Trey Lance at No. 9? One mock draft has WFT making that pick originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Washington Football Team is slated to pick 19th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, but based on numerous mock drafts being shared, that might be uncertain.
With experts and analysts trying their best to predict what will take place during the final weekend in April, many see a scenario in which Washington makes a pick outside of their pre-determined spot. That includes NFL Network analyst and former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew.
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In his most recent mock draft, MJD had Washington moving up to No. 9 and selecting quarterback Trey Lance out of North Dakota State. Here's his reasoning:
"Lance reminds me a lot of Cam Newton in terms of size and ability. And who was the guy who drafted Cam? Oh, that's right: It was Ron Rivera. Lance learns behind a grizzled vet, Ryan Fitzpatrick, then takes the reins."
The idea of Washington taking Lance at No. 9 is interesting for a multitude of reasons, including the pick positioning.
Looking at the landscape of the NFL Draft this year, it's likely that the first three picks are quarterbacks. Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson at No. 1 and No. 2 and then either Justin Fields or Lance at No. 3 seem like the most realistic options.
RELATED: A mega-detailed comparison between Trey Lance and Justin Fields
What comes after that is a little more unclear. Starting with Atlanta at No. 4 and going all the way to the Patriots at No. 15, there is no lock for another quarterback to be taken by a team currently in that group. The Panthers and Broncos were the most realistic options, but the acquisition of Sam Darnold in Carolina changes that and Denver could opt to give Drew Lock one more shot.
So while some believe a team wanting a QB would need to swap with Atlanta, Jones-Drew believes that Washington has the chance to trade up just slightly to grab a quarterback without mortgaging the whole future by moving all the way up to No. 4, as other mock drafts have suggested. Switching with the Broncos allows Washington to go and get someone for the future but save some capital that would be required to get into the Top 5. Does that make it more appealing for Ron Rivera and company?
Jones-Drew also has the Patriots moving up to No. 7 but selecting Mac Jones out of Alabama. In his eyes, Washington will have an opportunity to get a quarterback if it wants one.
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Another notable aspect of this draft is that it is yet another link between Lance and Washington. Besides some mock drafts matching the two sides, NFL analyst Michael Lombardi has stated that Washington "loves" Lance and a major trade to grab him could be in play.
It's a scenario with a lot of variables given that Lance has potential but not a lot of experience under his belt. Jones-Drew, however, sees that as a reason why Washington works best for the prospect. Rather than forcing him into a win-now situation, Washington can ease him in while Ryan Fitzpatrick handles business in 2021.
Prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, Washington was locked into the No. 2 pick and there was around a 99% chance that Chase Young was going to be the pick. This time around, it seems like the possibilities of what the team does on April 29 are endless. Washington sits at No. 19 for now, but based on the mock drafts, there's no guarantee that's where it picks.
