The Playbook: 2021 NFL Draft best players

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Benny Burke, Writer

This year’s National Football League (NFL) draft had some promising prospects. At the top of the draft was quarterback Trevor Lawrence from Clemson. The number two and three picks were wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase from Louisiana State University (LSU)and offensive tackle Penei Sewell from Oregon. Lawrence got drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars this is understandable considering the below average season they had. Chase is signed to the Cincinnati Bengals and is expected to improve the team greatly and Sewell is playing with the Detroit Lions but fans would’ve rather seen him go to a better team.

The teams lined up for those three picks had absolutely terrible records in the prior season. The Jaguar’s record was 1-15, the Bengals went 4-11 and the Lions went 5-11. Considering their records, it can be seen why these teams were first in line.

According to NFL news, the top underrated picks of the draft were safety JaCoby Stevens from LSU, defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon and another safety Andre Cisco from Syracuse. Stevens went to the Eagles, Nixon plays with the Panthers and Cisco is with the Jaguars. These three picks hit all the marks in athleticism and football IQ and there doesn’t seem to be a reason why they’re ranked so low.

The draft this year was held mostly in person with some of the players, excluding  Lawrence who stayed home and joined virtually. It was held in Cleveland, Ohio. The three rounds were held over the course of three days. The three stadiums it was held in were FirstEnergy Stadium, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center.

After the draft this year, according to National Broadcasting Company Sports, the top three teams expected to do well in the 2021 season didn’t  change from the previous season. The Buccaneers are still at the top with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills trailing. From these predictions, it seems that the draft didn’t change the tide very much. These are only predictions though, and can only be taken to seriously.

Perhaps Lawrence will carry the Jags into a better season and transform them into a better team. That’s a lot to ask of one person and football fans can only wait.