The 2021 NFL Draft has concluded and teams’ rosters are almost to set for the season as cuts begin before the season kicks off. Teams massively improved their rosters in this draft and show potential for the future. Here are the teams that are early winners of this year’s 2021 draft.
New York Jets
The New York Jets drafted their franchise quarterback of the future with BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. The Jets then traded up to draft USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker to improve the offensive line for Wilson. This was a smart pick for them as they need o-line help desperately. The Jets then took Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Moore in the second round to give them a legitimate #1 receiver.
The Jets had an all-around solid draft and addressed all their needs in the offense. It is up to new head coach Robert Saleh and his coaching staff to turn this team around.
New York Giants
The Giants had one of the best recent drafts in recent years starting with the trade with the Chicago Bears to move down to pick 20 this year. They acquire the Bears 2022 first-round pick and 2022 fourth-round pick. A 2021 fifth-round pick was also acquired which they traded to move up in the third round.
Then, on day two, they traded down with the Miami Dolphins and acquired their 2022 third-round pick. The Giants now have double first-round, third-round, and fourth-round picks next year. It is supposed to be a loaded 2022 draft class according to reports as well. General manager Dave Gettleman drafted Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney in the first round and Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari in the second round, who were both steals.
Overall, Gettleman won this draft not only with his picks but with the draft capital he acquired in next year’s NFL draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a clear-cut winner as they drafted the best player with Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Then, they drafted his teammate with Clemson running back Travis Etienne. They are now reunited in Jacksonville and are the future of this team. Then, they took Georgia cornerback Tyson Campbell and Stanford offensive tackle Walker Little to address other needs on this team.
Overall, this was a fantastic draft for a Jaguars team with Urban Meyer as their head coach. This NFL team will become someone to watch in the next years with all this talent.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are a sneaky good winner in this year’s draft with South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn and LSU wideout Terrace Marshall Jr. The Panthers addressed two needs with these picks. They added to their secondary and gave their new quarterback, Sam Darnold, an extra weapon to throw to in Carolina. Then, they added Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard in the later rounds as well to get more depth at the running back position.
The Panthers will be a team to watch out for in the future if all works out with all the pieces they have in place.