2021 NFL Draft odds: Trevor Lawrence heavy chalk to go No. 1

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The goal of a way-too-early mock draft is to get readers familiarized with players who should be atop the big boards in 2021. That Trevor Lawrence fella out of Clemson? He might be a name you recognize on every single one of them.

Unlike Joe Burrow's unconventional rise to the No. 1 pick, Lawrence's path has been traditional. He was the hottest commodity coming out of high school and already has two national title appearances under his belt as an underclassman. At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Lawrence also has the tools to become an elite quarterback at the pro level.

Unsurprisingly, he's the heavy favorite to be picked first next spring.

Odds to go No. 1 in 2021 NFL Draft

Only displaying odds shorter than 100-1

Of course, taking stabs at the first overall selection roughly a full year out from the draft is more recreational than business. After all, Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa was the consensus favorite to go No. 1 in 2020 prior to last season, yet he wasn't even the first quarterback in his conference to come off the board.

Let's consider who has the potential to usurp Lawrence by the time the 2021 draft rolls around.

Buy

Penei Sewell (+400)

How many teams in the league would bypass Lawrence for a tackle if they had the No. 1 pick? Not a whole lot. But had the Clemson quarterback come out in any other class, Sewell would more than likely be the best prospect in this field.

From a draft perspective, Sewell could end up being the next Chase Young - a franchise-changing, top-flight player who is best in his class but doesn't provide the positional value of a quarterback. In any case, Oregon's star tackle seems like a lock to go in the top five next year.

Jamie Newman (+3300)

A quarterback beating out Lawrence? It'll be tough, but anything can happen. I'd pass on D'Eriq King at 18-1 and much rather take 33-1 on Newman, who's gearing up for his first season at Georgia after transferring from Wake Forest.

There's a lot to like about Newman's physical traits. He has ideal size for the NFL at 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds, and he's put it to good use at the collegiate level. The QB showcased some underrated mobility in 2019, rushing for 574 yards and six scores on top of 2,868 yards and 26 touchdowns through the air.

Newman may need a significant step forward in 2020 to unseat Lawrence, but he's the top long shot option on the oddsboard right now.

Sell

D'Eriq King (+1800)

The biggest disadvantage for King isn't his size, given that 5-foot-10 Kyler Murray was taken first overall by a team that had selected a first-round quarterback the year prior. It's simply the competition of the 2021 class that makes me hesitant to invest in the 5-foot-11 signal-caller.

If the draft came down to athletic traits, you could make a case for King. He was responsible for 48 touchdowns in 2018 with Houston and could very well put Miami back on the map this fall. But I still can't see King being taken over both Lawrence and Newman.

Any running back

Teams are beginning to properly value running backs.

Although Saquon Barkley went second overall to the Giants in 2018, we've nearly gone back-to-back drafts without a runner being selected in the first round. Travis Etienne, Chuba Hubbard, and Najee Harris will all find homes early next spring, but I'd be surprised if any of them go in the first half of the first round.

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.