Quarterback acquisitions dominated the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, and rightfully so.
From Trevor Lawrence to Trey Lance to Mac Jones, the development of these passers will command our attention for some time. But Thursday night’s action in Cleveland featured a number of interesting selections at many different positions.
Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing picks from Day 1 of the draft.
QB Zach Wilson: No. 2 to New York Jets
No player saw his stock rise more rapidly during the pre-draft evaluation window, and now the BYU quarterback will try to meet lofty expectations of a long-suffering Jets franchise. There are plenty of impressive throws in Wilson’s highlight packages, but a fair amount of questions remain. Sure, he can make plays outside the pocket and on the run. But he tended to struggle under pressure and didn’t face top-level competition. How will he do with a roster in rebuild mode, guided by a first-year head coach and first-year offensive coordinator? Can the slender Wilson and his surgically repaired throwing shoulder endure the rigors of the NFL?
TE Kyle Pitts: No. 4 to Atlanta Falcons
Regarded by many as possibly the best player not named Lawrence at any position, Pitts should fit in an Atlanta offense that already features a number of weapons and a veteran quarterback in Matt Ryan. Extremely versatile, Pitts will create all kinds of mismatches regardless of whether defenses try to cover him with linebackers or defensive backs.
