*Cue the boos for Roger Goodell*
Ladies and Gents ... it is that time.
Yes, it is NFL Draft time. Maybe you have read those Mel Kiper Jr. or Todd McShay mock drafts, or maybe you have saved the best prediction article for last. Either way, I am glad you are here.
Welcome to the 2021 NFL Draft, where 7,238 quarterbacks will be drafted.
I'm kidding ... kind of. It's the quarterbacks' world and we're just living in it.
I am going to give you a breakdown of the hot topics within this NFL Draft. It will be like your reading something from Mel Kiper, but just a bit more Bad Ash.
I will be the first to admit that I entertained the idea of Justin Fields going No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. I mean, it made sense. Former Ohio State head coach takes Ohio State quarterback ... why not, right? I like to be different. However, we have been made well-aware that Trevor Lawrence is the top candidate to lead the Jaguars to the first playoff run since 2017. The franchise has taken three quarterbacks in the top ten, and either will be highly successful in the league.
Since we know (basically) that Lawrence is going No. 1, I will be referencing Justin Fields a good bit within this post because I see him being a great fit for many teams. Think about it ... Justin Fields with Christian McCaffrey in the backfield. Yikes.
But... Next on the draft board are the New York Jets, and they need a little bit of everything. They recently handed Sam Darnold over to the Carolina Panthers so all eyes look to Justin Fields to take over this starting quarterback position as their current quarterback list is made up of a couple of guys you have probably never heard of before. There are a few who have Zach Wilson here, but for the sake of actually making predictions I am putting Justin Fields at No. 2 (even though I think he would be the perfect fit in Carolina, if I haven't already made myself clear). It may be confusing why I say that considering the whole Darnold move. My Bad Ash take on that is due to the playing history of Sam Darnold. He is likely to have a few rough games, potentially become benched, and you all know where I am going with this. The New York Jets could let Fields slide right by, much to their dismay, and one man's trash becomes another man's treasure.
The San Francisco 49ers traded up nine spots to No. 3. Why? We don't know, and it appears as they do not know either. One day we hear that the franchise knows exactly what they are doing with their pick and then less than 24 hours later we are led astray. Either way that clock will wind down on Thursday night. Out with Jimmy G and in with Zach Wilson. Yes, I am putting Zach Wilson over Mac Jones. This is not to downplay Mac Jones, but the talent that surrounded him in Alabama last year was a large reason for his individual success. Zach Wilson has a ton of upside to his playing style.
The Atlanta Falcons have not had a top ten pick since 2008 when they drafted Matt Ryan. Ironically enough, they may be drafting his replacement. Trey Lance only started 17 games in his college career, but with great risk comes great reward. Matt Ryan is not going anywhere just yet and despite the overall feelings towards Ryan in the A, he would be a tremendous quarterback to study while riding the bench for a season or two.
I told you before we got started that over 7,000 quarterbacks would be drafted, so we are on pace.
Coming in hot at No. 5 are the Cincinnati Bengals. I have decided to go with my heart over my head with this pick, and take Jamaar Chase. The odds are not in this favor as Cincinnati must plan to protect the face of their franchise in Joe Burrow. The majority vouch for an offensive tackle to get drafted No. 5 overall and that may be the wiser prediction, but nothing like getting the band back together. One thing that we do know for certain is that a quarterback will not be drafted here.
I know that was brief, but I'm not quite finished. DeVonta Smith is the No. 2 receiver in the draft, but his name won't be called in the top ten. The New England Patriots are likely to trade up to that No. 7 spot to draft Cam's backup in Mac Jones. Yes, I said Cam's backup. If the Giants let Smith slip to No. 12 to the Eagles, him and Jalen Hurts would be a dynamic duo together. To let a receiver like Smith go by would be something to regret, but we have seen crazier things done in the NFL Draft. During the 2020 season Smith had 1,856 yards on 117 receptions and 23 touchdowns, averaging over 15 yards per carry. How is that for 'his size is a disadvantage'? Micah Parsons is one my top defensive candidates this year. He is a playmaker who will run down tailbacks and pitch in as a pass-rusher. Najee Harris is a running back destined for stardom in the NFL. Many teams are not looking for this position, so how low Harris drops in the first round is not a direct reflection on his talents. Harris comes in at 6'2", 230 lbs. He rushed for over 1,400 yards last season and 26 touchdowns. Pressure.
I think it is worth noting that the Cleveland Browns are picking at No. 26 in the first round. This is a pretty big deal for a team who is used to picking within the top half of the draft. On Thursday, the Browns will wake up feeling dangerous.
If you have been following Bad Ash for awhile then you know that the NFL Draft is my kind of holiday. Dreams become realities on this night, and the reactions are my favorite part. All of that hard work pays off by one phone call that seems so simple, yet such a remarkable moment in these young mens' lives.
If the draft is not enough NFL for you, stay tuned on May 12 at 8 PM as the 2021 schedule will be released.
We still have a long way to go in justice for ALL. I will not be quiet, I will stand up for what I know is right and I will be a voice for the voiceless. The conviction of Derek Chauvin was a STEP in the right direction. We must continue to push forward and fight against racial inequality and racial injustice.
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