2021 NFL Draft: 49ers make aggressive move for QB in 3-round mock draft

2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 4th overall

I am not saying that four quarterbacks going off of the board with the first four picks of the 2021 NFL Draft is the most likely scenario in April, but I do think this is a realistic possibility. There are four fantastic quarterback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft class and plenty of teams with the quarterback position as a need at the top. The finish off this unprecedented quarterback run, the Atlanta Falcons take Trey Lance out of North Dakota State.

Lance stands out as a strong fit for Atlanta because he is more of a long-term quarterback prospect who will likely need time to grow at the next level and their quarterback need is for the long-term. Matt Ryan is still a good NFL quarterback but he will be 36-years-old next season. It is time to strongly consider a move like this.

Lance is another physical freak at the quarterback position who shows tremendous natural athleticism and top-notch arm talent. He is arguably the best running quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft class, using a fantastic combination of speed, quickness and power to pick up yards on the ground whenever needed. Lance also stands strong in the pocket and can rip the ball with accuracy anywhere on the field.

As exciting as Lance is as a prospect, he is still a bit unproven compared to the other top prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He only started for one full season in college and that came at the FCS level. It is certainly fair to expect a major learning curve for Lance at the next level.

This may cause the North Dakota State product to slip down the board a bit but that would be a mistake. Lance is an incredibly talented quarterback prospect who undoubtedly has massive upside at the next level. Landing in Atlanta would afford Lance the opportunity to sit behind Ryan for a year while he adapts to the NFL game. Eventually, the Falcons could move forward and build around their new and exciting playmaker.