2021 NFL draft recap: Grades, what we learned and looking ahead to 2022's top prospects
The 2021 NFL draft is complete, and woebegone franchises such as the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets hope they've made destiny-altering quarterback selections.
The Chicago Bears, meanwhile, hope they've finally landed that elusive franchise quarterback.
The Bears' longtime arch-nemesis, the Green Bay Packers, had an unpleasant draft experience, as news leaked about Aaron Rodgers' unhappiness with the organization. It was a storyline that dominated the weekend. While his (current) team finished off its 2021 draft class, Rodgers attended the Kentucky Derby as "Turd Ferguson."
Once all 259 picks were in, USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis recapped the weekend's proceedings with the draft grades. While the aforementioned Jaguars and Jets received high marks for their hauls, the Houston Texans had a disastrous draft.
- 2021 NFL DRAFT: 32 things we learned
- DRAFT'S BIGGEST STEALS: Patriots, Jets add top value
- DRAFT TRACKER: Round 1 | Rounds 2-3 | Rounds 4-7
- DRAFT PICKS: Team-by-team look at all 259 selections
- WINNERS AND LOSERS: Round 1 | Rounds 2-3
Draft's can't-miss moments and storylines
- The Jets selected two players with the same name.
- The Jaguars selected Clemson RB Travis Etienne with their second first-round pick. But Urban Meyer had his eyes on a different player.
- The Patriots' first-round pick, Alabama QB Mac Jones, appears to be a perfect fit for the team.
- The Cowboys hope they can ramp up the pressure on opponents in 2021 with their first-round pick.
- The Texans' first pick was Stanford QB Davis Mills, who enters a difficult situation in Houston.
- Rams GM Les Snead tested positive for COVID-19 on Day 1 of the NFL draft. So instead of working from the "Rams House" in Malibu, he was in his garage.
- While Alabama tied a draft record, Michigan State had a long draft streak snapped.
- Bill Belichick's dog, Nike, gave NFL draft viewers what they wanted at the end of a long weekend.
- Aaron Rodgers wants Packers GM Brian Gutekunst out, according to a report.
- Who were the best players who went undrafted? There were some notable names left after pick No. 259.
2022 NFL draft: Next year's top prospects
With the 2021 NFL draft complete, it's already time to shift the focus toward next year's 87th annual "Player Selection Meeting." USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz takes a look at those who will be under the watchful eye of scouts and draftniks alike over the next 12 months.
- 2022 NFL DRAFT: Top 15 prospect rankings
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