The 2021 NFL Draft is considered one of the most prolific drat classes for prospective NFL quarterbacks. Some of the most highly touted prospects were drafted in the 2021 class and many considered this class one of the best quarterback classes in NFL history.
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Despite expectations, the 2021 quarterback class had its ups and downs and faced noticeable adversity throughout the season. The QB class of 2021 will have high expectations going into their sophomore year in 2022. Here are the 10 NFL quarterbacks drafted in 2021 ranked from worst to best.
10 Ian Book
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports\n""> Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The expectations for Ian Book were certainly low despite being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round. Book started on December 23, 2021, and led the Saints to a 20-3 loss to the Dolphins. He totaled 135 yards and two interceptions in his first official start. Book was drafted as a backup quarterback and will take a second or third seat to Jameis Wiston in 2022. Expect Book to remain a low-upside backup for the majority of his NFL career.
9 Kellen Mond
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports\n""> Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Like Book, Kellen Mond was drafted as a backup QB for the Minnesota Vikings. The third-round draft pick played one game in Week 17 after head coach Mike Zimmerman benched Sean Mannion. Mond's potential as a starter remains relatively unknown due to the lack of NFL field time. Expect Mond to wait in the wings until Kirk Cousins is no longer the starting QB of the Minnesota Vikings.
8 Sam Ehlinger
Sam Ehlinger was drafted by the Colts in the sixth round and realized no NFL play-time due to an unfortunate ACL injury. Ehlinger has shown signs of flash throughout his collegiate career but has been unable to showcase any play since being drafted.
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Depending on how Matt Ryan performs in the 2022 season, Ehlinger may get a chance to prove his worth.
7 Kyle Trask
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Kyle Trask with the sole purpose of having him sit on the bench under the tutelage of Tom Brady. His situation is far from bad as he waits in the wings until Brady retires. Trask did not play a single minute in his first year as an NFL player, but he has shown potential throughout his collegiate career and pre-season play. Patience is the key for Trask as he will inevitably get his chance to prove his on-field prowess.
6 Trey Lance
It is no secret that the 49ers drafted Trey Lance to utilize his dual-threat capabilities as a passer and runner. Lance was considered fairly green by many experts going into the NFL Draft but fit head coach Kyle Shanahan's mold as a starting QB. Lance started two games in the 2021-22 season and finished the year with 603 passing years, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. If the Niners do indeed trade Jimmy Garoppolo during the offseason, Lance will be set up to take over the Niners' offense and truly showcase his skills in the NFL.
5 Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson's 2021 season was truly a tale of ups and downs. In some instances. the rookie showed considerable promise and made impressive plays with his wide receiver core. In other instances, he struggled immensely. Wilson finished the year with over 2,300 passing yards but only nine touchdowns. The Jets had a great NFL Draft and should be able to win north of five games in the coming season. Wilson will need to show the Jets' front office he is capable of leaping forward in the coming season.
4 Justin Fields
Justin Fields was put in an unfortunate situation. The Bears struggled all year and Fields had no reliable weapons available to showcase his immense talent. The Ohio State star finished the year with over 1,800 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. RELATED: 10 One-Hit Wonder Seasons From NFL Quarterbacks Fields is a dual-threat player and is capable of threatening offenses using his legs. Unfortunately for him, he is entering this coming season with a brand-new coaching regime and no Allen Robison. The Bears are projected to have an abysmal season which could affect Field's standing as the long-term solution as QB.
3 Trevor Lawrence
Despite the impeccable talent and draft pedigree, Trevor Lawrence was a complete disappointment in his first NFL season. The highly-touted prospect showed little to no signs of greatness and was unable to overcome a subpar roster. Lawrence finished his rookie season with over 3,500 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. The Jaguars made some significant changes during the offseason which includes the hiring of Doug Peterson as head coach and the addition of Zay Jones and Christian Kirk as wide receivers. Lawrence should be able to have a better sophomore season despite being part of a bottom-five roster.
2 Davis Mills
Davis Mills was able to overcome a poor roster and truly showcase his ability to become a worthy starting QB. The first-year QB started 11 games as the Texan's quarterback and finished the year with over 2,600 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Mills showed promise as a long-term QB option and will only get better as he gets more experience.
1 Mac Jones
It should come as no surprise that Mac Jones is the top-ranked QB from the 2021 rookie class. The Patriots' starter played all 17 games and led his team to a playoff berth. Jones finished the year with just over 3,800 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He showed maturity, poise, and leadership throughout his first year and will only improve under the tutelage of Bill Belichick.
