The 2021 NFL Draft featured one of the most impressive quarterback classes in recent memory. Headlined by the number one overall pick Trevor Lawrence, five quarterbacks were taken within the first fifteen selections. For the third time in NFL history, quarterbacks were selected with the first three picks, with Zach Wilson and Trey Lance following the selection of Lawrence. Investing heavy draft capital in these players means that teams have high expectations, and are hoping to see a return on investment sooner rather than later. Let’s take a look at each of these situations as we approach the start of the regular season in a few weeks.
Trevor Lawrence, 1st overall pick - Jacksonville Jaguars:
The simplest quarterback evaluation since Andrew Luck went 1st overall to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2012 Draft, Lawrence was a phenomenal signal-caller at Clemson. As a member of the Tigers, Lawrence won the 2019 National Championship as a freshman, and brought his team back to the title game in 2020, as well. However, his entrance into the NFL hasn’t gone as smoothly. Last week, Head Coach Urban Meyer came out and declared that it’s still an open competition between Lawrence and fellow quarterback Gardner Minshew, who boasts a mere career record of 7-13. Similar to his training camp, Lawrence experienced both highs and lows in his first preseason action. The rookie finished his debut going 6/9 with 71 passing yards, resulting in a 90.5 passer rating. His biggest concern this season will involve the Jacksonville offensive line, as he was sacked twice in the limited action he saw. While he hasn’t been perfect, the number one overall pick will continue to get a better feel for the speed of the game and learn when to roll out or step up in the pocket.
Zach Wilson, 2nd overall pick - New York Jets:
With comparisons to Patrick Mahomes during the draft process, talk about Wilson’s massive ceiling has been rampant since his phenomenal junior season at BYU. Wilson, combined with new head coach Robert Saleh, are expected to change the culture of an organization looking to make the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade. Facing a fellow New York team in his preseason debut, Wilson looked poised in his work against the Giants’ defense. Finishing the game with 63 passing yards, while completing 6/9 attempts, Wilson looked better than he has in training camp so far. There has been lots of talk regarding Wilson’s first training camp with the team, including his propensity to turn the ball over. However, the rookie explains, “I can’t be afraid to make mistakes, especially in practice. This isn’t a game. This is where I’m learning what I can get away with and what I can’t. So, there are times, maybe in a real game, where I wouldn’t throw that, but there are times when I’m like, ‘well, let me try right here and let me see what I can get away with.’” Based upon his first preseason action, Wilson looks like he’s focused on limiting his turnovers compared to the risk-taking he’s attempted throughout camp.
Trey Lance, 3rd overall pick - San Francisco 49ers:
Many expected the former North Dakota State quarterback to need a year or two to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL, which is an extraordinary jump from FCS football. However, early on in his first preseason action, Lance seemed to be adjusting to these aspects much quicker than anyone could have predicted. On just his second passing attempt in his preseason debut, Lance was able to connect with wide receiver Trent Sherfield for an 80-yard passing touchdown. This, however, proved to be the highlight of his performance. His accuracy struggled, as he finished his debut completing just 5/14 throws. The Chiefs pass rush seemed to disrupt Lance throughout the game, as he was sacked 4 times. This experience should be valuable to Lance as he’s lacked in-game action, with just one game played since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After preseason ends, however, Lance may not see much game action. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has yet to announce a starting signal-caller for Week 1, as Lance and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo continue to compete. If Lance can continue to improve his ability to read a defense and go through his progressions, Shanahan will have no choice but to start the talented rookie.
Justin Fields, 11th overall pick - Chicago Bears:
One of the biggest surprises of the 2021 NFL Draft was the fall of Justin Fields. Many analysts anticipated the former Buckeye going within the first five selections, with many predicting San Francisco as the landing spot. Instead, Fields fell to the 11th selection, where Chicago forfeited the 20th overall pick, the 164th overall pick, a 2022 first-round selection, and a 2022 fourth-round selection to land their franchise quarterback. Yet, similar to Lance, Fields is not the guaranteed starter for Week 1. Instead, veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton even commented, “Justin’s going to have a great career, but right now is my time.” Whether Head Coach Matt Nagy decides to roll with the veteran or the rookie will heavily rely on the preseason. In Fields’ first preseason action, he showcased the dual-threat ability that made him one of the most electric players in the NCAA. Rushing for 33 yards while passing for 142, Fields was able to score through both the ground and air game. His pocket presence was impressive for a debut game so anticipate him being named the starter at some point this season.
Mac Jones, 15th overall pick - New England Patriots
After seeing Tom Brady leave New England and bring a Lombardi Trophy to Tampa Bay, Belichick believes he’s found his next franchise signal-caller in Mac Jones. From playing a collegiate career under Nick Saban to having Bill Belichick as a head coach, Jones has had no shortage of elite knowledge at his disposal. So far into his professional career, it seems to be paying dividends. Jones looked extremely comfortable in his first preseason action. He looked dominant in the Patriots’ short passing game, completing over 68% of his passes. This seems to follow the trend that has been reported from the Patriots’ training camp: Jones stringing positive day after positive day. While Jones has had success throughout the summer, he has yet to win the starting job. Battling incumbent starter Cam Newton, Bellichick has yet to announce whether Jones will start the season learning behind the veteran or be thrown right into game action. Similar to the situations in San Francisco and Chicago, I fully anticipate the Patriots turning to the rookie at some point during the season.
Coming into this season with some of the highest expectations a rookie quarterback class has ever faced, these 2021 signal-callers look up to the challenge. While Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson will almost surely suit up as starters for Week 1, the same cannot be said yet regarding Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. While these quarterbacks are all competing with veterans, I expect each to earn the right to start at some point of the season. The 2021 quarterback class looks like they’re going to challenge previous classes with five highly impressive rookies, with tremendous upside.
