Could we have five quarters of the first round?

The 2021 NFL Draft looks strong at the top of the quarterback, even with a few unusual and potentially tricky evaluations in the squad.

There could be as many as four top 10 picks, and possibly a fifth in the first round, giving it a similar feel to the 2018 NFL Draft, when Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Josh Rosen landed in the top 10 and Lamar. Jackson was the last pick in the first round.

The difference could be at the top. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence isn’t a prospect to be missed – scouts will tell you there’s almost nothing quite like it – but he’s as established and loved of a potential NFL passer as we are. have seen for years.

Plus, he’s backed by Ohio State’s Justin Fields and BYU’s Zach Wilson, who might have more universal appreciation than the second wave of QB 2018 outlook.

Let’s reset the quarterback hierarchy a bit and take a look at how players are viewed as we head down the home stretch of a grueling and unpredictable college football season. (Note: Day 2 of the draft includes rounds 2-3 and day 3 includes rounds 4-7.)

There are also other quarterback prospects that we haven’t listed – think of Indiana’s Michael Penix Jr. after outperforming Fields in their head-to-head battle – that could enter the fray if they were. are changing their plans to enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

Higher level (almost some of the top three choices)

Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

The last time we saw Lawrence play was over a month ago, perhaps in his least impressive outing of 2020 against a respected Syracuse defense on October 24. This match did nothing to knock Lawrence off his perch as almost certain. better prospect of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Lawrence was barred from Boston College and Notre Dame games after his COVID-19 test positive, and FSU called off his game against the Tigers at the last minute last week. None of this will be held against Lawrence in his assessment, but his 2020 gang opportunities are slipping away.

Still, if there’s one safe bet among the QBs, it’s that Lawrence certainly looks like the No.1 pick next spring, possibly landing with the New York Jets (0-10). Can anything derail this?

The story continues

Remaining games: vs. Pitt, at Virginia Tech; Tigers could play in the CCA championship game and one or two college football playoff games, plus the FSU game, which may be postponed

Second level (first 10 choices possible)

Justin Fields, State of Ohio

Zach Wilson, BYU

Trey Lance, State of North Dakota

Fields had a brilliant start to the season, scoring as many touchdowns (11) as there were incomplete passes in the Buckeyes’ first three games. Then Fields struggled in the win over Indiana, showing a level of panic rarely seen in the past two seasons.

Is this an outlier or the start of a trend? History suggests it was just a tough outing against a defense that leads all FBS in interceptions per game.

Wilson has been the biggest riser this season, completing 74.3% of his passes, averaging 302.7 passing yards per game, averaging 11.5 per pass, racking up a TD-INT ratio of 26-2 and rushing for eight scores in nine outings.

The Cougars only played one respectable defense (Boise State) and reportedly turned down Washington’s openings to get stuck in a game between them. That’s a shame, as a game against a good Huskies defense would certainly be a strip that any team considering drafting Wilson would put a lot of value into.

There are teams that could rank Wilson above Fields. The assumption, however, based on a myriad of conversations with talent assessors from across the league, is that he’s behind Fields if we were to seriously question the 32 clubs.

At the start of the summer, some teams felt Lance had the highest cap of any unnamed QB Lawrence in this class. With the Bison’s fall season – a one-game affair – over, Lance has only limited opportunities to prove it remains the case. This is why Lance will be one of the most compelling evaluations for many years, showing a limited CV (17 starts at FCS level) but a huge advantage as a double threat prospect with age on his side (he will be 21 10 days after the first round) of the 2021 project).

He could finish the draft fourth quarter, but the overall top 10 still seems like a possible landing point.

Remaining parts of Fields: to Illinois, Michigan and Michigan, although the Illinois game is apparently in jeopardy; plus the Buckeyes could play in the Big Ten Championship game and one or two CFP games.

Wilson’s remaining games: against the State of San Diego; in addition, the Cougars could play one or two CFP games.

Lance’s remaining games: No

Third level (probably prospects from day 2 that could go higher)

Kyle Trask, Florida

Mac Jones, Alabama

It is possible that one of these two (and perhaps both, even though we’re not betting on that) ends up somewhere in the end of the first round.

Trask has elevated his game immensely, from the little-known save at the start of the 2019 season to the Heisman Trophy contender in 2020. Jones picked up where Tua Tagovailoa left off when Tagovailoa got injured last year, as the Bama’s passing game has not lost a step.

Are either of them a foolproof first player? Not from our point of view.

The Scouts were impressed with the calm of the two passers-by under pressure and they thrived – despite the lack of elite talent – as pitchers on the pitch.

Neither do Double Threat Shifts, and their benefits might be seen as limited.

Trask is seen the same way (or maybe a little higher) as Nick Foles or Mason Rudolph when they came out. And Jones could be somewhere on the Andy Dalton-Derek Carr spectrum as a prospect.

Trask has entered the Senior Bowl, which could provide him with a great opportunity, and Jones could be a candidate for this game, having already graduated, if he comes out early with remaining eligibility.

Trask’s remaining games: vs. Kentucky, Tennessee, vs. LSU; plus the Gators could play in the SEC Championship game and one or two CFP games.

Remaining parts of Jones: against Auburn, Arkansas; plus the Tide could play in the SEC Championship game and one or two CFP games.

The next level (day 3 chooses who could possibly slide into day 2)

Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Kellen Mond, Texas A&M

Kenny Pickett, Pitt

Sam Ehlinger, Texas

Shane Buechele, SMU

Feleipe Franks, Arkansas

Jamie Newman, Georgia (ex-Wake Forest)

Brock Purdy, State of Iowa

There is potential in this group, but also many questions.

Ridder has helped his cause with a solid season, and Mond has his fans in screening circles. Both fit the mold of the relatively armed quarterback with all the rage mobility, although Ridder appears to outdo Mond at this point.

Pickett missed the time with an ankle injury, but took a step forward with his 2020 game. He’s still held back by lost passes and the lack of elite talent around him, but he has a respectable player mentality and throwing ability, mobility and tenacity to project himself as a save with starting potential.

Ehlinger plays with an atypical style but appeals to him because of his firm running style and deep ball abilities, and the Senior Bowl will be a great opportunity for him. Buechele plays in a swashbuckling style and recorded two years of quality tape after leaving Texas, although he comes across more as a Day 3 prospect. NFL scouts don’t quite see him as possessing future potential. starting point.

The 6-foot-6, 236-pound Franks is a wild card. Physically, he’s an exciting prospect, and he’s stabilized his game with the Hogs after a top-down career in Florida. There are a few teams that would consider drafting it and its titillating potential on some of the lower ceiling prospects listed above.

Newman has opted out of this season after being transferred from Wake to Georgia. He has traits that could land him on Day 2, but he might need a good week at the Senior Bowl after struggling last season with the Demon Deacons and not having played a game in almost 11 months. .

Purdy is maddening to watch at times, especially in some struggles early in the season, and he could go back to school.

Remaining parts of Ridder: in Tulsa, plus the Golden Hurricane could play in the AAC Championship game and one or two CFP games.

Mond’s remaining games: vs. LSU, in Auburn, Tennessee; and the Aggies could play in the SEC Championship game and one or two CFP games; Additionally, the Ole Miss match could be postponed.

Remaining parts of Pickett: at Clemson, at Georgia Tech.

Ehlinger’s remaining parts: against the State of Iowa, in the State of Kansas, in Kansas; plus the Longhorns could play in the Big 12 Championship game.

Buechele’s remaining games: in East Carolina, against Houston; more Mustangs could play in the AAC Championship game.

Franks remaining games: against Alabama; In addition, the Missouri game could be postponed.

Purdy’s remaining games: in Texas, against West Virginia; Plus the Cyclones could play in the Big 12 Championship game.

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