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Some of the 2021 NFL Draft highlights include:
8 QB's selected in the first three rounds (NFL Record), with 5 going in round one.
14 OT's were selected in the first three rounds (NFL Record).
16 CB's were drafted in the first three rounds (NFL record).
The NFL has been evolving into a more pass-heavy league in recent years, and that curve does not look like it will flatten anytime soon as the NFL. As you can see we highlighted above, there were 8 QB's selected in the first three rounds (NFL record), and 14 OT's were chosen between rounds 1-3 (also an NFL record). The 15 WR's drafted between rounds 1-3 tied for fourth-most since the common draft era began in 1967. In 2020, 80% of teams played at least one quarterback who was originally a first-round pick, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Do not expect that 80% number to decrease in 2021.
To combat the heavy offensive overflow of talent that teams are loading up on in recent years, teams are loading up on CB's. A record 16 were taken in the first three rounds, and a total of 37 were selected over the course of the 2021 NFL Draft.
In the below chart, you will find an overview of the 2021 NFL Draft. We have listed the total number of players drafted in rounds 1-7, with their average drafted by round, highest pick number, and the average player grade using our proprietary grade player analysis grades.
Final 2021 NFL Draft Overview
The above chart provides an overview of the 2021 NFL Draft. We have listed the total number of players drafted in rounds 1-7, with their average drafted by round, highest pick number, and the average player grade using our proprietary grade player analysis grades.
The highest graded position in 2021 is at the QB position, where they average a high 6.6 grade which would categorize the entire position as a Potential Upside caliber group (2nd tier). QB's carry the highest value with an average drafted round of 2.30, followed by OT at 3.24.
The lowest draft value in 2021 is at RB, with an average draft round value of 4.80, followed by the safety position. The interior defensive line position was also valued very low, and we knew that might be the case going into the draft due to the lack of high-end prospects at the position. The CB position had the most players drafted in 2021 with an average round drafted of 3.97 which ranks as the 2nd highest on the defensive side of the football.