What happened to the Top 10 picks of the 2021 NFL Draft?
The 2021 NFL Draft’s top picks delivered stars, squad players and disappointments, showing how early selections can have a varying career path.
- Rajat Srivastava
- 4 min read
The 2021 NFL Draft’s top 10 picks had quite a mix of stars, surprises and struggles. Some players, like JaMarr Chase, Penei Sewell, and Patrick Surtain II, quickly proved to be among the best at their positions. While as others, like Zach Wilson and Trey Lance, failed to live up to the expectations. These set of players had some solid receivers, franchise leaders and a few disappointments as well. This draft class showed how unpredictable NFL careers can truly be.
10. DeVonta Smith – Philadelphia Eagles
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Smith, the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, brought his precision and steady hands to Philadelphia. While not the biggest receiver, his skill and reliability have made him a perfect complement in the Eagles’ offense. Smith consistently produces big plays for his team. By 2025, he is a trusted player for his quarterback, showing that his game translates at the highest level despite the questions about his size.
9. Patrick Surtain II – Denver Broncos
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Patrick Surtain II has grown into one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks since entering the league. With good instincts, technique, and athleticism, he is capable of shutting down the league’s best receivers. His consistent excellence has earned him Pro Bowl selection and recognition as the center of Denver’s defense. Surtain is well respected as one of the top defensive backs in the NFL.
8. Jaycee Horn – Carolina Panthers
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Jaycee Horn came into the league with excellent coverage skills and physicality, but his career has been slowed down due to injuries. When healthy, he has shown the talent to be a good corner capable of taking on top receivers. Carolina still hopes he can reach his full potential. Horn is considered a promising defender who just needs consistent health to truly shine as expected.
7. Penei Sewell – Detroit Lions
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Penei Sewell has quickly emerged as one of the league’s best offensive tackles. His size, strength, and footwork make him a nightmare for pass rushers. The Lions drafted him to protect their quarterback, and he has delivered beyond expectations, becoming the main man in their offensive line. Sewell is viewed as one of the NFL’s most dominant linemen, and is important to Detroit’s offensive success in the league.
6. Jaylen Waddle – Miami Dolphins
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Jaylen Waddle brought speed and electrifying playmaking to Miami’s offense. His chemistry with Tua Tagovailoa helped him become one of the NFL’s most exciting young wideouts. Waddle’s turning short passes into long gains is a constant threat to defenses. He has established himself as a crucial player for the Dolphins, giving them a reliable and an explosive option in their passing attack.
5. Ja’Marr Chase – Cincinnati Bengals
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Chase has been a sensation since entering the league, instantly becoming Joe Burrow’s favorite target in Cincinnati. His speed and big play ability have made him one of the league’s top wide receivers. In 2024, he even captured the NFL receiving Triple Crown, solidifying his superstar status. Chase is popularly regarded as a generational wide receiver who is transforming Cincinnati’s passing game.
4. Kyle Pitts – Atlanta Falcons
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Kyle Pitts was drafted as a generational tight end prospect for his size, speed and mismatch ability. His rookie season showed a few flashes of dominance, and he has remained a key part of Atlanta’s offense. While he hasn’t completely reached his true potential, Pitts is still one of the most talented young tight ends in the NFL and remains a valuable building block for the Falcons’ future.
3. Trey Lance – San Francisco 49ers
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Trey Lance came into the NFL with rare athletic skill set, but injuries and lack of playing time impacted his progress. San Francisco moved on quickly, and he has struggled to find a stable home elsewhere. Lance is a classic example of raw talents not meeting the expectations. His immense potential has not been able to translate into lasting NFL success.
2. Zach Wilson – New York Jets
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Zach Wilson was drafted with the hope of being the Jets’ savior, but his NFL career has been full of struggles. Inconsistent decision making and turnovers have stopped him from getting the starting role. Despite being talented, he hasn’t lived up to his draft status. Wilson is one of the bigger quarterback busts of his year, showing how risky top picks can be for the teams.
1. Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars
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Trevor Lawrence entered the NFL as the most hyped up quarterback talent in years. While his rookie season had not been that great, he has steadily developed into Jacksonville’s long term franchise leader. With his strong arm, leadership skills and improving consistency, he can guide Jaguars into the playoffs. Trevor is considered as the future superstar of the Jaguars as well as the NFL.