Chris Sims’ 2021 NFL Draft QB Ranking is out; Trevor Lawrence is not No. 1 – nor is Justin Fields

Trevor Who?

Former NFL quarterback and current NFL analyst Chris Sims has made waves in the past for his annual NFL Draft quarterback rankings and breakdowns. This year’s edition was released on the March 3 edition of “PFT Live” and featured a number of surprise pics – notably, Trevor Lawrence’s “Generation” talent isn’t No. 1, nor does Ohio State K is Justin Fields. Rather, it is BYU passerby Zach Wilson.

Here is Sims’ ranking for this year’s draft cycle:

1. Zach Wilson, BYU
2. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
3. Mac Jones, Alabama
4. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
5. Justin Fields, Ohio State
6. Trey Lance, North Dakota State

Slipping out of the top six is ​​Florida quarterback Kyle Trask, who some consider a first-round talent.

MORE: NFL Mock Draft 2021 – Jets at QB2, Justin Fields Slips

Sims classified Wilson as an elite passerby, stating that he is the best pure passer and “superstar” in the draft, with good athleticism and a plus release. Sims believes Lawrence has some of the things necessary to work in the mechanics department. Sims says Wilson is “clearly the No. 1 quarterback in the draft,” only when knocking with his size.

At No. 3, Jones is also about an intriguing selection. Sims believes Jones’ hand may not be as strong as other counterparts in this draft, but is still physically talented, moves well within all throws and pockets.

Surprisingly (surprised?), Simms Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond is one place ahead of Justin Fields of Ohio State, with Fields falling all the way to No. 5. Simms Mond pegs as extremely accurate and sound.

While Sims believes Fields is a better prospect than in the first round, Dwayne Haskins was coming out of Ohio State, with mechanics issues and questions about his role in a single-read offense that pushed him down the rankings dropped it. He cited several poor performances last season as a reason for the fall.

The draft has gone through the ringer in the pre-draft process, though many believe he is actually QB2 behind Clemson Lawrence in this year’s draft. Wilson’s extraordinary 2020 season with BYU overturned him directly in the QB2 discussion.

For comparison, Sims’ 2020 draft rankings:

1. Joe Barrow (selected No. 1 overall)
2. Justin Herbert (Overall Number 6 Elected)
3. Jordan Love (selected 26th overall)
4. Tua Tagovailoa (selected number 5 overall)
5. Jacob Ishaan (selected 122nd overall)

The former NFL quarterback says he believes all six of his quarterbacks are legitimate first-round talents, and he could take them all in the first round this year.