First round of NFL Draft lands five QB’s in first 15 picks, Cardinals go defense with 16th overall

(KYMA, KECY) - The first round of the 2021 NFL Draft opened up on Thursday night from Cleveland as one of the most anticipated drafts in league history after a virtual draft in 2020.

The first round featured a rowdy and electric crowd of 50,000 vaccinated fans and organization members, making up for the 2020 draft that lacked fans or any in-person interaction.

As always, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, made his opening remarks as the crowd booed his presence. And it didn't stop as he made his way to the podium to announce the first overall pick.

As expected, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, drew the first card being drafted to the Jacksonville Jaguars. That was a locked in pick since January.

Following that, four more quarterbacks were drafted in the first 15 picks which was part of the extra buzz added to this year's selections.

Zach Wilson from BYU would go second to the New York Jets, followed by North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance going number three to the San Francisco 49ers.

The next quarterback to go was Justin Fields to the Chicago Bears, a pick the Bears traded up to number 11 to get from the New York Giants.

Lastly, Alabama quarterback and 2021 national champion Mac Jones, fell to number 15 as the new quarterback of the New England Patriots.

Following the 15th pick by New England, the Arizona Cardinals stuck to their defensive draft ways by picking up Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins.

Collins is the second straight linebacker taken in the first round by Arizona after the Cards took Isaiah Simmons in 2020 with the 8th overall pick. Collins and Simmons front the youth of a defense that includes Chandler Jones and recently acquired, J.J. Watt.

The second and third round of the draft continues on Friday night. The Cardinals second pick comes 17th in the second round at 49th overall.