Some headline-worthy quarterback negotiations have already taken place across the NFL, but there may be more to come as the 2021 off-season approaches.
One potential deal that could have a big impact on the NFL’s 2021 draft would be the one involving Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans, and CBS Sports’ last 2021 draft for the NFL details how that could be.
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports designs Watson to the Dolphins in exchange for a major achievement that includes this year’s third overall choice, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was Miami’s fifth overall choice last year.
With choice # 3, Trapasso got the Texans to help Tagovailoa in the form of LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Miami remains 18th overall in this year’s draft, despite the blockbuster trade, using that choice in Virginia Tech’s offensive attack, Christian Darrisaw.
The quarterbacks take the top two places in this mock, with Trevor Lawrence of Clemson going to the Jacksonville Jaguars in No. 1 overall, and the New York Jets opting for BYU’s Zach Wilson in No. 2 slot. Trapasso caused Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions to surprisingly pass the quarterbacks with their respective choices in the top 10, leaving Justin Fields from Ohio to the Carolina Panthers in 8th overall, and Trey Lance from North Dakota to San Francisco 49ers at No. 12 in general.
Another surprise of the quarterback in this simulation is the absence of Mac Jones, from Alabama, who does not find a place among any of the 32 best choices.
To see the full projection of the first round at CBS Sports, click here.