With as many as five quarterbacks projected to go in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, analysts believe the Atlanta Falcons will select one with the fourth-overall pick. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence is a lock to go No. 1, but the rest of the top five is tougher to predict.
Ohio State’s Justin Fields was unquestionably the second-rated quarterback prospect entering the season. However, several draft experts have moved BYU’s Zach Wilson ahead of Fields. In Draft Wire’s new mock, Atlanta passes on Fields for NDSU QB Trey Lance after two projected trades.
Luke Easterling explains that while Lance is a raw prospect, his upside is too high for the team to pass on at No. 4.
“The Falcons haven’t had a top-five pick since 2008, when they spent the No. 3 overall selection on Matt Ryan. They should be hoping to hit another home run at quarterback with this pick, and they’ve got the perfect scenario. Lance is still a bit raw and inexperienced, but his talent and potential are through the roof. He’s also a strong fit for new head coach Arthur Smith and his offense, and he’ll be able to learn behind Ryan for at least a year before taking over as the starter.”
Since the Falcons have Matt Ryan under contract, Lance could sit behind him for a year or two before being thrown into the fire. Arthur Smith’s play-action heavy scheme is ideal for a mobile prospect like Lance.
With just one true year of starting experience at North Dakota State, Lance is far from a sure thing. Still, his arm talent is elite and he was insanely productive in 2019. Lance threw for 2.786 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and zero interceptions last year but played just one game in 2020 before opting out.
Check out Lance’s ultra-efficient performance vs. Butler in 2019.
