Friday open thread: How many quarterbacks will be taken in the first 6 picks?

The Detroit Lions are sitting in a great spot with the No. 7 pick. The 2021 draft class has an unusually high number of first-round quarterback talents and plenty of teams have a need at the position, either right now or in the near future. That means that a large percentage of the picks ahead of the Lions will be spent on a quarterback.

As a result, Detroit can sit back and let the other valuable options fall right to them without having to trade up at all. Whether it is a playmaker like Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, or Kyle Pitts, or a top lineman like Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater, there will be a ton of top talent still on the board at No. 7.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

How many quarterbacks will be taken in the first six picks?

My answer: Trevor Lawrence is going 1.01. The Jets just traded away Sam Darnold. The 49ers gave up multiple first rounders to move into the No. 3 pick. While it is not clear who New York and San Francisco will take with those picks, it is nearly certain that the draft will start with three quarterbacks.

The next three spots are more interesting, partly because there is the high likelihood of at least one trade. While none of the Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Miami need to take a quarterback this draft, there are more than a few teams picking behind them that might want to jump up and take their guy. The Falcons would also be a great spot for a quarterback that needs some time to develop like Trey Lance.

Sitting here today, I would guess that four quarterbacks are gone by the time the Lions are on the clock. After the Jaguars take Lawrence, it looks like the Jets are set on Zach Wilson. I do not believe the 49ers actually like Mac Jones (who will slip into the teens), and I bet they end up with Justin Fields. That leaves Lance to Atlanta before the Bengals take Sewell and someone trades up to take Pitts at 1.06, giving the Lions the best receiver in the draft: Ja’Marr Chase.

Your turn.