Folks, it’s never too early to talk quarterbacks when it comes to the NFL Draft. There are always teams in desperate need of getting a quarterback because when it’s all said and done, it’s really difficult to get a great one. This year is a special year for quarterbacks as to me, there is one generational talent at quarterback with two other franchise guys who will be slam dunks at the position based on what I’ve seen this year and last year.
One trait that all of these five guys have is mobility. In today’s NFL, your quarterback absolutely can’t be a statue.
It’s a bit too early to tell exactly which teams will need a quarterback heading into the 2021 NFL season but for the teams who are in a position to take my top 3, I really think they’ll be set for a long time at the position. This draft will possess a unique challenge with all of these players playing in an abbreviated season but at the end of the day the tape doesn’t lie. Let’s get to the rankings.
1. Trevor Lawrence- Clemson
The far and away number one quarterback heading into the 2021 NFL Draft is Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson. He’s been projected to be in this pick since before he arrived at Clemson but when you watch him play, it’s obvious as to why. He has a rocket arm and he’s a highly effective runner. He’s got a big 6’6″ frame but could probably stand to gain a few pounds as he’s listed at just 220. Lawrence is a generational talent and the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck to come out of school should he forgo his senior season.
2. Kyle Trask- Florida
This may shock a lot of people that I have Trask rated ahead of Fields at this point in the draft process but I absolutely LOVE what I’ve seen out of Kyle Trask so far this season. He has a very strong arm, he’s accurate, and he’s mobile. He has a huge frame at 6’5″ and 240 pounds that is tough to bring down in the pocket. He’s good at extending plays. He plays the position with intelligence. He’s a fast riser on draft boards and it’s easy to see why when you watch him play.
If he continues to play like he has so far this season then it’s not a question of if he’s a first round pick, it’s the question of if he’s the second quarterback off the board in the top 5 over Justin Fields. He’s that good. Get used to seeing his name.
3. Justin Fields- Ohio State
If you asked me three weeks ago, Fields would be number two on this list. Fields could absolutely end up at number two on this list but I haven’t seen him play yet this season due to the Big 10 cancelling and then un-cancelling their football season. His play this season will really be an X-factor in which quarterbacks end up going where.
When it comes down to Justin Fields, he’s another quarterback who can make all of the throws. He’s extremely mobile and he’s got good size at 6’3″, 228 pounds. However, I see a quarterback who is better outside of the pocket than he is in it. I’d like to see him improve in the pocket this season to solidify himself as a top quarterback in this draft. Whoever drafts him will have to make sure they tailor their offense to his strengths and don’t try and just make him a pure pocket passer. If they do that, he will be a star at the next level.
4. Trey Lance- North Dakota State
Trey Lance is officially the weirdest prospect of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has already declared for the draft as North Dakota State only had one game this fall. Lance completed just 15 of 30 passes for 149 yards, two touchdowns, and 1 interception. He also ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
He’s a dual threat quarterback who does have a good arm but is an excellent playmaker with his legs. His throwing motion is a bit herky-jerky and he will have to clean that up at the next level. That being said, I think a team will spend a first round pick on him this year even though I wouldn’t do that personally. I also think that he will be the fourth quarterback taken off the board. He’s a project but if he could sit behind a bonafide starter for a year or two then he has some potential at the next level.
5. Sam Ehlinger- Texas
This is where the drop off is in the 2021 Draft class. Ehlinger to me screams backup quarterback long term in the NFL. He has great leadership traits but I think if he’s going to be successful in the NFL he will need to sit for quite a few years. I would not take him in the first or second rounds of this coming draft.