The 2021 NFL draft is just under a week away. A chance for NFL franchises to turn the page and invest in a new crop of top-tier talent. Nothing is more important than a quarterback when it comes to rebuilding a championship contender. This just so happens to be the case for San Francisco, New York, New England, Denver, and Jacksonville as they intend to turn the tables on their respective franchises. As the hype rises, I want to take a look at two of the industry’s major organizations, NFL and CBS and see where their most recent mock drafts have some of the most coveted names in college football going in 2021. From there I’ll assess both options, make my own predictions and determine their fantasy outlook for redraft and super flex redraft leagues! Let’s get started.
#1 Trevor Lawence – Clemson
Mock Draft Landing Spot
NFL – Jacksonville
CBS – Jacksonville
Jacksonville Jaguars
As far as the prodigal son is concerned, there seems to be little doubt Lawrence will land anywhere else than Jacksonville with the number one overall pick. Looking at redraft leagues first, Lawrence has been compared with the likes of Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning (being hyped since the age of 13 will get you there) both produced well for many years. I am not completely sold on Trevor Lawrence just yet. Urban Meyer is coming up from the college ranks which is quite the adjustment. Lawrence also has to deal with a lackluster receiving core out of the gate.
DJ Chark shows promise but has health concerns. Leviska Shenault Jr is a dart throw. Newly acquired Marvin Jones Jr stretches the field but is getting up there in age. Lastly, Phillip Dorsett has never been a consistent producer. There are major hurdles for Lawrence and company to overcome in 2021. As it stands Lawrence has a floor of a top 24 QB making him viable in Super flex redraft leagues. In one quarterback redraft, Lawrence has a top 12 ceiling, but I see him settling right around 22 on the season which makes him a bye week fill-in at best.
Make no qualms about it, Lawrence has the arm and rushing capabilities to solidify top 10 finishes for years to come however, do not jump the gun just yet in one quarterback redraft leagues.
#2 Justin Fields – Ohio State
Mock Draft Landing Spot
NFL – Pick #4 (via NE Trade)
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CBS – Pick #9 (Denver)
The versatility, elusiveness, cannon, vision, and game breaking ability, is all there for Justin Fields. Fields is the perfect archetype for a prototypical fantasy all-star. Yet, you will read this quite a bit coming from me today, he is not quite NFL ready.
New England Patriots Via Trade From Atlanta Falcons
I would love for Fields to land in New England or Atlanta. A place where he can sit, simmer and learn an NFL system behind the likes of Cam Newton or Matt Ryan. If Fields finds himself in a situation like the ones mentioned, he won’t be a hot commodity come your fantasy draft! Obviously Fields becomes irrelevant early on, but might take the Field if Newton struggles early on.
New England Patriots Via Trade From Atlanta Falcons
If Denver takes Fields with the #9 pick, I love it for fantasy. Drew Lock has shown no promise, prompting these rumors of Denver finding a new franchise QB to begin with. It is very likely we may not see Fields in week one, but once he takes the reign of the offense, he becomes an instant top 10 QB. Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, and Melvin Gordon surround Fields with weapons while his rushing ability skyrockets his fantasy value. It may not always be fun to watch, but Fields may find himself in a situation in which he finishes higher than any other quarterback taken in this draft class in terms of fantasy year one and I am all in to enjoy the ride.
#3 Trey Lance – NDSU
Mock Draft Landing Spot
NFL – #9 (Denver)
CBS – #3 (San Francisco)
Yes, Trey Lance plays at a smaller division one school. Yes, Trey Lance broke an awful lot of tackles in college that he most likely won’t escape from at the NFL level. Yes, he only played in one game in 2020 and was not all that great. Yes, I still love Trey Lance.
San Francisco 49ers
A spot like San Francisco would be a perfect opportunity to learn, develop and hone his skills. The 49ers offense also is perfectly catered to someone like Lance. The reality of that happening is a little slim as Justin Fields might find himself there. Learning behind Cam Newton and the great Belichick would be phenomenal for Lance. With Jimmy G and Newton (although both in question) predicted to be at the helm of their respected offenses come week one, you can say goodbye to Lance’s draft capital. Everyone wants a Justin Herbert-type rookie season however, it does not happen as often as you think. But what if I told you that you could have a Mahomes caliber player in two years? It’s okay. I know your answer.
Denver Broncos
As mentioned with Fields, if Lance finds himself in Denver, it is only a matter of time before the offense is his! In super flex, Lance has top 20 upside easily. In one quarterback leagues Lance is very much worth a draft pick as his ceiling is top 10 with top a top 20 floor. Scoop up Lance, You’ll be glad you did.
#4 Zach Wilson – BYU
Mock Draft Landing Spot
NFL – #2 (Jets)
CBS – #2 (Jets)
New York Jets
Zach Wilson is my FAVORITE quarterback prospect in this draft class, PERIOD. Mainly because he is compared to my other favorite fantasy QB, Josh Allen. Wilson’s arm and bull-like rushing ability push him to the top of my rookie fantasy rankings. The New York Jets are in a full rebuild with new head coach Robert Saleh. I love the mental toughness that Saleh brings. Wilson brings that exact mentality as well which creates the perfect pairing. Denzel Mims, Crowder, and Perriman are by no means perfect but Mims showed promise as a young talented rookie last year. His first year may not be pretty but in redraft leagues, Wilson has top 20 upside much like Allen in his rookie season (Allen finished as the QB 18). Tides are changing in New York and I am changing my mindset about NY players because of it!
#5 Mac Jones – Alabama
Mock Draft Landing Spot
NFL – #3 (Niners)
CBS – #3 (Niners)
San Francisco 49ers
Mac Jones is said to be one of the more NFL-ready quarterbacks in the year’s draft class. Saying that sounds like good things are coming, but there are a lot of naysayers that believe Jones is one of the lesser options in terms of fantasy. This may very well be true, for me personally it entirely depends where Jones lands. The 49ers have been rumored to take him at #3 and I like it a lot. For fantasy purposes, Mac Jones needs time.
I love the way the ball flies out of his arm effortlessly. His accuracy can sometimes be iffy but when you are throwing the ball to Davonta Smith, a lot of balls look catchable. Projecting Jones is tough as he won’t likely start out of the gate. Jones also lacks the rushing capability as some of the players mentioned above which limits his fantasy outlook. In redraft leagues, it’s unlikely he sees the field and if Jones does, I like him more next year than this year as he is projected outside the top 25 for me.
From Kyle Trask to Kellen Mond there are many other names to be called on draft day. There very well could be the next Tom Brady waiting in the 6th round as well. However, these are a few of the hot names that likely hold the most relevance in year one. Take your pick and enjoy the ride! Feel differently about any of these guys, let me know down in the comments and I’ll be happy to hear your point of view.
For all things fantasy football feel free to follow my fantasy football YouTube page (FirstRoundFantasy) or on Twitter at @FRFFootball, or lastly @gmiramontesssss.
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