It’s never too early for teams to begin preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft
As the NFL Playoffs appear to be right around the corner, fans begin to separate the contenders from the pretenders. For those just outside of the playoff picture or simply tanking, they’ve probably already started their planning for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Every year after the season concludes, there are a few teams who use the draft to find their much-needed quarterback of the future. Meanwhile, certain franchises might have a serious decision to make in terms of deciding to select a quarterback, look in free agency and trade season or stick with the one they currently have.
The way the 2020 campaign has played out, everyone understands the likely top two teams in the draft order, the Jets and Jaguars, are relatively locks to be looking at the consensus best quarterbacks coming out in 2021 — Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields. Yet, outside of the top two, there are always dark horse teams when it comes to entering the quarterback market next spring.
The good news for teams who are interested in quarterbacks but won’t be sitting at No. 1 or 2 overall is, there’s plenty of talent remaining on the board. Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Mac Jones and Kyle Trask are all examples of signal-callers who will go within the first two days. With that being said, let’s take a look at some front offices who may come out of nowhere and be interested in passers on draft day.
The Jets and Jaguars are almost guaranteed to select a quarterback. As draft season approaches, more teams (some more likely than others) will be among the group considering drafting at the position as well.
1. Washington Football Team
Although Washington’s quarterback room features Alex Smith, Kyle Allen and Dwyane Haskins, it’s highly likely they will try finding the new face of the franchise eventually. They tried this with Haskins however, that experiment hasn’t gone smoothly since day one. The way the season has played out, Smith has come in and is leading them to a possible playoff spot.
Meanwhile, since they’re in the NFC East, their record by the end of the season might result in a top ten selection. Using different quarterbacks each week can’t work long-term for them therefore, the consideration for a franchise guy has to be there. Head Coach Ron Rivera wants to change the culture in D.C. so, look for them to try securing a new leader for this new decade of football in the nation’s capital.