Funny how quickly a prospect’s stock can fall when it comes to the NFL draft. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was pushing for the No. 1 overall pick before the season, held true to that through the first few games of the year, then showed some warts in games against Indiana and Northwestern. He picked things back up again against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, then played through injury, looking less than himself against Alabama in the national championship game.
That brings to where we are today. Because of some questions with his decision making in a couple of games this year during a small population of film, many mock NFL drafts have Fields falling a bit. He’s still expected to go high because of his ceiling and the fact that quarterbacks are coveted more than any other position, but the decline in perception appears to be real.
The latest comes from ESPN’s Todd McShay who just released a new mock NFL draft (subscription required), and it’s a little surprising. He not only has Justin Fields being supplanted by Zach Wilson of BYU, but he also has North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance being selected ahead of Fields. That means the former Heisman finalist is fourth in the pecking order according to McShay, who generally knows what he’s talking about.
Now, before you get too upset, McShay evidently believes there will be a run on quarterbacks to start things out, and has the first few picks all resulting in a signal-caller’s name being called.
So where does the ESPN draft expert have Fields going, and at what pick? Well, we’re glad you asked.
NEXT … Where Todd McShay has Justin Fields going
Justin Fields – No. 4 overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons
What McShay says about Fields
Atlanta will want to move out of this spot and pick up some extra draft capital, and plenty of other teams likely will be interested. It needs reinforcements at edge, offensive line, running back, tight end and linebacker. Quarterback, however, is not a dire situation, as Matt Ryan is still highly productive and under contract through 2023. But if the Falcons can’t trade out, will they really pass on the opportunity to draft their QB of the future? It’s no given that they will be drafting this high again any time soon, and Ryan is turning 36.
Fields has consistency concerns, but he will be a talented NFL starter with an ability to drive the ball and make plays off-schedule outside of the pocket. In two seasons as the Buckeyes’ starter, he has 63 touchdown passes and just nine interceptions. If it plays out like this, it would be the first time that quarterbacks have gone 1-2-3-4 to begin Round 1.
NEXT … What we say
Justin Fields draft status
What we says about Fields
It’s hard to believe that Fields will be the fourth quarterback taken off the board, but maybe there are real concerns about his decision making when faced with pressure. We saw that a little against Northwestern, and we definitely saw it vs. Indiana. Still, the body of work says that Fields has what it takes to be a difference-maker at the next level.
I chalk a little of last year up to the start and stop of the COVID-19 season and a lack of games. He also had to deal with an injury against Alabama. The kid has a high, high ceiling, and big, accurate arm. He’s also a consummate leader on and off the field and has toughness and guts you just can’t teach.
I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t get taken as one of the top three quarterbacks in the draft, and have a feeling whatever team pulls the trigger is going to benefit greatly down the road.
All Ohio State football players eligible for the 2021 NFL draft
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Buckeyes Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.
