2021 NFL Mock Draft: The insatiable hunger of the quarterback market
By Ian Higgins
Scouting Report. 3. 59. College Stats. WR. LSU. Ja'Marr Chase. player
A draft selection which is likely the most popular destination for teams seeking to move up in the 2021 NFL Draft order, the Miami Dolphins decide within this NFL mock draft to stay put and acquire a talent that could turn the fortunes of a Tua Tagovailoa led offense. After helping lead the LSU Tiger’s to a historic national championship, few have forgotten Ja’Marr Chase’s dominance despite the overshadowing Heisman-campaign of Alabama wideout Devonta Smith.
At only six-foot, Chase makes the most of his size with vertical athleticism and the ability to leverage his frame to better attack the ball at the point of the catch. Tagovailoa spent his time at Alabama throwing to some of the best weapons in college football. This is not a knock against Tagovailoa’s game but rather a better description of his playstyle.
More adept at managing the game and getting the ball to the right playmakers rather than making magic on his own accord, bringing in an elite boundary receiver such as Chase with the ability to make receptions across the middle of the field, Tagovailoa would see a significant uptick in production and efficiency.
4. player. 44. College Stats. QB. Ohio State. Justin Fields. Scouting Report
Having fallen behind BYU’s Wilson in the eyes of many 2021 NFL Draft pundits, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is still an elite quarterback prospect with off-field intangibles which have elevated his draft stock. Offering some of the best functional mobility of the class, Fields has exhibited elite athleticism both escaping the pocket and on designed runs for the Buckeye’s offense.
Still surrounded by questions regarding his mechanical consistency and accuracy throwing downfield, Fields is still one of the most day one ready prospects of the 2021 NFL Draft despite these shortcomings. Showcasing the capability to play at an elite level when on the ball during their college playoff run, Fields seems to simply need to hone in on some detailed specifics regarding his mechanics in order to become a complete NFL quarterback.
With longtime franchise signal-caller Matt Ryan clouded by uncertainty regarding a hefty contract in a time with limited cap-space, at number four overall the Atlanta Falcons could welcome a natural leader to redirect the efforts of the Falcon’s offense and attempt to recover not-so-distant past success.