NFL Draft Predictions

The first week of free agency has concluded and NFL organizations start to shift their attention to the upcoming draft. The majority of the top free agents either signed extensions with their existing team or signed a new contract elsewhere and are ready to begin their new journey. The most notable free agents left on the board are: Antonio Brown, Golden Tate, James Connor, K.J. Wright, and Jadeveon Clowney. Be on the look out for these free agents to cash in on their talents. However, NFL organizations typically must succeed in the draft in order to build Super Bowl contending rosters. The ability to scout and develop young players on a lower salary is crucial to any NFL team. Let’s take a look at some of my predictions for 2021 NFL Draft.

With the first pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars select… Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

I don’t even think I need to explain this selection. Trever Lawrence is arguably the highest rated talent ever to come out of college football. Newly hired head coach, Urban Meyer, will look to build around a quarterback of his choosing. Unfortunately, Lawrence did suffer a torn labrum that required surgery last year, but that doesn’t decrease his draft stock.

With the second pick, the New York Jets select… Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

The New York Jets are in a tough spot. They could easily select an offensive lineman to attempt to protect Sam Darnold. However, with the #2 pick, I believe Zach Wilson is too good of a prospect to pass up. The Jets could likely trade Darnold to a team in need of talent in return for a second or third round pick. This draft capital could be utilized on offensive linemen and weapons for Wilson.

With the third pick, the San Francisco 49ers select… Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State.

This pick could go multiple ways. The 49ers didn’t trade two future first round picks not to select a quarterback. To me, Fields seems like a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s West Coast offense. This doesn’t rule out Mac Jones or Trey Lance, but if I were the 49ers general manager, I’m taking Fields.

With the fifteenth pick, the New England Patriots select… Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers?

After a $100 million spending frenzy in free agency, Bill Belichick is ready to win some football games. With Cam Newton being their current starting quarterback, this is a position ready for an upgrade. Belichick has been rumored in trying to trade for former Patriots QB, Jimmy Garoppolo. With the 49ers interested in a quarterback in this draft, I expect the Patriots to trade their pick to the 49ers in return for Garoppolo.

With the tenth pick, the Dallas Cowboys select… Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Now, this pick would probably shock all NFL fans around the world. The Cowboys defense is terrible. They have to go defense… right? No. With the addition of Kyle Pitts, the Cowboys would arguably have the best offense the NFL has ever seen. If he is on the board, there is no question Jerry Jones is having Pitts suit up with the star on his helmet.