New York Jets 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft: Life without Trevor Lawrence

With Trevor Lawrence now out of reach, find out how the New York Jets can improve their roster in this seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft.

Trevor Lawrence landing with the New York Jets has felt like such a formality for so long, but after their unexpected win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, things have changed in a big way at the top of the draft. The Jets currently hold the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and the Jacksonville Jaguars will hold onto the top spot if they lose their remaining two games. In this seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft, we are going to look at the Jets’ new reality.

Lawrence may be out of reach, but the New York Jets still have a lot of draft capital and a great opportunity to improve their roster this offseason. Let’s see how they can take a major step forward in this complete seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft for the team.

Note: This 2021 NFL mock draft was completed using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine.

Round 1, 2nd Overall

Not being able to land Lawrence is a bummer for the New York Jets, but there is still plenty of quarterback talent available in this draft class. It is fair to consider alternative scenarios for the Jets where they move forward with Sam Darnold under center and build a strong team around him. That being said, I have personally seen enough of Darnold in New York and feel strongly that it is time for the team to move on from him no matter what.

The Jets do not know when they will get another opportunity like this to snag another franchise quarterback. They must strike now and Justin Fields stands out as the likely choice.

Fields is a big, strong and athletic quarterback prospect who shows impressive mobility and natural playmaking ability at the position. He shows strong pocket presence, knowing when to escape and make plays with his legs.

Fields also shows a big arm with the ability to hit throws with velocity to all levels of the field. He does a nice job of improvising when the play breaks down and can hit throws with accuracy using a variety of arm angles.

While he has struggled more than usual in recent weeks, Justin Fields is undoubtedly still an incredibly talented quarterback prospect who has massive upside at the next level. He is not an elite “can’t miss” prospect quite like Lawrence, but he undoubtedly has a chance to be a great franchise quarterback at the next level. Fields is the easy top choice for the New York Jets early in this 2021 NFL mock draft.