2021 NFL Draft: Predicting where QBs land after 49ers trade up
The San Francisco 49ers traded up in the 2021 NFL draft on Friday and the question is, which quarterback are they after? Justin Fields? Zach Wilson? Or Both?
In a blockbuster move that adds even more intrigue to the top of the 2021 NFL draft, the San Francisco 49ers pulled off a trade with the Miami Dolphins Friday to acquire the No. 3 overall pick.
The move wasn’t a surprise given that the 49ers have been after a quarterback and there have been rumors about them wanting to potentially trade Jimmy Garaoppolo.
While it sounds like the Niners might hold onto Jimmy G for now, saying to Adam Schefter “he’s their guy next year” the trade with the Dolphins, which required giving up the No. 12 overall pick and two future first-round picks, was made with a quarterback in mind, in a move similar to one I suggested last week.
The #49ers plan to keep Jimmy G, believing they have a playoff-ready roster and he’s the one for it. We’ll see if teams can change their mind. https://t.co/SL5Skr0euA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 26, 2021
You just knew if the 49ers were going to come out of the 2021 NFL draft with an elite quarterback, they were going to have to move up.
The question is, who are they trying to move up for?
It seems like there are two logical targets that make sense: Zach Wilson of BYU and Justin Fields out Ohio State. Trevor Lawrence is going to the Jaguars but according to the same report from ESPN, the 49ers are happy with the other options available:
"“The 49ers opted to trade up because they’re good with the options that will be there at No. 3 after picks by the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets, sources told ESPN.”"
That sounds like the 49ers would be happy selecting either quarterback in the 2021 NFL draft, which now seems likely.
And in another interesting turn, the Eagles, who traded back to No. 12 with Miami, were interested in the No. 3 but only if they could get Wilson according to Ian Rapoport.
The #Dolphins give themselves maximum flexibility, from No. 3 to No. 12 to No. 6 — but with many more picks. The #49ers get their QB of the future. And the #Eagles get ammo to build for the future.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 26, 2021
When the dust settled, the 49ers are picking third, Miami is sixth and the Eagles are 12th. So now, where are these quarterbacks going to land?
Here are some immediate predictions in the aftermath of two huge trades.
Trevor Lawrence — Jaguars
This isn’t changing. He is still locked in as the No. 1 pick and it would be surprising if we didn’t know prior to draft night. Start the negotiation already.
Yet, there is much more drama about the next few picks and that’s where we look next.