Philadelphia Eagles draft watch: Ranking 5 best QBs not named Lawrence

Yes, Philadelphia Eagles fans, someone besides Justin Fields is number one.

Think back to the 2018 NFL Draft for a few ticks. Remember when we were debating about who the first quarterback taken might be? If you’ll remember, some of those discussions sound similar to the ones we’re having now.

Sure, we know Trevor Lawrence comes off of the board first in 2021. What happens after that though?

In terms of 2018, in the end, it was Baker Mayfield that heard his name called first. Four quarterbacks were taken in the top ten picks, and while that may not happen in 2021 (though we might see three QBs taken in the top ten), it’s been three full NFL seasons since Baker, Sam Darnold, and Josh Allen entered the league.

Look what’s happened. The third signal-caller off of the board might be the one that we’re discussing the most moving forward. History could repeat itself three years after we watch Lawrence, Justin Fields, and the top guy on our list sling it around for a while. Don’t be surprised if the third guy is the most successful.

We expect Lawrence to shine and do so early, but might he fizzle in what isn’t really seen as one of the better-run franchises? Might Justin Fields shine early but endure hardship while playing for a franchise mired in bad coaching and the inability to find him talented teammates (like Darnold)?

That’s part of the reason that Fields is second on our list. He can ball, but the guy in the top slot might be slightly more NFL-ready and on his way to a better situation, which will only improve his chances of developing into a star more quickly.