NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
Night one of the 2021 NFL Draft has come and gone. It was a great sight to see the draft return to somewhat of normalcy with prospects being at the draft and Commissioner Goodell receiving boos when he walked out on stage. Like every year, night one was filled with several headlines.
Trey Lance Goes to San Francisco
Much speculation surrounded San Francisco about whom they would select after trading up. Mac Jones was the betting favorite, but Lance was the pick. Trey Lance is a raw prospect that has a ton of potential. Given time to develop, Lance could become a top-tier quarterback in the NFL. 49ers fans have to be thrilled with this selection.
What is going to happen with jimmy Garoppolo? I have to imagine he will stay with San Francisco for 2021 while Lance develops. However, this will be an interesting story to monitor as the draft goes on.
Chicago Gets Quarterback of the Future
Bears fans rejoice. After years and years of poor quarterback play, Chicago finally lands a quarterback who possesses elite physical tools. Most believed Fields would go top 10, if not top 5. Even with the elite tools, Fields still has concerns. His games against Northwestern and Indiana showed his weaknesses and worried many people.
Unlike Wilson and Lawrence, Fields goes to a team that has legitimate weapons and a great defense. If he plays in 2021, he will not be expected to carry the team. Allen Robinson seemed unhappy with Chicago, but you have to believe he has a smile on his face after tonight.
Cowboys Lose Out on a Cornerback
The Cowboys were sitting at 10th overall in prime position to take a cornerback. However, the Panthers selected Jaycee Horn, and then the Broncos took Patrick Surtain. Just like that, Dallas had no options at corner. After a rare in-division trade, the Cowboys moved back to 12 while the Eagles moved up to select DeVonta Smith. With the 13th pick, Dallas selected LB Micah Parsons.
Parsons’ talent is off the charts and worthy of a top 10 pick. The issue comes with his character. Parsons has serious allegations that go beyond him being “young and dumb.” Jerry Jones and company have not let character concerns get in the way of drafting/signing a talented player. If Parsons can avoid off-field issues, he could become a primer LB in the NFL.
Raiders and Packers Reach
It wouldn’t be an NFL Draft without the Raiders reaching for a player. In the offseason. Las Vegas let much of their offensive line go, so drafting one in the first round was not surprising. However, drafting a tackle with a second-round grade from most analysts with the 17th overall pick is an issue. Alex Leatherwood is a LT that has great length, but struggles in space. This pick was even more surprising, with Christian Darrisaw still on the board.
Just when you thought the Packers had to take a WR, they go CB. Reports say Aaron Rodgers wants out of Green Bay and will not return to the team even if he is not traded. To possibly mend this broken relationship, presenting Rodgers with a new weapon to throw to would have been wise. Instead, they selected Eric Stokes. Stokes was Pro Football Focus’ 72nd ranked prospect and 11th ranked CB. To say Green Bay reached is an understatement.
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Patriots Replace Brady?
After not being selected third overall, Mac Jones fell to New England at 15. Jones feels like a Patriots player. High football IQ, strong work ethic, and leadership are all qualities Mac Jones possesses. Going from Tom Brady to Cam Newton felt off, as they were two completely different quarterbacks. With Jones, you will see a similar offense to what was ran when Brady was in New England.
Jones posted a 95.8 grade from PFF in 2020, with was higher than Burrow’s 2019 season. He was the most accurate quarterback in the nation when throwing 0-10 yards. I am not sure when we will see Jones under center, but I believe he will fit seamlessly into the Patriot’s culture.
