New York Jets: 2021 7-round mock draft with Sam Darnold trade

With their quarterback dilemma still remaining in question with trade rumors swirling around USC product Sam Darnold, the New York Jets are primed to use the 2021 NFL draft as a launching point into a new era of Jets football.

In position with their own first-round selection to take whichever quarterback pleases them after Trevor Lawrence as well as a Seattle first-round selection acquired via Jamal Adams, the major voids on the roster can be fixed with inexpensive rookie talent.

In a quarterback market that has quickly transitioned from last season’s saturation to 2021’s dire need across the league, the New York Jets will be in a position to fetch a healthy return on the unproven fourth-year quarterback.

With new head coach Robert Saleh coming in with a defensive focus, the New York Jets can acquire numerous defensive cornerstones to build out an effective unit to challenge the likes of Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa.

Before selecting their quarterback of the future, the New York Jets clear their quarterback depth chart by trading Sam Darnold to the quarterback-needy Indianapolis Colts. After an impressive season under the direction of veteran rental Philip Rivers, the Colts have a win-now roster solely lacking their man under center.

In exchange for Darnold, the Colts expend their first-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft and swap second-round selections. Moving up in the second-round to balance the difference in value between Darnold and the 21st selection, the Colts could still manage to add a first-round talent.

With this trade, the New York Jets now find themselves with three first-round picks in the 2021 NFL draft, opening opportunities to make further moves with pick-needy teams in search of a first-round prospect.

New York Jets 2021 mock draft: 1st pick

At the second overall selection following Trevor Lawrence, the New York Jets opt for BYU product Zach Wilson. Having displayed some of the best arm talent and playmaking ability outside of the pocket in the 2021 NFL draft, Wilson’s ability to consistently deliver the ball to all parts of the field makes him an attractive prospect to take charge of the Jets offense.

Coming from a school sporting a not-so-stellar strength of schedule though, Wilson will need to be eased into the role of starting quarterback, potentially calling upon the free-agency signing of a veteran quarterback to hold down the starting role (the return of Ryan Fitzpatrick?) until Wilson is considered ready for the spotlight.