Jacksonville, Florida – The 2021 NFL quarterback draft class has failed to live up to initial expectations, with many of the highly-touted prospects struggling to make an impact in the league. As teams gear up for the upcoming draft, the disappointing performance of the 2021 QBs serves as a cautionary tale for talent evaluation and development in the NFL.
Among the former first-round picks, only Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars, remains with his drafting team. While Lawrence has shown promise, he has yet to establish himself as a transformative star in the league. The other quarterbacks from the 2021 class, including Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Mac Jones, and Trey Lance, have faced challenges and uncertainties in their careers.
Wilson, drafted by the New York Jets, has struggled to find success on the field, leading to speculation about his future with the team. Similarly, Fields, who was recently traded from the Chicago Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers, has faced criticism for his performance and development under different coaching staffs. Lance, once seen as a high-potential prospect for the San Francisco 49ers, failed to meet expectations and was eventually traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
Each quarterback’s journey in the NFL has been marked by unique challenges and setbacks. Lawrence’s development was hindered by a tumultuous rookie season under Urban Meyer, while Wilson faced difficulties transitioning to the professional level. Fields and Lance also encountered obstacles in adapting to new systems and expectations in their respective teams.
As the NFL looks towards a new crop of talented quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, the struggles of the 2021 class serve as a reminder of the uncertainties and risks involved in drafting and developing young QBs. Teams must learn from the mistakes of the past and provide adequate support and guidance to help their prospects succeed in the demanding landscape of professional football.