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The Bears were rumored to be willing to sell the farm to acquire Russell Wilson from the Seahawks. I don’t believe Chicago leaves this draft without a franchise quarterback and with San Francisco moving up to No. 3, the pressure is on for Chicago to make a big move. Lance may not be as polished as the three before him, but he certainly brings the same level of upside.