The 2021 NFL Draft class will be a focal point of the NFL for years to come. The class included five quarterbacks who have a chance to make a significant impact on their franchises this season and beyond.
So, we decided to rank these five gentlemen every week and track their progress throughout the season.
Let’s see where these young gunslingers stacked up in Week 1.
2 / 7
Lance saw spot duty in the first game of the season against the Detroit Lions. He got in around the goal line and threw a 5-yard touchdown pass, which is, shall we say, promising. The fact that Kyle Shanahan is trying to find ways to get him incorporated is a good sign for him and his maturation. It doesn’t look like Jimmy Garoppolo is giving up that job any time soon if he’s healthy, but it’s nice to see the third overall pick in the draft getting reps in meaningful situations in game one.
The only reason he’s last on the list is because I can’t give a higher ranking to a man who only threw one pass.
3 / 7
We understand that Fields is the more talented option than that Prince Harry look-alike in Chicago. But the Bears still haven’t pulled the trigger with Fields as their starter. You can argue all you want about the reasons why, and if they’re smart in doing so or not — I’m not here to debate that right now. From the few plays that we got to see on Sunday night, though, Fields was solid. He obviously gives the offense a different dynamic, which will make it increasingly harder for Matt Nagy to keep him off the field. The young rookie was 2/2 on passes for 10 yards and added a rushing touchdown for his first NFL score:
4 / 7
Out of all the rookies who did get the starting nod, Lawrence was undoubtedly the worst. He threw three picks and had 23 incompletions against the Houston Texans, a team that was expected to stink just as bad as Jacksonville was this season. On the bright side, Lawrence did throw three touchdowns and many of the mistakes he made were due to being forced to make big plays in the passing game because his team has limited talent and fell behind early. Lawrence’s rookie year will likely be filled with plenty of ups and downs because he doesn’t have the luxury of being surrounded with the cushion of a great (pro) head coach or great supporting cast. Lawrence’s main objective will be to get through the season healthy, and learn as much as he can by avoiding major hits.
5 / 7
Wilson was pretty impressive in his NFL debut. He wasn’t great by any means, but I gained a lot of respect for his toughness as a football player on Sunday. The Panthers’ front seven was dominating his offensive line and Wilson was under pressure all game. He was sacked six (6!) times and still was able to throw two touchdowns and get the Jets within striking distance. Wilson has some tools that will make him successful as a starter in this league. But just like Lawrence, Wilson will be hindered by the lack of talent around him.
6 / 7
Jones is the quarterback who has the most to lose in this group. He has the best coach and the best supporting cast by far of any of the rookie quarterbacks currently starting. The only one that could rival him would be Trey Lance if he gets a chance to start. Jones was 29-for-39 for 281 yards and a touchdown against a good Dolphins defense. It was a solid performance from the former Alabama quarterback and he looked like the most complete player in this draft class, which is why he gets the number one spot this week.
Even though the Patriots lost, they were one fumble away from winning a tough divisional matchup. As the season goes on it will be interesting to see how Jones will progress. Will the Patriots allow him to take more chances with the football or will he continue to be a game manager?