Three players who are on sharp notice after Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
One of my favorite TV shows of all time is Game of Thrones. It’s great television; An interesting plot with a story that’s driven heavily by its characters. The NFL Draft is very similar in this regard. So many players from so many different backgrounds, you’d think the NFL Draft should be on HBO. One of my favorite characters from Game of Thrones is Jaqen H’ghar; The “faceless” character known for his cunning and his cryptic phrases. He once said, “Only death can pay for life”.
To me, that encapsulates exactly what the NFL Draft is. While the dream of these prospects is realized on draft day, this also means another’s dream must come to an end. Here are three players who are on sharp notice after Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Andy Dalton, QB Chicago Bears
When coach Matt Nagy announced Andy Dalton would be named the starter going into this season, the gust of winds Chicago is usually known for was actually Bears fans exhaling in disgust. Thursday night certainly shakes things up with the Bears drafting Ohio State quarterback, Justin Fields.
Fields has the talent, college experience, and composure to handle the responsibilities of being a day 1 starter. Couple that and the uninspiring play from Andy Dalton over the last few years, and it doesn’t look good for Dalton. With no long-term security on a 1-year deal and the Bears once again trading up to acquire a QB, (Mitchell Trubisky in 2017) what little footing Dalton had on the starting job seems almost non-existent.
RB James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
The most unlikely of fantasy star from last year, James Robinson finds himself in once again an unpredictable spot. Despite over 1,400 yards from scrimmage in 2020, the undrafted Robinson finds himself facing immediate competition in the form of former Clemson running back, Travis Etienne.
Etienne gives Jacksonville a versatile threat from the backfield with explosive ability. In contrast, James Robinson took on a workhorse-like role last year out of necessity, with almost 300 touches. Expect those opportunities to be significantly reduced this year and it may not be long before Etienne makes himself the lead back alongside college teammate Trevor Lawrence.
At first glance, the Jaguars backfield may appear congested, but we’re sure to see the cream rise to the top quickly and I’d expect James Robinson no longer atop the depth chart by mid-season.
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LBs Jaylon Smith & Leighton Vander Esch Dallas Cowboys
A two for one special here. The Dallas Cowboys traded back from 10th to pick 12th overall, selecting the hyper-athletic Michah Parsons. This pick places both of the Cowboys’ starting linebackers on notice for varying reasons. Jaylon Smith has seen his play careen in the last two seasons, struggling with misdirection and diagnosing plays after the snap. The team has a potential out in Smith’s contract after 2021 and Smith’s job and future with the team isn’t as assured as it once looked.
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Smith’s running mate, Leighton Vander Esch, is also in a similar situation. Vander Esch hasn’t been able to stay healthy since being drafted in the first round in 2018, forcing the Cowboys to make a difficult decision on whether or not to pick up the 5th year option on Vander Esch’s contract. The arrival of Michah Parsons certainly complicates matters for both Dallas Cowboys linebackers and one of them might not have their job for much longer.
