Potential Rookie Quarterback Landing Spots and their Redraft / Dynasty Implications Gabriel Miramontes of First Round Fantasy

   

 The 2021 NFL draft is just under two weeks away. A chance for NFL franchises to turn the page and invest in a new crop of top tier talent. Nothing is more important than a quarterback when it comes to rebuilding a championship dynasty. This just so happens to be the case for the likes of San Francisco, New York, New England, Denver and Jacksonville as they intend to turn the page on their respective franchises. As the hype rises, I want to take a look at two of the industries major organizations, NFL and CBS and see where their most recent mock drafts have some of the most coveted names in college football going in 2021. From here I’ll assess both options, possibly make my own predictions and determine their fantasy outlook not only for 2021 but for years to come! Let's get started.

#1 Trevor Lawence - Clemson

Mock Draft Landing Spot 

NFL - Jacksonville

CBS - Jacksonville

As far as the prodigal son is concerned, there seems to be little doubt Lawrence will not land anywhere else other than Jacksonville with the number one overall pick. With that being said, I will not spend much time with Lawrence. Looking at fantasy implications specifically redraft leagues first, Lawrence has been compared to the likes of Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning (being hyped since the age of 13 will get you there) and of course those two produced well for fantasy for many years. I am not completely sold yet on Trevor Lawrence just yet. With Urban Meyer coming up from the college ranks which within itself is quite the adjustment, Lawrence also has to deal with a lackluster receiving core out of the gate. DJ Chark shows promise, but has health concerns. Leviska Shenault is a dart throw dynasty hold. Newly acquired Marvin Jones Jr stretches the field but is up their age. Lastly, Phillip Dorsett has never been a consistent producer for fantasy. There are major hurdles for Lawrence and company to overcome in 2021. As it stands Lawrence has a floor as a top 24 QB making him viable in Superflex leagues. In redraft, Lawrence has a top 15 ceiling, but I see him settling right around 22 on the season which makes him a bye week fill in at best. Make no qualms about it, Lawrence has the arm and rushing capabilities to solidify top 10 finishes for years to come making him a must own in dynasty, however do not jump the gun just yet in redraft.

#2 Justin Fields - Ohio State

Mock Draft Landing Spot

NFL - Pick #4 (via NE Trade )

CBS - Pick #9 (Denver)

The versatility, elusiveness, cannon, vision, and game breaking ability, are all there for Justin Fields. Fields is the perfect archetype for a prototypical fantasy all-star. I would love for Fields to land in New England or Atlanta. A place where he can sit, simmer and learn an NFL system behind the likes of Cam Newton or Matt Ryan. If Fields finds himself in a situation like the ones mentioned prior I love his dynasty outlook! In redraft, obviously Fields becomes irrelevant early on. However if Denver takes Fields with the #9 pick, I love it for fantasy. Drew Lock has shown no promise prompting these rumors of Denver finding a new franchise QB to begin with. It is very likely we may not see Fields week one, but once he takes the reign of the offense, he becomes an instant top 10 QB. Jerry Juedy, Tim Patrick, Cortland Sutton, Noah Fant and Melvin Gordan surround Fields with weapons while his rushing ability skyrockets his fantasy value. It may not always be fun to watch, but Fields may find himself in a situation in which he finishes higher than any other quarterback taken in this draft class in terms of fantasy year one and I am all in to enjoy the ride.

#3 Trey Lance - NDSU

Mock Draft Landing Spot

NFL - #9 (Denver)

CBS - #3 (San Francisco)

Yes, Trey Lance plays at a smaller division one school. Yes, Trey Lance broke an awful lot of tackles in college that he most likely won't escape from at the NFL level. Yes, he only played in one game in 2020 and was not all that great. Yes, I still love Trey Lance. A spot like SF would be a perfect opportunity to learn, develop and hone his skills. The SF offense also is perfectly catered to someone like Lance. The reality of that happening is a little slim as Justin Fields might find himself there. Another spot I love for Lance is NE at 15. It is within the realm of possibility that this comes to fruition. Learning behind Cam Newton and the great Belichick would be phenomenal for Lance. As mentioned with Fields, if Lance finds himself in Denver, it is only a matter of time before the offense is his! Everyone wants a Justin Herbert type rookie season, however it does not happen as often as you think. But what if I told you that you could have a Mahomes caliber player in two years? It’s okay. I know your answer. Snatch Lance up in Dynasty and spend a late round flyer on him in redrafts. You’ll be glad you did.

#4 Zach Wilson - BYU

Mock Draft Landing Spot

NFL - #2 (Jets)

CBS - #2 (Jets)

Zach Wilson is my FAVORITE quarterback prospect in this draft class, PERIOD. Mainly because he is compared to my other favorite fantasy QB, Josh Allen. Wilson along with Lawrence find themselves as the two rookies likely to have their name called on opening day for their respective teams. Wilson’s arm and bull like rushing ability push him to the top of my rookie fantasy rankings. The New York Jets are in full rebuild with new head coach Robert Saleh. I love the mental toughness culture that Saleh brings. Wilson brings that exact mentality as well which creates the perfect pairing. Denzel Mimms, Crowder, and Perriman are by no means perfect but Mimms showed promise as a young talented rookie last year. Newly signed Corey Davis should pack more than a punch to get this new look offense up and running! His first year may not be pretty, but in redraft leagues Wilson has top 20 upside much like Allen in his rookie season (finished as the QB 18). In dynasty and super flex leagues Wilson is a must own. Tides are changing in New York and I am changing my mindset about NY players because of it!

#5 Mac Jones - Alabama

Mock Draft Landing Spot

NFL - #3 (Niners)

CBS - #15 (Patriots)

Mac Jones is said to be one of the more NFL ready quarterbacks in the year's draft class. Saying that sounds like good things are coming, but there are a lot of naysayers that believe Jones is one of the lesser options in terms of fantasy. This may very well be true, for me personally it entirely depends where Jones lands. I love a fit like Atlanta where Jones can learn behind Matt Ryan. Same can be said for New England, but like all the other quarterbacks in this draft class, they can't just all go to either New England, San Francisco and Atlanta. The Niners have been rumored to take him at #3 and I like it a lot. For fantasy purposes, Mac Jones needs time. I love the way the ball flies out of his arm effortlessly. His accuracy can sometimes be iffy but when you are throwing the ball to Davonta Smith, a lot of balls look catchable.  In dynasty Jones is a hot stash. In redraft leagues its likely he sees the field and if so, I like him more next year than this year (Probably in the 25-30 range). 

From Kyle Trask to Kellen Mond there are many other names to be called on draft day. There very well could be the next Tom Brady waiting in the 6th round as well. However, these are a few of the hot  names that likely hold the most relevance in year one. Take your pick and enjoy the ride! Feel differently about any of these guys, let me know down in the comments and I’ll be happy to hear your point of view.

For all things fantasy football feel free to follow my fantasy football youtube page (FirstRoundFantasy) or on Twitter at @FRFFootball, or lastly @gmiramontesssss.