In an era where the NFL Draft garners as much attention as the Super Bowl, the fate of the quarterbacks picked in the 2021 class has become a narrative no less riveting than a primetime drama. With the dust barely settled, the careers of these young quarterbacks are already taking turns that few could have predicted, providing a stark reminder of the NFL’s unpredictable nature.
Among the voices weighing in on these developments is none other than superfan Rich Eisen, who has been particularly vocal about the situation unfolding at the New York Jets with Zach Wilson.
Zach Wilson’s Uncertain Future
Zach Wilson‘s journey from being the 2nd overall pick to an uncertain future underscores the volatile world of professional football. Entering the league with high expectations and the weight of New York’s hopes on his shoulders, Wilson’s career trajectory took an unexpected detour. The arrival of Aaron Rodgers, a generational talent, to the Jets effectively sidelined Wilson, raising questions about his future with the team.
Rich Eisen, a staunch Jets supporter, did not mince words when discussing Wilson’s prospects: “There’s no way Zach Wilson is gonna be on the Jets. Unless, what, he’s sitting there as a third-stringer, holding a clipboard?” Eisen’s skepticism about Wilson’s role in New York reflects the broader uncertainties that plague quarterbacks in the NFL.
The sentiment that Wilson might be “cut” if no suitable trade emerges is a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of the league, where yesterday’s top pick can become today’s afterthought.
Most high end talent in this years NFL Draft👀 pic.twitter.com/wQfUQbrsBL
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 19, 2024
Trevor Lawrence, Stability Amid Uncertainty
While Zach Wilson’s story unfolds with bated breath, Trevor Lawrence emerges as the solitary figure from his draft class to remain with the team that brought him into the league. As the starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lawrence’s stability contrasts sharply with the tumultuous paths of his peers.
Yet, this stability comes with its own set of challenges, as the Jaguars navigate the complexities of building a team capable of capitalizing on Lawrence’s talents.
2021 Quarterback Draft Class, Paths and Pitfalls in NFL Landscape
The 2021 QB draft class’s story is not just about Wilson and Lawrence but also about Justin Fields, Mac Jones, Kenny Pickett, and Trey Lance. Each quarterback’s journey reflects the broader narrative of unpredictability and the relentless search for the right fit within the NFL’s intricate tapestry.
Justin Fields finds himself in Pittsburgh, Pickett has flown to the Eagles, and Lance’s departure from San Francisco was a foregone conclusion last year. Meanwhile, Mac Jones’s move to Jacksonville, as Eisen pointed out, likely relegates him to backup duties, a far cry from the expectations set during his draft.
Rich Eisen’s comments on Jones resonate with the harsh realities facing many quarterbacks in the draft: “I don’t think he’ll start a game for Jacksonville. The only way he does is if Trevor Lawrence gets hurt.” This observation not only highlights the precarious position of being a backup in the NFL but also the thin line between opportunity and obscurity that these athletes navigate.
NFL’s Unpredictable Tale of Change
The 2021 QB draft class’s unfolding saga serves as a compelling narrative about potential, pressure, and the often harsh realities of professional football. As these quarterbacks carve their paths in the league, their stories are a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where the only certainty is change.
Whether any of them will find redemption or a new beginning remains a storyline ripe with anticipation and speculation, mirroring the very essence of the sport they play.
Sources: The Athletic
