Former Phoenix North Canyon standout Austin Jackson became the 22nd former Arizona high school football player to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft when the Miami Dolphins took him with the No. 18 selection in the 2020 NFL draft.

Who will join him on the list next?

Some early NFL mock draft projections for the 2021 NFL draft provide an intriguing potential option as Arizona’s next first-round draft pick.

That option?

Former Gilbert Perry quarterback Brock Purdy, who has shined during his two seasons with the Iowa State Cyclones.

Purdy completed 66.4% of his passes as a freshman in Ames in 2018, throwing for 2,250 yards and 16 touchdowns (with seven passes intercepted).

As a sophomore last season, Purdy threw for 3,982 yards, completing 65.7% of his throws. He had 27 touchdowns passes and nine passes intercepted.

Purdy’s name has come up as a potential Heisman Trophy contender next season.

Should he compete for the award, and should he enter the draft after his junior season, he just might become the 23rd former Arizona high school football player to go in the first round of the NFL draft.

Brock Purdy projections in 2021 mock drafts:

MORE: First-round NFL draft picks from Arizona

The Big Lead: Brock Purdy goes to Tennessee Titans at No. 19

Ryan Phillips writes: “Even if Ryan Tannehill is effective in 2020, it’s time for the Titans to start planning for their future. Purdy is undersized (6-foot-1, 210 pounds) but is also highly accurate and doesn’t make mistakes with the football.”

CBS Sports: Brock Purdy lands with Chicago Bears at No. 14

Ryan Wilson writes: “This is Mitchell Trubisky’s make-or-break year, and if it’s the latter, the Bears will be in the market for their next franchise QB.”

MORE: First-round NFL draft picks from Arizona: Austin Jackson joins list in 2020 NFL draft

247 Sports: Brock Purdy selected by New Orleans Saints at No. 29

Charles Power writes: “Drew Brees has reportedly already signed a deal to call games for NBC after he retires, perhaps as soon as the end of next season. So it goes without saying that quarterback will be a priority for the Saints at some point in the near future. Purdy enters the season among the top group of prospective first-rounders at the position and may even draw some Brees comparisons. He doesn’t play with the type of supporting cast that Lawrence or Fields enjoy, but Purdy has still managed to be one of college football’s best quarterbacks through his first two seasons in Ames. It was Purdy, not Trevor Lawrence, who set the NCAA record for highest passer efficiency by a true freshman in 2018. He may not have the pure physical tools of Lawrence, Fields or Lance, but is an accurate, quick processor and excels when facing pressure.”

Bleacher Report: Brock Purdy picked by Chicago Bears at No. 8

Keegan Pope writes:  “Look out for Iowa State’s Brock Purdy, who threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns last year as a sophomore in Ames. He and Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond are both likely late-first-round talents, but quarterbacks are always in demand, especially for teams desperate to turn things around quickly.”

NBC Sports: Brock Purdy taken by New Orleans Saints at No. 27

Glynn Morgan writes: “Clearly, at some time the Saints must march on from future Hall-of-Famer, Drew Brees. Brock Purdy’s skill set indicates he may be that player for New Orleans’ next generation of fans. Purdy is extremely accurate and plays tough in the pocket, just like a certain all-time Saints’ passer. Sean Payton won’t be scared off by Purdy’s size, and fans won’t be disappointed with his production.”