2021 NFL Mock Draft: Justin Fields takes over as a franchise savior
By Brad Weiss
The Atlanta Falcons are in the middle of reshuffling the organization, as they got rid of their head coach and general manager prior to Week 6. The result was a tremendous victory over the Minnesota Vikings, and moving forward, the hope is that Raheem Morris will get a legitimate shot to win the head coaching job permanently.
Looking at their roster, the Falcons need to revamp their pass rush, and they can do so by adding the best edge rusher in the draft at No. 4 overall. Gregory Rousseau from Miami (FL) would have an instant impact on this Falcons roster, and playing in a pass-happy NFC South, getting to the quarterback is crucial.
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold two first round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, and if they are not sold on Gardner Minshew as their franchise quarterback, sparks could fly early in round one. The Jags could package picks to trade up for Justin Fields or Trevor Lawrence, although it would take an incredible bounty to do that.
If they stay at No. 5, I like them to bring in the best wideout in the draft class, adding former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. This is a kid who is opting out in 2020, but he has shown enough during his career at the college level to warrant being the first wide receiver off the board next April.
One of the bigger disappointments in the 2020 NFL season has been the play of the Minnesota Vikings, who were drubbed by the Atlanta Falcons last weekend. The loss of Stefon Diggs has hurt this offense in a way that was not expected, and it could be time to turn the page on both quarterback Kirk Cousins, and head coach Mike Zimmer.
If the Vikings continue to use, a top quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft is definitely in play, especially if they look to make wholesale changes within the organization. Trey Lance is likely not to fall out of the top-10, as he has that rare blend of athleticism, arm strength, and football IQ.