1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson - Jacksonville Jaguars
With Trevor Lawrence being a generational prospect and the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ quarterback situation being below average for more than a decade, this one was a no-brainer that everyone saw coming. Trevor Lawrence is coming into the NFL from a career at Clemson that included a two CFP National Championship Game appearances (2018, 2019) with one of them (2018) being a victory, and boasting statistics of 10,098 career passing yards, 108 total touchdowns (90 passing, 18 rushing), and a total win-loss record of 34-2 during three seasons as Clemsons’ starting quarterback.
Lawrence boasts a dual-threat skill set that includes a strong arm and great mobility. He has also been described as a generational prospect.
Grade: A+
2. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU - New York Jets
Much like the Jaguars, the Jets quarterback situation has been nothing short of a mystery. Dealing quarterback Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers, the Jets were guaranteed to select another quarterback in this draft. With Trevor Lawrence inevitably selected number one, the Jets went with Zach Wilson out of BYU. Wilson had an above average 2020 season for BYU, putting up statistics of 3,692 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes, a quarterback rating of 196.4, and 247 completed passes out of 336 attempts (73.5%). Wilson's career totals at BYU include 7,652 passing yards, 56 touchdown passes, a quarterback rating of 162.9, and 566 completed passes out of 837 attempts (67.6%).
The Jets hope that Wilson can develop into their franchise quarterback and build around him for a better future.
Grade: A+
3. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State - San Francisco 49ers
Coming into the draft, it was no secret that the 49ers would be looking to draft a quarterback to replace Jimmy Garoppolo. Many speculated it was gonna be between Mac Jones or Trey Lance. They got their guy with Trey Lance out of North Dakota state. While at NDSU, Lance put up stats of 2,947 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and only 1 interception. along with a quarterback rating of 173.8.
In San Francisco, Lance would have no shortage of weapons around him. He will have top tier TE George Kittle, WRs Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel as well as RB Raheem Mostert.
Grade: A
4. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida - Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons used their first round selection to take arguably the best tight end in the draft in Kyle Pitts out of Florida. In 8 games for Florida in 2020, Kyle Pitts amassed 770 receiving yards, 43 receptions, and 12 touchdowns. Pitts also finished in the top 10 in voting for the Heisman Trophy. He was also a unanimous first-team All American. To top off the highlighted list of accolades Pitts has won for his 2020 season, he was named the John Mackey Award winner. This award goes to college football's most outstanding tight end. Pitts left Florida with career totals of 100 receptions, 18 touchdowns, and 1,492 receiving yards, which is a Florida school record by a tight end.
Pitts will be joining a Falcons offense that includes QB Matt Ryan and WRs Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.
Grade: A-
5. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU - Cincinnati Bengals
With the Bengals in the 5 spot of the draft, many believed that they would've went with OT Penei Sewell to help bolster their offensive line and protect Joe Burrow. Rather than doing so, the Bengals went ahead and drafted Burrow's former college teammate Ja'Marr Chase out of LSU at number 5. Chase did not play in the 2020 season due to opting out but had an above average season for LSU in 2019. During that season, he collected 1,780 receiving yards, 84 receptions, and 20 touchdowns in 14 games. Chase was a big contributor to LSU's National Championship run that season. Chase's career totals for LSU include 2,093 receiving yards, 107 receptions, and 23 touchdowns.
On the Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase is joining a wide receiver core of Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins along with RB Joe Mixon to bolster the Bengals offense.
Grade: C+
6. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama - Miami Dolphins
With the selection of Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins reunite Tua Tagovailoa with his former college teammate. Before suffering an ankle injury early in the season on October 24, Waddle was on his way to another stellar season. At the time of his injury, Waddle collected 28 receptions, 591 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns through 6 games. Throughout his career at Alabama, Waddle amassed 106 receptions, 1,999 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns.
If Waddle can stay healthy, he could likely develop into a good receiving weapon for Tua Tagovailoa and bolster the Dolphins' offense immensely.
Grade: B
7. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon - Detroit Lions
The Lions add the best offensive lineman in the draft to their already top 15 ranked O Line. Penei Sewell is 6 ft 6 and comes in at 325 lbs. Sewell opted out of the 2020 college football season. During the 2019 season for Oregon, Sewell won the Outland and Morris Trophies, both of which reward the best offensive lineman in the country. Sewell was also named a unanimous All-American during the 2019 season at the age of 19.
If Sewell can develop well to the Lions’ plan, that Lions O Line will be protecting Jared Goff well.
Grade: B+
8. Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina - Carolina Panthers
In situation where some thought that the Panthers may have gone with a quarterback in Justin Fields or Mac Jones, the Panthers opted to bolster their defense with the number 2 ranked cornerback in the NFL Draft - Jaycee Horn out of South Carolina. During the 2020 season, Horn put up stats of 16 tackles, 8 passes defended, 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and averaged 1.14 passes defended per game, which was second in the SEC.
Horn was named Second Team All-SEC for the 2020 season. It is also worth mentioning that he is also the son of 4-time Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn.
The Panthers will look for Jaycee Horn to continue his production in the NFL.
Grade: B-
9. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama - Denver Broncos
In the number 9 spot, the Denver Broncos take one of the highest ranked defensive backs in the draft in Patrick Surtain II. Surtain II is coming out of Alabama and contributed his defense to Alabama's 2021 National Championship victory. Surtain II was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year for his 2020 season and was also named a unanimous All-American. During the 2020 season, Surtain II put up stats of 37 tackles and 1 interception in 13 games. Throughout his entire career at Alabama, he put up career totals of 116 total tackles and 4 interceptions.
With Surtain II going to a franchise that is historically known for their defense, it is almost the perfect match.
Grade: B+
10. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama - Philadelphia Eagles
With DeVonta Smith, the Eagles get the electric playmaking wide receiver that they have longed for for quite some time. Smith won the Heisman Trophy for the 2020 college football season and had one of the greatest college football seasons ever for a wide receiver. Smith contributed 1,856 receiving yards, 23 receiving touchdowns, and 15.9 yards per carry to Alabama's 2020 championship season. The pick also reunites Smith with Jalen Hurts, who were former Alabama teammates and even won a national championship together.
The Eagles hope that Smith leaves an immediate impact on their team and add a spark plug to a highly stagnant offense.
Grade: A+
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