2021 NFL Quarterback Class Falls Short of Expectations as Struggles Continue

The 2021 NFL Draft was initially praised as one of the most talented quarterback classes in league history, with many analysts predicting that several of its quarterbacks would reach MVP-level success. Hype surrounded the draft’s top picks, and fans were optimistic that these young signal-callers would redefine the game.

However, the class has since disappointed dramatically, now considered one of the least productive quarterback groups in recent memory.

Top Draft Picks Lawrence and Lance Struggle to Live Up to Lofty NFL Expectations

Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick, was heralded as a generational talent coming out of college. Expected to make an immediate impact, his NFL career so far has failed to meet those lofty expectations. While not a total bust, Lawrence’s performance has been middling, falling far short of the superstar trajectory that experts had forecasted.

Trey Lance was the next highly anticipated quarterback, with the 49ers making a bold move by trading multiple first-round picks to select him third overall. Despite this investment, Lance’s time in San Francisco was brief and plagued by injuries. He got his chance to start in his second season, only to suffer a season-ending ankle fracture in Week 2. His replacement, Brock Purdy, performed so well that Lance never regained his starting spot.

Trey Lance’s NFL Journey Hits Another Roadblock Amid Struggles with the Los Angeles Chargers

After being displaced in San Francisco, Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent a season learning behind Dak Prescott. However, a disastrous preseason outing, marked by five interceptions, relegated him to third-string status. An injury to Prescott later gave Lance a chance to start the season finale, where he performed decently enough to be traded again, this time to the Los Angeles Chargers, who hoped to develop him further.

Unfortunately for Lance, his fresh start with the Chargers is already going south. Reports from minicamp describe his performance as disastrous, reigniting doubts about his NFL future. Cowboys fans, who had already seen Lance struggle, now sympathize with the Chargers. Entering his fifth year in the league, Lance is quickly running out of chances to establish himself, with his hopes of securing a starting role slipping away.