Which first-round picks from the 2021 NFL draft have stood out during offseason workouts?
No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence has already made a positive impression on his Jacksonville Jaguars teammates and has shown improvement from practice to practice. Quarterback Zach Wilson (No. 2) has the New York Jets excited after flashing the ability to make throws on the run, and tight end Kyle Pitts (No. 4) has given the Atlanta Falcons early indications that he will be a playmaker right away.
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (No. 9), Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (No. 12) and Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (No. 29) also look ready to push for early playing time.
Quarterbacks Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers, No. 3), Justin Fields (Chicago Bears, No. 11) and Mac Jones (New England Patriots, No. 15) have shown flashes, but they are expected to enter training camp as backups.
As teams enjoy a break before returning for training camp next month, here's a look at what our NFL Nation reporters have seen from all 32 first-round picks during offseason workouts, using the final first-round selection order from April 29:
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence has had the expected ups and downs all rookie quarterbacks experience in their first months on the job, but he really looked good in his last practice -- especially in red zone work. That's significant, because he struggled in that area in a previous open workout but clearly has learned and adjusted. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin said he's been impressed with Lawrence's release, ball placement, improving patience and how he continues a steady improvement.
"It's just insane to see that so early in a quarterback," Griffin said. "You're talking about coming in the league with so much high hopes and he's proving it." -- Michael DiRocco
