2021 NFL first-round mock draft: Quarterback surprises
By Ian Higgins
2021 NFL Draft: 3rd-4th pick
Scouting Report. WR. LSU. Ja'Marr Chase. 59. College Stats. 3. player
After losing out of the Watson sweepstakes, the Miami Dolphins devote their draft resources to franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his need for legitimate weapons. Despite the best efforts of Devante Parker, Mike Gesicki, and Myles Gaskin, Tagovailoa struggled to create offense independently.
To avoid inheriting the label of ‘game-manager,’ Miami will need to spend their top selection in the 2021 NFL draft on an elite wideout.
After seeing his former Alabama teammate Smith go off the board to Houston, Miami opts for the more physically-imposing prospect of the top two receivers in the 2021 NFL draft. LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase was a favorite target of Joe Burrow during their run to the national championship and will bring his prototypical athleticism to the boundary in Miami.
Zach Wilson. 4. player. 44. College Stats. QB. BYU. Scouting Report
With trade rumors swirling around quarterback Matt Ryan and his hefty contract, the Atlanta Falcons will be taking their choice of quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL draft following Lawrence’s move to Jacksonville.
With elite weapons on the exterior and an offense ready to produce for the new signal-caller, the Falcons need a quarterback who can make plays from day one with his arm talent.
Despite a lackluster resume coming out of BYU, Zach Wilson is one of the best pure arm-talents in the 2021 NFL draft with his ability to place downfield throws even whilst off-platform. Decision-making also appeared as a strength within Wilson’s game, making him a system-friendly rookie to be coached around.
Wilson will need to quickly acclimate to the speed of the NFL, but once he does will have a chance to be one of the most impressive rookies of the 2021 NFL draft with his off-schedule playmaking ability.