NFL Draft Round-One Recap

CLEVELAND, OH – The NFL Draft kicked things off Thursday night in Cleveland and as always, expect the unexpected when it comes to draft day. It is an exciting time for football fans to see where the top collegiate players land with their respective new NFL teams, and day one did not disappoint. 

Let’s take a look at how round one of the 2021 draft unfolded. Highlighting the top three players that went off the board, North Carolina natives, and ACC players that have now found their new NFL homes.

Round 1, Pick 1: QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson 

Jacksonville Jaguars 

The Jaguars get a generational talent at the quarterback position with Trevor Lawrence, as this was an expected pick. Lawrence has been the most hyped-up prospect, arguably since Jon Elway. The former Clemson Tiger put the ACC on notice for three seasons, not losing a single regular-season game, to add with a National Championship in his freshman season. He piled up 10,098 passing yards, 90 touchdowns, and just 17 interceptions. If Jacksonville can surround him with a strong enough surrounding cast, then his potential at the next level is unlimited.

Round 1, Pick 2: QB Zach Wilson, BYU

New York Jets

The Jets become the only team to draft a quarterback in the top three within four years in the history of the NFL. After one breakout season, Wilson had scouts drooling, showcasing tremendous mobility and field awareness to add to his ongoing acrobatic throws. In 2020 Wilson threw for 3,692, 33 passing touchdowns, 10 rushing touchdowns, and threw just three interceptions. He has all the intangibles to be successful and is an ideal modern-day quarterback. The question is can he bring the Jets back to relevance? We will have to wait and see. 

Round 1, Pick 3: QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State

San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers traded down from pick 12 to three one month before the draft, and everyone knew they were taking a quarterback. It was just a matter of who it would be. The 49ers took their chances with Trey Lance, who played just 18 college games but has untapped potential. However, he made every game count, including a stellar 2019 campaign throwing for 2,786 yards, 28 touchdown passes, and zero interceptions. He is a raw prospect, but the sky is the limit, and he goes to the best situation for any rookie quarterback in the draft with a 49ers team that is ready to win now. 

Round 1, Pick 18: DE Jaelan Phillips, Miami

Miami Dolphins 

ACC’s Jaelan Phillips does not need to move too far from the University of Mami being selected to the Miami Dolphins. The 6 foot 5 defensive lineman is an athletic freak who had a breakout junior season for the Hurricanes, tallying up 45 tackles, eight sacks, and one interception. He goes to an ideal landing spot with head coach Brian Flores and an already great defensive front. As long as Phillips can stay healthy with past medical issues, he should wreak havoc in Mami for years to come. 

Round 1, Pick 22: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech 

Tennessee Titans 

The NC and ACC native Caleb Farley becomes a steal at the 22nd overall pick in the draft. The Titans lost their top two cornerbacks in Free Agency, and Farley fills a desperate need. Farley would have been an easy top 10-15 pick if it was not for a back surgery he had this offseason, but he is expected to be 100 percent healthy come 2021. In his two seasons spent with the Hokies, Farley had 56 tackles, 19 passes defended, and six interceptions. The Titans run a lot of man-coverage, and that is what Farley thrives off of. 

Round 1, Pick 23: OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

Minnesota Vikings

Back to back, Virginia Tech Hokies get drafted, with the Vikings finding their future franchise tackle in Christian Darrisaw. At a massive frame of 6 foot 5, 322 pounds, Darrisaw was ranked as the top ACC lineman and a top-five lineman overall in this year’s draft class. His pure strength and power will make it difficult for any defensive lineman to move him. The pick makes sense as Darrisaw’s strength is run-blocking, and it will be a huge addition to help open the holes for Vikings’ star running back Dalvin Cook.  

Round 1, Pick 25: RB Travis Etienne, Clemson 

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars go with the unexpected Clemson stack on day one of the draft with Lawrence’s teammate Travis Etienne. Etienne is coming off a tremendous college career for the Tigers scoring 78 total touchdowns and 6,107 scrimmage yards. His ability to catch out of the backfield separates him from the opposing running backs in the class. It will be something to watch for as the Jags will now have two ACC pieces to be the future of their franchise. 

Round 1, Pick 30: DE Gregory Rousseau, Miami

Buffalo Bills

The final ACC player to go off the board in the first round is another Miami Hurricane with Gregory Rousseau. A 2020 season opt-out, Rousseau still has all the talent to be an instant presence at the next level. His 2019 season said it all as a pass rusher, logging in 15.5 sacks with 34 tackles in 13 games. He will have the privilege of competing in the same division in the AFC East with his former Miami teammate Jaelan Phillips. 

Expect more NC and ACC natives to be selected in the upcoming days in the draft which will be held on April 30th and May 1st.