3 Most Likely Teams to Draft Jamie Newman

With several talented quarterbacks projected to be taken early on at the 2021 NFL Draft, it's understandable how Georgia QB Jamie Newman got lost in the shuffle. After all, PFF projects him to be a third-round pick. Even if that's the case, Newman has the potential to be a solid NFL quarterback one day.

One thing that may hold Newman from being drafted earlier is the fact that he opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic after transferring to Georgia. Still, he managed to suit up in 19 games for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons prior to that in his collegiate career, throwing for 3,959 passing yards and 35 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. Newman also has dual-threat capabilities, adding 826 rushing yards and 10 of his own touchdowns.

While Newman may not be NFL-ready out of the gate, he'd make for a good project for any team that drafts him. So, here's a look at three teams that could select him at the 2021 NFL Draft.

3. Chicago Bears (No. 84)

Even though the Chicago Bears have Andy Dalton and Nick Foles on their roster, neither man is the long-term answer. If the Bears can't get one of the "first-round-quality" quarterbacks, they could settle for Newman in the third round. One of the reasons Dalton signed with the Bears was because he was guaranteed to be the 2021 starter, so he wouldn't have to worry about Newman stealing his job. And Newman could also benefit from sitting and learning behind a smart veteran like Dalton.

2. Minnesota Vikings (No. 79)

When the 2021 NFL season begins, Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins will be 33 years old and on the second-last year of his contract. While the Vikings should be confident in his abilities to be the starter, there's no telling when he'll drop off or if they'll re-sign him when his contract is up. Keeping that in mind, Minnesota could draft Newman and spend the next few seasons getting him ready to eventually take the reins as the team's starting quarterback.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 88)

As Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger grows closer to retirement, the team should start looking for their future quarterback. Guys like Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins are already on the depth chart, so the Steelers don't need to take a quarterback with the No. 24 and 55 picks. However, Jamie Newman would be a valuable pick at No. 88. He could learn from one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in Roethlisberger and the team could shelter him with their other options until he's ready.

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