We’re still a little over a year away from the next NFL draft, but guys like ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. don’t take a break on analyzing prospects in future drafts. It’s a year-round job even with football put on the shelf with the COVID-19 pandemic.
He is already turning his attention to the 2021 NFL Draft and has given a very, very early look at the top five prospects on his draft board. And yes, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is included within that top five.
The top prospect in his rankings thus far is Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, but right behind him is Fields at No. 2. Beyond that, Kiper has Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell at No. 3, LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase at No. 4, and Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons at No. 5.
“Justin Fields — comes over from Georgia,” said Kiper. “All he did was lead his team to victory after victory, a 67.2 percent completion percentage, 41 touchdowns, only three picks. You see the athleticism, which is in today’s NFL gives you that dual versatility. Justin Fields will be right there, challenging for the No. 1 pick overall, or to be the No. 1 pick overall along with Trevor Lawrence.”
That, of course, assumes that there’s a college football season and that Fields has the type of next-step year we all envision. Even if not, Fields possesses the type of skill set the NFL types have begun to drool over.
Hopefully, Kiper’s analysis comes to fruition, and that means we all witness one whale of a college football season at Ohio State this fall, winter, or spring.
