The NFL draft and schedule make for an exciting season

The NFL Draft is a life changer for upcoming draftees and a time for teams to address any needs they have for the upcoming season and beyond. This year’s 2021 draft showcased many great athletes, especially at the quarterback position. 

Five quarterbacks were selected in the first 15 picks, with the number one pick being Trevor Lawrence who went to the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

With this quarterback heavy draft class, fans are questioning the legacy of what these guys will bring. ¨I think the best quarterback in this draft will definitely be Trevor Lawrence. There was a reason he was selected number one overall, and has only lost three games since highschool,¨senior Brett Shumway said.
Others have different opinions. Senior Jacob Martin believes that Mac Jones, drafted by the Patriots, will be the best quarterback in the draft. ¨Mac Jones got drafted into the QB heavy system with a great head coach. I honestly think that Mac Jones could leave with a super bowl, and take on that Tom Brady roll for the Patriots,” he said.

Other than quarterbacks, some big names that will be entering the NFL are Alabama teammates Jaylen Waddle and Devonte Smith. Another wide receiver JaMaar Chase from LSU was selected number five to the Bengals. “I think Devonta Smith and Jalen Hurts will be a great QB-WR duo, especially if they both stay in Philly for a few years,” senior Zach Jahnz said.

The Packers had the 29th pick in this year’s draft. Although many saw the need for them to draft to give Aaron Rodgers weapons, they decided to select a defensive back out of Georgia named Eric Stokes. Now, Green Bay front office needs to secure Rodgers for the 2021 season.

Other than the Packers, there is more talk in the NFC North as the Bears selected QB Justin Fields out of Ohio State. Many feel that Fields is a great prospect that has the ability to impact the NFC North quickly. ¨Justin Fields has great potential and could be a legitimate threat in the NFL. Although he isn’t the most hyped quarterback in the draft, I feel he could be one of the best in this draft class,¨ senior Keegan Kapocious said.

Fans are also excited because the 2021 NFL season schedule has just been released, and there are superstar matchup and destined rookies matching up against each other. Week 2, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens face off against the great Patrick Mahomes. A quarterback battle takes place in week 7 as Jared Goff and the lions take on Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.JJ Watt and Deandre Hopkins take on their old team in week 7.The number 1 pick, Trevor Lawrence and number 2 pick Zach Wilson face off in week 16.