NFL Mock Draft: What happens if trades cause NFL-record run on QBs?
By Brad Weiss
. QB. New England Patriots. Justin Fields (TRADE WITH FALCONS). 4. player. 47
The New England Patriots are planning on going into next season with Cam Newton at quarterback once again, as they signed him back on a one-year deal. However, after missing out on the playoffs, we cannot expect Bill Belichick to just sit back and let the quarterback spot be held by a veteran who struggled down the stretch, so they make a major move here to get up into the top-5.
With this pick, one they got from the Atlanta Falcons, the Patriots select Ohio State signal-caller Justin Fields, who could end up being an absolute playmaker at the next level. Fields has it all, can throw, run, is extremely smart, and played in an NFL-style offense at Ohio State, so getting him at four would be Belichick hitting the lotto again.
OT. Cincinnati Bengals. Penei Sewell. 5. player. 56.
We pause our run on quarterbacks for a brief moment, as the team selecting with pick No. 5 overall certainly does not need a signal-caller in this year’s draft. Last year, the Cincinnati Bengals made Joe Burrow the No. 1 overall selection, and with pick No. 5 in 2021, they bring him in some protection.
Looking at this draft class, Penei Sewell from Oregon is the best offensive lineman available, and the Bengals have to do a better job protecting Burrow if they want him to become a legitimate franchise guy. Burrow’s knee was torn up as a rookie last season, and if that happens again, it is going to be hard for him to reach his full potential.
. QB. Denver Broncos. Mac Jones (TRADE WITH DOLPHINS). 6. player. 45
The Denver Broncos are another team to trade up in the first round in our final 2021 NFL Mock Draft, and with the pick, they get a quarterback as well. For all the talk of the team being behind Drew Lock, if Mac Jones is available at No. 6 overall, you have to think that the Broncos are going to trade up for him.
Jones is coming off a monster season for the Alabama Crimson Tide, one that saw him lead them to an undefeated season and a national title. He is a guy who has rocketed up draft boards since the season ended, and if the Broncos have a chance to replace Lock with him, they certainly will do so.