Revisiting the 2021 NFL Draft Class: Trevor Lawrence, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Everything You Need To Know

Quarterback prospects headlined the 2021 NFL Draft, including Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. QB-needy teams lined up to acquire the services of the signal-callers, and many NFL Draft analysts speculated all five high-end QB prospects would go in the first round.

The QB prospects weren’t the only headliners of the 2021 NFL Draft as we look back at a remarkable draft class and where they are today.

Highlights From the 2021 NFL Draft Class

Trevor Lawrence

The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t waste any time selecting Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lawrence, viewed by many as a can’t-miss NFL prospect, spearheaded the revival in Jacksonville.

.@judybattista: "The most impactful trend of the 2023 NFL Draft was not the early run on quarterbacks, the mid-first-round run on receivers or the scramble for offensive linemen. It was the race to stop Trevor Lawrence."https://t.co/M4BlvFVcW0 pic.twitter.com/0lTSBZqnQo

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 29, 2023

Lawrence and the Jaguars won the AFC South, advancing to the Divisional Round in his second season under center. The future appears bright for Lawrence, and the AFC South has been put on notice.

Zach Wilson

The New York Jets fell in love with the playmaking ability and arm talent of BYU QB Zach Wilson. Wilson displayed great versatility during his BYU Pro Day, and it was common knowledge that Wilson would be a New York Jet.

(2020) Zach Wilson at BYU • 33 Passing TDs
• 3 Interceptions
• 73.5%
• 3,692 Passing Yards
• 254 Rushing Yards
• 10 Rushing TDs
• Drafted #2 Overall in the 2021 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/f2EyvCx3jO

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) August 4, 2023

Unfortunately for Wilson, things have soured for him in the Big Apple, and the Jets pivoted, trading for future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Wilson remains on the bench studying under Rodgers, hoping to build his once-promising career back up.

Trey Lance

The San Francisco 49ers traded three first-round selections to acquire the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Speculation ran rampant around the 49ers organization that Kyle Shanahan and Co. were targeting Alabama QB Mac Jones.

Reports since that time suggest there was a split in the organization and that GM John Lynch wanted Ohio State QB Justin Fields. Shanahan seemed to favor North Dakota State QB Trey Lance, who would become the eventual selection.

Reports: #49ers GM John Lynch wanted to select current #Bears QB Justin Fields in the 2021 #NFL Draft, however San Francisco HC Kyle Shanahan insisted on current 49ers QB Trey Lance 👀 (per @NFLNotify)

How much better do you believe Fields would look in SF compared to CHI? pic.twitter.com/9tjOxmma13

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) August 14, 2023

Lance has struggled to progress and has not remained on the field, missing most of the 2022 season due to injury. Since then, the 49ers uncovered a gem with the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, QB Brock Purdy. Lance appears to be on borrowed time in the Bay Area, and a change of scenery would benefit his floundering career.

Justin Fields

Justin Fields slid a bit further than many NFL analysts expected. With Fields on the board at the 11th pick, the Chicago Bears made the bold move, sending a future first-round pick to trade up and select the Ohio State signal-caller.

Things weren’t always all sunshine and rainbows for Fields. Many thought he was in over his head early on, but Fields continued to progress and become one of the premier playmakers from the QB position in the NFL.

Surrounded by more weapons, Year 3 is a statement year for Fields.

Mac Jones

The New England Patriots resisted the urge to trade up and stayed put, selecting QB Mac Jones with the 15th overall selection in the 2021 draft. Many viewed Jones as the long-term solution to Tom Brady leaving for Tampa Bay.

That’s my 2021 NFL Draft QB2 — Mac Jones when I mocked him to the Patriots pre draft https://t.co/GbYXYBaruf https://t.co/BMSCgDFP5V

— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) August 10, 2023

Two years in, the Patriots’ offense appears to have plateaued, and some are calling for backup Bailey Zappe to get starts under center.

Other Players of Note

• The Atlanta Falcons selected Florida TE Kyle Pitts with the fourth overall selection.
• The Cincinnati Bengals selected LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase with the fifth overall selection.
• The Miami Dolphins selected Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle with the sixth overall selection.
• The Detroit Lions selected Oregon OT Penei Sewell with the seventh overall selection.

• The Denver Broncos selected Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II with the ninth overall selection.
• The Philadelphia Eagles selected Alabama WR DeVonta Smith with the 10th overall selection.
• The Dallas Cowboys selected Penn State EDGE Micah Parsons with the 11th overall selection.

#TBT: Micah Parsons selected 12th overall in the 2021 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/xPgnF8YxkJ

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) April 6, 2023

• The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Alabama RB Najee Harris with the 24th overall selection.
• The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Clemson RB Travis Etienne with the 25th overall selection.