2021 NFL Draft: Five quarterbacks go in first round of new mock draft

Pick 3 – Miami Dolphins (From Houston Texans)

The Miami Dolphins emerged during the 2020 season to be a threat once again in the AFC and now enter the 2021 NFL Draft with two picks in the first round, including one in the top five. With that being said, they will be able to most likely add the best non-quarterback in the draft that fits their needs being behind the Jags and Jets.

In this mock draft, that’s linebacker Micah Parsons from Penn State. Parsons opted out of the 2020 season, but as you can see he didn’t need it to stabilize his 2021 NFL Draft stock. As a freshman, Parsons logged 82 tackles before increasing his total to 109 in 2019. Over his 26 games, he also registered six forced fumbles and 6.5 sacks.

While Brian Flores and company have done a great job assembling their current team and recovering from what Adam Gase left behind, linebacker is still a weakness. Parsons immediately makes it a near strength for the team moving forward.

Pick 4 – Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons still have Matt Ryan, but with Justin Fields falling past the New York Jets, they opt to take their quarterback of the future in a move that is the best for all parties. Ryan is signed through 2023 but has an opt-out option at the end of next year. This would allow Ryan to start in 2021 with Fields sitting before taking over in 2022.

Fields has the tools to succeed in the NFL, but they are raw. He needs to work on reading disguised coverages and how quickly he gets rid of the ball. Sitting behind a former-MVP for a season while learning the offense is the perfect recipe for Fields to have a shot at becoming the first Ohio State quarterback to have a successful NFL career.

There’s a chance that Fields could go to the Jets and be alright, but going to a team where he can sit and work out the rough spots is his best option and he gets that opportunity in Atlanta. In New York, he’d be thrust into the job which would derail his progression.