Jaguars 2021 NFL draft: 6 notes and observations from Day 1

Heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, there was a 99.99 percent chance the Jacksonville Jaguars were going to take Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in the first round and had they chosen someone else, the internet would’ve probably broken and the world might’ve stopped spinning. In the end, the Jags followed the script and chose the Tennesse native as expected, but what about other NFL teams? How did they fare? Were there any surprises? Here are a few notes and observations.

1) The San Francisco 49ers draft Trey Lance third overall

Only the 49ers’ brass knew who was going to be their pick. While it was a give the Jaguars were going to take Lawrence first overall and the New York Jets were targeting Zach Wilson with the second pick of the draft, San Francisco’s choice remained a mystery to most observers until NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the Trey Lance pick.

In the end, it wasn’t Mac Jones nor Justin Fields but the North Dakota State product, and the 49ers’ decision triggered a few interest developments later in the draft.

2) Jaycee Horn was the first defensive player drafted

Before the Carolina Panthers made South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn the eighth overall selection in 2021’s draft, seven straight offensive players were taken. The Georgia native may be the best cornerback prospect in the draft.

In the end, Horn’s addition to the Panthers’ secondary makes sense. The former Gamecock should form a formidable tandem along with second-year safety Jeremy Chinn.