Quarterback class from 2021 NFL Draft hasn't given teams much of a return

The New England Patriots agreeing to trade quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday for a sixth-round pick was another harsh reminder as to how difficult it can be to evaluate young quarterbacks entering the NFL. 

Several teams are finding that out this offseason, including several of which that attempted to pick a quarterback in the 2021 class.

The 2021 class saw five quarterbacks get picked within the top-15 picks, and it is possible — if not likely — that only one of them will play the 2024 season as a member of the team that drafted them.

The first-round quarterbacks that year were Trevor Lawrence (No. 1 overall to Jacksonville), Zach Wilson (No. 2 to the New York Jets), Trey Lance (No. 3 to the San Francisco 49ers), Justin Fields (No. 11 to the Chicago Bears) and Jones (No. 15 to the Patriots).

Only one of them — Lawrence — has gone even somewhat according to play. 

Wilson's time with the Jets has been so disappointing that after just two seasons they acquired Aaron Rodgers heading into the 2023 season, and are now giving Wilson the opportunity to pursue trades. 

Even if they find a taker the return is going to be minimal and probably along the lines of what the Patriots received for Jones.

The 49ers traded three first-round picks to move up to No. 3 to select Lance, and then watched him get beat out by a seventh-round pick (Brock Purdy). After giving up all of that draft capital they traded Lance to the Cowboys for a fourth-round pick before the start of the 2023 season.

After three inconsistent years, the Bears look to be ready to replace Fields with a No. 1 overall pick (Caleb Williams) this April. If that is the direction they decide to go, they will likely trade Fields for an uninspiring return. Certainly nothing that will come close to the price they paid to select Fields, trading two first-round picks for the opportunity to move up to No. 11 overall.

Even Lawrence, who has been very good, has had his share of inconsistencies and has not really been a superstar. 

It is something for teams — and fans — to keep in mind this April when Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix and Bo Nix are all considered as potential first-round picks. 

They may look great now and be full of upside, but nobody ever truly knows how they are going to pan out. It is very likely that several of them will be following the path of the 2021 class in a couple of years.