The Jets traded quarterback Sam Darnold with the Panthers on Monday.
Therefore, they will not be losing the position of general choice # 2 in the NFL’s 2021 Draft. They will certainly take BYU quarterback Zach Wilson there. And it looks like the Panthers are not going to recruit a quarterback – like Justin Fields from Ohio – in eighth place.
In light of Darnold’s trade, here’s our latest simulated first-round projection:
1. Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
No doubt about this one.
two Jets – QB Zach Wilson, BYU
Will he do better than Sam Darnold?
3. 49ers (from Dolphins / Texans) – QB Trey Lance, North Dakota
The 49ers negotiated to get a quarterback. The only question: is it Lance or Justin Fields?
4. Hawks – TE Kyle Pitts, Florida
One of the most talented players in this draft, but the Falcons will need a new quarterback at some point.
5. Bengals – CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
Something surprising here, since some analysts consider Patrick Surtain the best cornerback in this draft.
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6. Dolphins (from Eagles) – WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
Size will be a concern in the NFL for the winner of the Heisman Trophy.
7. Lions – OT Penei Sewell, Oregon
Some protection for the new Lions quarterback, Jared Goff.
8. Panthers – Edge rusher Kwity Paye, Michigan
There is no need to take Fields here now, after Darnold’s exchange.
9. Broncos – QB Justin Fields, Ohio
Somewhat surprising, since the Broncos decide to shut down Drew Lock.
10. Cowboys – Edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
Paye would be the preferred option, if it is available.
11 Giants – OT / G Rashawn Slater, Northwest
The receiver is also an option for the Giants, but they just signed with Kenny Golladay. The line remains a major problem.
12. Eagles (from 49ers) – WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
Another surprise here, when the Eagles pass by Ja’Marr Chase to catch Waddle. Howie Roseman will regret this?
13. Chargers – WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
Justin Herbert will be thrilled with this choice, as he should be.
14. Vikings – CB Patrick Surtain, Alabama
Defensive coach Mike Zimmer is on the hot seat, and Surtain will help shore up his secondary.
15. Patriots – WR Kadarius Toney, Florida
No quarterback in this year’s draft for the Patriots. Maybe next year.
16. Cardinals – OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
The Cardinals go all-in this season. They will need more of Kyler Murray and his lineage.
17. Raiders – C Creed Humphrey
Definitely the best potential customer available this year.
18. Dolphins – Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, Miami
Did he overtake fellow Miami scorer Gregory Rousseau?
19. Washington – LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
He has the top 15 talents, but he just doesn’t play a position that is a block to be taken so high.
20. Bears – CB Tyson Campbell, Georgia
Do not discard Jaycee Horn here, as the Bears try to replace Kyle Fuller.
21. Colts – OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma
Some protection for the Colts’ new quarterback, Carson Wentz.
22. Titans – DL Christian Barmore, Alabama
Some help for the middle of the Tennessee defensive line.
23. Jets (from Seahawks) – CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
Joe Douglas basically has to have a cornerback high this year.
24. Steelers – QB Mac Jones, Alabama
The eventual replacement of Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh?
25. Jaguars (from Rams) – RB Najee Harris, Alabama
A weapon for Lawrence, as he will start from Day 1.
26. Brown – LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
It’s not a sexy choice, but it will help the Browns’ defense a lot.
27. Ravens – Edge rusher Jayson Oweh, Penn State
His draft stock is apparently increasing, but he had no bags last season.
28. Santos – WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
Another talented receiver with concerns about size, as he is only 1.5 meters.
29. Packers – OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
This will not cause as much turmoil as the Packers chose Jordan Love at the end of the first round last year.
30. Accounts – Edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Many questions surround you. Limited tape, as he chose to leave last season. But he is a talent.
31. Bosses – OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
He can play multiple points on the line – a feature that Bosses can use.
32. Buccaneers – CB Greg Newsome, Northwestern
Todd Bowles receives another piece for his quietly dominant defense.
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