Ibrahim Ghazal ‘22
The 2021 NFL Draft is here! This is one of the most thrilling events in the NFL offseason. This year, there are several talented players of all positions. At the first pick of the draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is coming from Clemson University. Lawrence is an outstanding pick for the Jaguars as he excels in speed, accuracy, size, and strength. Since high school, Trevor Lawrence has been able to maintain a record of 86-4 as a starting quarterback. Additionally, Lawrence and the Clemson Tigers were able to win the 2019 NCAA Championship. At the second pick, the New York Jets selected Zach Wilson (QB) from BYU. Several Jets fans were ecstatic with this pick as Zach Wilson has great potential to help the Jets acquire several wins this upcoming season. Next, the San Francisco 49ers selected Trey Lance (QB) from North Dakota State. Lance’s ability to protect the football while making exceptional plays makes him an excellent quarterback. After Lance, the Atlanta Falcons selected Kyle Pitts (TE) from the University of Florida. Kyle Pitts’ speed is impressive for his size. Pitts is a tight end that other teams’ defenses should be worried about in the future. For the 5th pick, the Bengals selected Ja’marr Chase (WR), who can reunite with his college teammate, Joe Burrow. The Dolphins followed up by selecting Jaylen Waddle (WR) from Alabama.
With the 7th pick, the Lions selected Penei Sewell (OT) from Oregon, who is also the first lineman of the 2021 NFL Draft. Following Penei Sewell, the Panthers selected Jaycee Horn (CB) from South Carolina. Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain II are two cornerbacks who have been competing to become the best cornerback of their draft class. In fact, Patrick Surtain II was selected at the 9th pick. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith (WR), was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the following pick. Several experts assumed that Justin Fields (QB) would’ve been drafted earlier, however, he was picked by the Chicago Bears at the 11th pick. The Dallas Cowboys were hoping to land Patrick Surtain II, however, they were still able to land another phenomenal defensive player, Micah Parsons (LB). Several NFL experts have ranked Micah Parsons to be the best defensive player in the 2021 NFL Draft. Following the Cowboys, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Rashawn Slater (OT) and the New York Jets selected Alijah Vera-Tucker (OL). Both players will be a great addition to each of their offensive lines, which is what they need to assist their quarterbacks.
With the 15th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Mac Jones (QB), who perfectly matches Josh McDaniels’ offensive style. Subsequently, the Cardinals selected Zaven Collins (LB) and the Raiders selected Alex Leatherwood (OL). Several critics were unhappy with the Raiders’ pick because they claimed that Alex Leatherwood should’ve been a second-round pick. With the 18th pick, the Miami Dolphins selected Jaelen Phillips (EDGE), who has great potential to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Next, the Washington Football Team selected Jamin Davis (LB) and the New York Giants selected Kadarius Toney (WR). Davis can strengthen Washington’s phenomenal defense and Kadarius Toney has the skills to create a threat for other defenses. In the following three picks, the Colts selected Kwity Paye (EDGE), the Titans selected Caleb Farley (CB), and the Vikings selected Christian Darrisaw (OT). Although there weren’t any running backs in the first 23 picks, the 24th and 25th pick broke that streak. With the 24th pick, the Steelers selected Najee Harris (RB) and the Jaguars selected Travis Etienne (RB). Several people oppose the decision to pick running backs in the first round, however, these two running backs have great potential to bring speed to both teams. With the next three picks, the Browns selected Greg Newsome II (CB), the Ravens selected Rashod Bateman (WR), and the Saints selected Payton Turner (EDGE).
At the 29th pick, the Green Bay Packers selected Eric Stokes, who has been a favorite among several Packers Fans. The Bills follow the Packers with the selection of Gregory Rousseau (EDGE), who didn’t get the chance to play last year due to an ankle injury. Subsequently, the Ravens selected Jayson Oweh (EDGE), who has great talent, however, several experts disagreed with this pick. Lastly, the current Super Bowl Champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, selected Joe Tyron (EDGE). Tyron was a great choice for the Buccaneers because he could be of great assistance to Jason Pierre-Paul. Ultimately, several players possess immense talent in this draft class. It will be exciting to see how these rookies will perform at the professional level of the NFL.
The Salesian Spectator 