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NFL Draft 2021: Ranking every 1st-round QB’s situation

By Zachary Cantalice

Jun 14, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) participates in drills during minicamp at Dream Finders Homes practice complex Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) participates in drills during minicamp at Dream Finders Homes practice complex Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mac Jones, New England Patriots, NFL Draft
New England Patriots 2021 NFL Draft pick Mac Jones. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /

Which first-round quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft were set up best for success and which ones have the toughest road ahead of them as they enter the NFL?

We wondered for months where these first-round potential QBs would end up and now we know. Training camp is beginning to open up and we need to look at which first-round QBs from the 2021 NFL Draft are set up best for the upcoming season.

For this ranking, I took into account their head coach and offensive coordinator, the offense around them, and the defense that could help them.

1. Mac Jones in New England

Who can blame Mac Jones for telling Roger Goodell, “This is what I wanted. Don’t tell anybody.” Out of all the first round picks in this year’s NFL Draft, Jones ends up in the best situation. For starters, his head coach is potentially the greatest head coach in NFL history in Bill Belichick.

Not only does he have Belichick but a highly thought of OC in Josh McDaniels. Before the 2020 season, since McDaniels returned to New England in 2012, the Patriots worst ranking in points scored in a season was 7th in the league.

Mac Jones also walks into a very different-looking offense this season. The Patriots made it a priority this offseason to improve the offense. The Pats added weapons such as Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Nelson Agholor, and Kendrick Bourne to join Jakobi Meyers. The Pats also brought back Trent Brown to their already top 10 offensive line in the league.

The best part for Mac Jones is there is no pressure to succeed immediately. Jones will play backup/student to former league MVP Cam Newton. The Patriots will not rush Mac Jones into action until he is ready.

Their defense is a big part of Jones walking into the best situation of the rookie 1st round picks. Bellicheck is known for his defense and we should expect a very good Patriots defense. Adding a few big names in free agency such as Matt Judon, Davon Godchaux, and Kyle Van Noy are great. However, the Pats bring back Dont’a Hightower who opted out last season, and Stephon Gilmore who missed multiple games last year with multiple injuries.

This is a team that has been a top 10 defense in the NFL since 2012 and that should not change this year.

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