The 2020 NFL Draft just went down less than a month ago but next year’s draft is already in the spotlight. Sure, part of it is because most sports are still postponed and there isn’t much news in sports. But it is also because scouts and teams are starting to already look at the next crop of prospects, more importantly, the QBs.
1. Trevor Lawerence- 6’6”-220 lbs- Clemson
Lawerence seems to be the unanimous first overall pick for 2021. He’s one of the best prospects in this entire draft class currently and is a statistical machine with Clemson. In just two seasons, he’s thrown 66 TDs, 12 INTs, and nearly 7,000 passing yards. In 2019 alone, he threw 36 TDs and just eight INTs. Lawerence can also be a dual-threat, running for 563 yards and nine scores last year. One of his best qualities is his leadership. Scouts love his arm, playmaking ability, mobility in and out of the pocket, and his patience under pressure. His championship pedigree is an added bonus for whichever struggling team ends up drafting him, possibly the Jaguars.
2. Justin Fields- 6’3”- 223 lbs- Ohio St
Fields transferred to Ohio State from Georgia. As the backup to Jake Fromm, he wanted a chance to be a starter. With OSU, he gained immediate eligibility to play and put together quite a first year: 13-1 record, made the College Football Playoffs, 3,273 passing yards, 41 TDs, 3 INTs, 484 rushing yards, and 10 TDs. Fields is a natural passer who can be a threat on the run. He’s got less of a strong arm compared to some of the other prospects but is great in extending plays. If the Redskins and Haskins fail again, Fields could inject some excitement in Washington.
3. Jamie Newman- 6’4”- 230 lbs- Georgia
Newman played three seasons with Wake Forest, one as the full-time starter. Instead of finishing his collegiate career with the same school, he transferred to Georgia just as Fromm was exiting. In 2019, Newman had 2,869 passing yards, 26 TDs, 11 INTs, 464 rushing yards, and 6 INTs. While he was at Wake Forest, he was already a Top-10 QB prospect. With a better system around him with Georgia, he hopes to raise his stock. He’s got a powerful arm to pair with his new cast of stars. It seems many believe he could fit well with the Steelers as a Day 2 pick.
4. Trey Lance- 6’3”- 221 lbs- NDSU
Lance is a more lesser-known star in this class. His stellar 2019 season has his quickly climbing everyone’s draft boards. He redshirted in 2018 and started every game in 2019. NDSU went 16-0 and won their eighth championship. More importantly, Lance did not throw a single interception while also throwing 26 TDs and 2,786 yards with a 66.9% completion rate. A former three-star recruit, he received no Power 5 offers but is finding success with the Bison, similar to Carson Wentz. Obviously he needs another strong showing to prove he’s not a one-year wonder but he’s full of potential. Lance just needs a bigger body of work for scouts to go off of. The Lions could be a good place for him to develop and sit behind Stafford.
5. Kellen Mond- 6’4”- 225 lbs- Texas A&M
Mond has been starting for the Aggies for the last two seasons but needs another solid year to make him at least a Day 2 pick. In 2019, he had 2,897 passing yards, 20 TDs, nine INTs, 500 rushing yards, and eight scores. Mond has improved on his accuracy over the years, which was one of his biggest flaws. He excels with his footwork and decision-making under stress. Scouts have given him praise on his size and arm talent. Still, Mond is a work-in-progress and will likely be taken around the third round. The Buccaneers could be a nice place for him to wait around and develop.
6. KJ Costello- 6’5”- 215 lbs- Miss St
Another prospect from the transfer portal, Costello was with Stanford for three seasons before coming to Mississipi State in 2020. He only played five games in 2019 after several injuries kept him sidelined. 2018 was his career-high with 3,540 yards, 29 TDs, and 11 INTs. With Miss St, all signs point to him having a career year in 2020. He’s a pro-style QB with the ideal size and arm. Mike Leach, his new HC, is known for being a QB guru. Costello is a field general in the game and can command his offense with ease. His mental mechanics is a flaw of his, needing to play quicker and get the ball out faster as well. The Panthers could snag him late in the draft as an insurance policy in case Bridgewater doesn’t pan out.
7. Sam Ehlinger- 6’3”- 230 lbs- Texas
A former 4-star recruit entering college, Ehlinger has been electric for the Longhorns. His 2018 campaign was record-setting when he threw 25 TDs, 5 INTs, and also had 16 rushing TDs. He was among the Top-10 in 2018 in total TDs. In 2017, he even led the offense in rushing attempts and yards. In 2019, he wasn’t quite as successful as a runner but was more productive as a passer. It was a smart decision for him to skip the draft and return for his senior year. The downside is that he’s lost some big weapons to the draft this offseason. One thing that he doesn’t need to polish this year is his leadership and grit. Ehlinger can rise the board with another productive season and could be a steal. Could he replace Baker Mayfield down the road if he doesn’t reach his potential?
8. Tanner Morgan- 6’2”- 215 lbs- Minnesota
Morgan had a record year in 2019, his first full year as the starter. He broke 11 school records, including passing yards in a season (3,253), passing TDs (30), and completion percentage (66%). Minnesota progressed from 2018 to 2019 and went 11-2. The team is just shy of being a contender if Morgan can polish his flaws. His decision-making is shaky at times for starters. He’s a likely late Day 2 selection, possibly to a team like the Colts or Chargers.
9. Feleipe Franks- 6’5”- 227 lbs- Arkansas
Once poised to be the leader of the Florida Gators, Franks suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2019 in just the third game of the season. With his backup now strong competition for him, Franks transferred to Arkansas. In 2018, he threw for 2,457 yards, 24 TDs, and 6 INTs with a 58.4% completion rate. His arm strength and size are some positives but his accuracy is an issue. With Arkansas, there are fewer playmakers around him but there’s little competition to compete with. Hopefully, the change of scenery improves his production, otherwise, he could risk being undrafted.
10. Kyle Trask- 6’5”- 239 lbs- Florida
Speaking of Florida, Trask took advantage of Franks’ injury. In the ten games he played in, Trask had 2,293 yards, 21 TDs, and six INTs. Similar to Franks, his durability is in question. He’s a true pocket passer that lacks great vision and experience. His accuracy is impressive though. The best thing for him might be to return for his senior year though.
