Former Heisman Trophy winner has unique quarterback ranking for 2021 NFL draft

We’re still very early in the 2021 NFL draft calendar, and position rankings published in October are certain to change by the time April rolls around. But some lists are unique and strange enough that it forces us to take notice.

ESPN analyst and 1989 Heisman Trophy winner, Andre Ware, ranked his top five quarterbacks for the 2021 draft and there were a few notable surprises, to say the least.

Trevor Lawrence is an easy call at No. 1, and most draft analysts have Ohio State’s Justin Fields at QB2. Ware’s list is very different and features BYU’s Zach Wilson and Florida’s Kyle Trask as the second- and third-best quarterback prospects in the country.

Fields checks-in fourth, while North Dakota State’s Trey Lance is fifth.

Is this just a contrarian take by Ware? Or does he really believe Wilson is a better prospect than Fields?

There’s a swell of momentum building around Wilson and his draft stock is definitely on the rise. His 81.2% completion percentage — which is tops in the nation — is a big reason why. He’s equal parts efficient and explosive, which is a combination that will be valued highly by NFL decision-makers.

Still, it’s difficult imagining a scenario where Wilson will end the draft process ranked ahead of Fields, whose floor as an NFL player might be Wilson’s ceiling.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL