Quarterback is undeniably the most important position in football, and is perhaps the most star-studded. Plenty of today’s most popular superstars are quarterbacks, such as the legendary Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson, and many more.
It’s incredibly important for a team to have a great quarterback for that team to have success. This year, plenty of teams can either jumpstart their rebuild or shore up a solid core by drafting a solid quarterback.
The 2021 NFL draft class boasts of a number of great quarterbacks who have had impressive college careers and have bright futures ahead of them in the league. These quarterbacks have the potential to be the franchise QB for any team that selects them and it’s not unlikely that we see these players suit up for Pro Bowls and be recipients of numerous awards.
These are the top five quarterbacks in this year’s draft class:
- Trevor Lawrence
It’s basically a foregone conclusion that Trevor Lawrence will be drafted first overall. Although this year’s class is brimming with talent, Lawrence is a cut above the rest and has shown flashes of being an NFL superstar early in his career.
Lawrence has been no less than stellar for the Clemson Tigers in his college days. The Clemson QB led the Tigers to the National Championship in 2019 while winning Offensive MVP in the championship game, and has also led the Tigers to three straight ACC Championships.
The 6’6, 220-pound quarterback’s elite athleticism, sharp accuracy, and mastery of the fundamentals that is rare for his age is a big reason why Lawrence is among the most anticipated draft prospects in recent years. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him instantly flourish once he makes it to the league.
- Justin Fields
Justin Fields is another player who plays and carries himself like he’s already an NFL veteran. Despite this, though, Fields has virtually infinite potential to become a formidable dual-threat quarterback in the league.
The 2019 Heisman Trophy finalist was a centerpiece for the Ohio State Buckeyes, leading the team to the 2021 CFP National Championship game and winning Offensive MVP in the 2021 Sugar Bowl. The Buckeyes were also back-to-back Big Ten Champions in 2019 and 2020, with Fields winning MVP in the 2019 Championship game. Furthermore, Fields is a two-time receiver of the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year and the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year awards.
Fields possesses a powerful arm and a vast arsenal of moves to match his explosive athleticism. He has also shown leadership skills in his days with Ohio State that will be a huge plus for any team that drafts him.
- Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson had an incredible 2020 campaign after being saddled with injuries in the 2019 season, and he’s shown why he’s a definite first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
The BYU QB has been excellent for the Cougars throughout his run there, leading the team to three straight bowl games in three straight seasons. From 2018 to 2020, BYU made it to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Hawaii Bowl, and Boca Raton Bowl, respectively, with Wilson winning MVP honors in the first two bowl games and winning Offensive MVP in the last.
Wilson, with his athletic build and elastic arm, is a pinpoint passer with natural playmaking instincts that could help him become an elite NFL quarterback.
- Trey Lance
An athletic quarterback with a great combination of size, strength and speed, Trey Lance easily passes the eye test and has all the makings of a pro quarterback.
The North Dakota State Bison QB led the team to back-to-back FCS championships and is a recipient of the Walter Payton Award and Jerry Rice Award.
Although Lance did not play against top-tier competition in his college days, it’s apparent that he possesses the tools to become a competitive QB in the NFL.
- Mac Jones
Mac Jones is a big reason why the Alabama Crimson Tide has been a powerhouse in recent years.
The 6’3 quarterback is a Heisman Trophy finalist and is a consensus first-team All-American who was instrumental in Alabama’s 2018 and 2021 championship runs.
Despite Jones’ relative lack of physical tools, he has the technical skills to compete with other QBs in the NFL. Jones is a prolific passer who possesses adept footwork and stays calm and collected in the pocket. Jones’ accuracy and touch has him among the top quarterbacks in his class.
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