Zach Wilson’s steady rise up draft boards has the BYU quarterback the heavy favorite to be selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields had long held that position behind presumptive No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence. But Wilson’s surge that began while BYU was routing most opponents last season has continued into the pre-draft process.
Zach Wilson now favored to be QB2 behind Trevor Lawrence in 2021 NFL Draft
Lawrence is still being offered at -5000 by PointsBet and -2000 by DraftKings to be the No. 1 overall pick, currently held by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Wilson now holds the second-shortest odds at both sportsbooks (+1000 and +800, respectfully), and is being offered at -167 by DraftKings to be the No. 2 overall pick. Fields is next at +260, followed by North Dakota quarterback Trey Lance (+700).
Wilson, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound Utah native, is considered the most accurate passer in the class while having enough arm strength to make every necessary NFL throw. Compared to the Cleveland Browns’ Baker Mayfield by Lindy’s Draft magazine, Wilson is a more dynamic athlete but will need to learn how to quickly work through his progressions at the next level.
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Justin Fields dropping down 2021 NFL Draft boards
Fields is still the higher-rated overall prospect by some analysts. His raw talent and toughness is unquestioned after playing through a rib injury to lead Ohio State to the national title game last month.
Most of the concern with Fields is that he comes from a loaded program at Ohio State that featured a bevvy of playmakers around him. However, he’s a dynamic dual-threat quarterback capable of becoming the face of a franchise, drawing comparisons to Dallas’ Dak Prescott with his combination of arm talent and competitiveness.
The New York Jets currently hold the No. 2 overall pick, followed by the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons.
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Oregon’s Penei Sewell (-715) is the heavy favorite by DraftKings to be the first offensive lineman drafted. LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase (-150) continues to lead Alabama teammates DeVonta Smith (+125) and Jaylen Waddle (+700) to be the first wide receiver off the board.
Clemson’s Travis Etienne is -200 to be the first running back selected, followed by Alabama’s Najee Harris (+125).
Read More: Quarterback ‘in play’ for Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft order
1. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1-15
2. New York Jets, 2-14
3. Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans), 4-12
4. Atlanta Falcons, 4-12
5. Cincinnati Bengals, 4-11-1
6. Philadelphia Eagles, 4-11-1
7. Detroit Lions, 5-11
8. Carolina Panthers, 5-11
9. Denver Broncos, 5-11
10. Dallas Cowboys, 6-10
11. New York Giants, 6-10
12. San Francisco 49ers, 6-10
13. Los Angeles Chargers, 7-9
14. Minnesota Vikings, 7-9
15. New England Patriots, 7-9
16. Arizona Cardinals, 8-8
17. Las Vegas Raiders, 8-8
18. Miami Dolphins, 10-6
19. Washington Football Team, 7-9
20. Chicago Bears, 8-8
21. Indianapolis Colts, 11-5
22. Tennessee Titans, 11-5
23. New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks), 2-14
24. Pittsburgh Steelers, 12-4
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams), 1-15
26. Cleveland Browns, 11-5
27. Baltimore Ravens, 11-5
28. New Orleans Saints, 12-4
29. Green Bay Packers, 13-3
30. Buffalo Bills, 13-3
31. Kansas City Chiefs, 14-2
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 11-5
–Field Level Media