Piece By: Lou Pastor
*2 Rounds + Detailed Analysis
*Post-Sam Darnold Trade
*Predicting what I think will happen, not necessarily what I would do
1) JAC - Trevor Lawrence QB Clemson - The Jaguars land the most fundamentally sound QB prospect in the 2021 draft class. Lawrence has refined throwing mechanics, clean footwork, and excellent arm strength.
2) NYJ - Zach Wilson QB BYU - Zach Wilson has dazzling highlights in which he displays his remarkable arm talent. I do worry about Wilson's propensity to run at inopportune times and handle pocket pressure poorly, though. Zach Wilson has a wide range of outcomes for his NFL career.
3) SF - Mac Jones QB Alabama - I'm very confident that Mac Jones is Kyle Shanahan's guy. Jones may have limited arm strength and mobility, but he is a rhythmic, anticipatory, and accurate passer. Jones reminds me of Matt Ryan in many ways. Mac Jones is the most NFL-ready QB in the 2021 NFL draft class right now behind Trevor Lawrence.
4) DEN(T) - Justin Fields QB OSU - Four quarterbacks with the first four picks. I like Justin Fields as a concept because of his speed as a runner and downfield accuracy, but Fields isn't as NFL-ready as his college statistics would suggest. My concerns for Fields are that he came from a very college-like offense in that he didn't do much pre-snap analysis or many passing progressions, he struggled with short-pass accuracy in unscripted situations, and he handled pressure horribly by taking sacks frequently. With all of that being said, Fields has plenty of upside to offer a Broncos franchise that is desperate for a good QB.
5) CIN - Ja’Marr Chase WR LSU - I have the Bengals reuniting Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. Chase is easily the best WR in this draft class because of his combination of physical tools and route-running. Cincinnati can address the o-line in subsequent rounds, as there's depth at those positions this year.
6) MIA - Kyle Pitts TE Florida - Kyle Pitts is a big, jump-ball weapon who can line up anywhere on the field. I'm not as high as some are on Pitts, but he could flourish in Miami.
7) NE(T) - Trey Lance QB N.Dakota St. - With Carolina trading for Sam Darnold, the door seems to have reopened for New England to draft a QB. Trey Lance is a perfect fit for the Patriots' offense because Lance plays football similarly to Cam Newton. Lance's powerful rushing ability would be magnified behind the best run-blocking offensive line in the NFL. Lance is still relatively untested as a passer, but he's got excellent arm strength and velocity. Trey Lance should hope to be selected by the Patriots and groomed behind Cam Newton for a year or two.
8) CAR - Penei Sewell OT Oregon - Word on the street is
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