Denver Broncos: 5 2021 QB prospects if Drew Lock fails
By Noah Smith
2. Justin Fields, Ohio State
Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence have been competing for the best overall quarterback all the way back to their high school days, where the two played just down the road from each other.
Lawrence and Fields were the top two quarterbacks in the recruiting class of 2018, respectively. And now, they will likely be the first two picks of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Justin Fields has an incredible build, at 6’3″, and 223 pounds. Fields has freaky athleticism, reportedly running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. Fields has the size and build to take the hits as a runner in the NFL, but he is excellent about sliding and avoiding hits when they aren’t necessary.
Fields is not only an excellent athlete but an elite passer. He has pinpoint accuracy and footwork, and has enough strength to put the ball anywhere he wants. He is at his best on deep balls where he can put some touch on the ball, but he has power and velocity as well.
Fields is an incredibly cerebral player as well, identifying weaknesses in coverage and exploiting them. Trent Dilfer, the Elite 11 Head Coach was particularly impressed with Fields’ processing at the Elite 11 camp.
"We knew Justin was a great athlete. We knew he was tough. I didn’t realize how great of a processor he was, how quick his eyes were and how versatile he was as a passer. It just kind of all came out that week. His performance stands out right alongside Tua (Tagovailoa’s). Trent Dilfer via 247 Sports"
My biggest problem with Justin Fields is his pocket awareness, and ability to identify the blitz. This is something that Drew Lock has struggled with this year, and is something that Fields will need to work on becoming more aware of at the NFL level.
Justin Fields’ upside is so great that you live with the one or two sacks a game that will come from him holding the ball too long. Fields has every athletic tool in the bag and can beat you in multiple different ways.
Like Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields will likely be off the board when the Denver Broncos are picking in the 2021 NFL Draft. If Fields is available, he is a can’t miss prospect.