30. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
In an alternate NFL universe, the Denver Broncos used the 9th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Justin Fields and do not have Russell Wilson as their quarterback.
Knowing what we know now, that is a scary alternate universe to consider.
Knowing what we knew a year ago at this time? I think many fans would have taken Fields over the hypothetical possibility of adding a quarterback later.
Fields just completed a horrendous rookie season for the Bears, which he should be afforded because many rookie QBs need time to take their lumps. However, he will now have a new play caller in Luke Getsy (who interviewed for the Broncos’ HC job) and arguably worse playmakers than he had a season ago.
29. Daniel Jones, New York Giants
I could have easily put Daniel Jones at no. 30 on this list, but I like his situation a little bit better than Fields’ right now with Brian Daboll as the head coach in New York and the players/draft assets the Giants have to surround Jones with proper talent.
Who knows what could happen with Jones if he gets into the right scheme and his playmakers stay healthy?
We simply haven’t seen that yet.
I’m not banking on a progression in year four, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he looks better this year than he has at any other point in his career.