2021 NFL Draft: Justin Fields is undoubtedly an elite quarterback prospect

Justin Fields is an elite quarterback prospect who is not just a fallback option in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is considered by most to be the top prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft class, and for good reason. Lawrence has it all at the quarterback position and has proven himself many times against elite college competition. Lawrence is great, but he is not the only elite quarterback prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Justin Fields is also a rare talent who would be a major prize for any team that can add him next April.

Fields was fantastic in his first year as a starting college quarterback last season, completing 67.2% of his passes for 3,273 yards, 41 touchdowns and only three interceptions. As great as Fields was last season, he has been even better in 2020.

Through three games, Fields has completed 86.7% of his passes for 903 yards and 11 touchdowns without throwing an interceptios. Fields has actually thrown the same number of touchdown passes this year as he has incompletions. Simply put, he has been incredible and it should be taking his 2021 NFL Draft stock to the next level.

Impact passer and runner

The numbers are great, but watching Fields play is even more impressive. Many think of the young Ohio State quarterback as a mobile quarterback who does most of his damage on the field. While Fields is a big and athletic player who can certainly make an impact as a runner, he is also a tremendous passer who can rip apart opposing defenses from the pocket.

He is a smart and decisive passer who reads the defense well and always seems to make the correct throw. Fields will push the ball down the field when needed, but is not afriad to throw it short and live for the next down.

Fields does a great job of taking what the defense gives him, but he also has the arm talent needed to make the tough throws when needed. He has a quick and smooth release and the ball seems to shoot out of his hand. Fields can hit a deep receiver in stride and also does a great job of fitting the ball into tight spaces with impressive velocity when needed.

Fields also shows high-level accuracy to all levels of the defense, placing the ball on target a huge majority of the time. He understands how to protect his receivers with ball placement in the middle of the field and does a fantastic job of leading them to make the most out of run-after-catch opportunities.

While Zach Wilson and Trey Lance are exciting quarterback prospects who undoubtedly need to be in consideration for teams early in the 2021 NFL Draft, neither is the same level of prospect as Fields or Lawrence. Lawrence will likely be the top guy until the end, but make no mistake about it, Fields is QB2 in this draft class and that is not going to change. He will immediately come in and reshape the future of any NFL team that adds him to the mix.