2021 NFL Draft: Predicting where QBs land after 49ers trade up

New York Jets — Zach Wilson

This is going to be the most interesting spot in the 2021 NFL draft now. The Jets drafted Sam Darnold third overall back in 2018 and in three seasons, he hasn’t lived up to the hype.

The former USC Trojan hasn’t had the most help surrounding him, but he has also been mistake-prone with 39 interceptions in just three NFL seasons compared to 45 touchdowns.

New York does have a new head coach and different leadership. That means they don’t have ties to Darnold, who could easily garner interest elsewhere in a trade.

So really, it depends how much the Jets like Zach Wilson. He seems like an elite quarterback to me and while he might prefer going to San Francisco, I see the Jets pulling the trigger and starting over at quarterback.

49ers — Justin Fields

The other day I said that going to Atlanta would be the ideal scenario for Fields but that was before this trade was made.

Part of the thinking was that Fields wouldn’t need to play right away with the Falcons. He could sit behind Matt Ryan and when ready, he could be unleashed.

That’s what the Chiefs did with Patrick Mahomes and it worked out really well. Of course, Fields isn’t going to be Mahomes, but he could be something similar. He probably does need some fine-tuning and time to learn the NFL game, so the 49ers would be a good fit, especially if they stick to their word and hang onto Jimmy G.

Kyle Shanahan would also be creative enough to get the most out of Fields, which is why I love the trade up. The Niners are happy with Fields or Wilson and now, we’re just waiting to see what the Jets will do.