The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his Top 10 quarterbacks in this year’s 2021 NFL Draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
1. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, 6-6, 213 pounds
Held in the same regard as John Elway, Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck as a can’t-miss prospect of the past 40 years. He was a combined 86-4 as a starter in high school and college.
2. Zach Wilson, BYU, 6-2, 214 pounds
Thanks to Patrick Mahomes, Wilson’s knack for making off-script throws is now seen as a bonus to his pocket accuracy and not as unnecessary risk-taking. Long injury history includes surgery on his throwing shoulder.
3. Justin Fields, Ohio State, 6-3, 227 pounds
Ran for 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Ohio State, but should use his legs more often, like a bigger Kyler Murray. Because Ohio State’s system creates so many easy throws, he needs work on getting through progressions. Played best in big games.
4. Mac Jones, Alabama, 6-3, 217 pounds
Never drew the same hype as ex-teammates Tua Tagovailoa or Jalen Hurts because his tools aren’t jaw-dropping. But he is clinical at dissecting defenses, and his intangibles draw comparisons to Tom Brady.
5. Trey Lance, North Dakota State, 6-4, 224 pounds
Only 17 career starts because North Dakota State canceled its 2020 fall season after one game. Best served in the early-going in small packages with a play-action pass emphasis, similar to a rookie Lamar Jackson.
6. Kellen Mond, Texas A &M, 6-3, 211 pounds
Could a sixth quarterback sneak into the first round? Mond was more inconsistent than expected from a senior, but made huge throws against Florida and Alabama and won Senior Bowl MVP.
7. Davis Mills, Stanford, 6-4, 225 pounds
Another year at Stanford would’ve helped, especially after a truncated five-game season. He completed about two-thirds of his passes as a sophomore and junior.
8. Kyle Trask, Florida, 6-5, 236 pounds
A Heisman Trophy finalist after a breakout season, but how much was because he played with first-round weapons Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney? Prototypical size and good in the pocket, but lacks mobility.
9. Jamie Newman, Wake Forest, 6-3, 234 pounds
Transferred to Georgia, but opted out of the season after a family connection to COVID-19. He ran with power and set passing and total-offense records in his one season as Wake Forest’s starter.
10. Ian Book, Notre Dame, 6-0, 211 pounds
Three-year starter (30-5 record) who saved his best for last. Most effective on bootlegs and when he can use his instincts in a rolling pocket. Second to Brady Quinn in most categories of Notre Dame record book.
Late Riser
Jones: Some scouts rank him as high as No. 2 after seeing how quickly he digested a new offense at the Senior Bowl. Is he the reason the 49ers traded up from No. 12 to No. 3?
Falling Fast
Lance: High ceiling, but few teams these days are willing to be patient and hold back a first-round quarterback for a couple of seasons. Maybe the biggest loser in the Panthers’ trade for Sam Darnold.
Small-School Wonder
Shane Buechele, SMU, 6-1, 207 pounds
Other than Lance, it’s a down year for non-Power Five QBs. Buechele started as a true freshman at Texas, but lost the job. Led all active NCAA quarterbacks last season in career completions and passing yards.