2021 NFL Mock Draft: Justin Fields or Mac Jones at No. 3 overall?

By Brad Weiss | Apr 22, 2021

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide jogs off the field during halftime of the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes 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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Justin Fields, Ohio State Buckeyes. (Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) /

New England Patriots. Justin Fields. 7. player. 47. . QB

At pick No. 7 overall, the New England Patriots make a move up the draft board in round one, trading with the Detroit Lions to get their future quarterback. The Cam Newton experiment was not great in Year 1, and while he will be back for another go-around in 2021, they need to start planning for the future.

In our latest mock draft, it is Justin Fields who is the third quarterback off the board, and he would be an excellent fit in New England. This kid was downright dominant during his time at Ohio State and could end up being the next great signal-caller for Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels.

. LB. Carolina Panthers. Micah Parsons. 8. player. 87

At pick No. 8, the Carolina Panthers turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball, as the first defensive player comes off the board. With this pick, the Panthers bring in Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, who many have fallen in the first round, but not in this mock draft.

The Panthers are looking for someone to replace Luke Kuechly, who retired after the 2019 NFL season, and Parsons can be that. Sure, he had some issues during his time at Penn State, but he is also an elite talent, and the Panthers will have a hard time passing on him here in the first round.

9. player. 45. . QB. Denver Broncos. Trey Lance

The No. 9 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft belongs to the Denver Broncos, who have a big decision to make in terms of Drew Lock. There have been times when Lock has looked solid, but he is wildly inconsistent, and the team may decide that they want to move in a new direction at the quarterback position.

So, with this pick, the Broncos select North Dakota State star Trey Lance, who has everything you look for in an elite, franchise signal-caller. Lance has the arm, athleticism, and Football IQ to be a special player at the next level, and Denver has some exciting young weapons for him to throw to.

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