2021 NFL Mock Draft: Teams trading up for a franchise QB

By Brad Weiss | Feb 11, 2021

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes stands in the pocket during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

4. player. 59. . Wide Receiver. Miami Dolphins. Devonta Smith

In this mock draft, the Miami Dolphins move down one spot in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons but are still able to get their player. With the No. 4 overall pick, the Dolphins bring in a former teammate of current starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, adding Heisman Trophy winner Devonta Smith.

In Smith, they get a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver atop their depth chart, giving Tua a weapon he is going to need to continue his development. There is still a chance that the Dolphins bring in Deshaun Watson this off-season, but for now, the team decides to build around last year‘s first-round pick.

5. player. 87. . Quarterback. Carolina Panthers. Trey Lance

In another trade to get into the top-5 picks of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers move up to No. 5 to select a franchise quarterback. It is already been reported that they have tried to move on from Teddy Bridgewater this off-season, and by selecting North Dakota State star Trey Lance at pick five, they begin their move in another direction at the most important position in sports.

Lance is the kind of quarterback who can get the job done with his arm and his legs, and he would be joining a Panthers team that already has an explosive playmaker in running back Christian McCaffrey. Carolina plays in a very tough division, which is now home to the current Super Bowl champs, so Matt Rhule needs to kick this rebuild into hyperdrive.

Ja'Marr Chase. 6. player. 54. . Wide Receiver. Philadelphia Eagles

With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles decide to stay put to select Ja’Marr Chase from LSU. It is still uncertain as to what is going to happen with former franchise quarterback Carson Wentz, but even if they do move on from him, whoever comes in needs weapons on the outside.

In Chase, they get the consensus best wide receiver in the draft class, though he did not play during the 2020 college football season. Whether it is Jalen Hurts, or somebody brought over in a trade, the Eagles need to bring in support for whoever their quarterback is for the 2020 NFL season, and Chase is an elite talent.

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