2021 NFL Draft Rankings by Team
The 2021 NFL Draft was a highly anticipated event, with several top prospects looking to make an immediate impact in the league. Here's a breakdown of how each team's draft class is viewed, based on early evaluations:
Teams with the Best Drafts
- Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars, with the No. 1 overall pick, had a fantastic draft, adding a dynamic quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and several key pieces on both sides of the ball.
- Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals focused on protecting their young franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, with the selection of offensive lineman Penei Sewell and adding a dynamic wide receiver in Ja'Marr Chase.
- New York Jets: The Jets took a major step towards rebuilding their roster with a pair of top-10 picks, selecting quarterback Zach Wilson and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.
- Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys addressed their biggest needs by drafting offensive lineman Micah Parsons, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and cornerback Trevon Diggs.
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers traded up to select quarterback Trey Lance, adding a potential long-term franchise solution at the most important position.
Teams with Mixed Results
- Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins traded up for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 draft, but their 2021 class was a mixed bag. Their selection of Jaelan Phillips at edge rusher has the potential to be a strong one.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears traded up to select quarterback Justin Fields, but their overall draft class was inconsistent.
- Carolina Panthers: The Panthers took a gamble on quarterback Sam Darnold, but their draft class didn't provide much excitement.
Teams with Questions Marks
- Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons' decision to draft tight end Kyle Pitts at No. 4 overall was intriguing but questioned by many. Their overall draft class lacked the star power of some of the other teams in the top ten.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles selected quarterback DeVonta Smith at No. 10 overall, but their overall draft class raised questions about their ability to improve in 2021.
- Detroit Lions: The Lions' selection of Penei Sewell was a strong one, but their overall draft class was underwhelming.
Conclusion
The 2021 NFL Draft was a rollercoaster of excitement, surprises, and uncertainty. Some teams came away with strong classes, while others are still waiting to see how their picks pan out. Ultimately, it will take a few years to truly assess the impact of this draft class, but it is clear that several teams have positioned themselves for long-term success.