New York Jets would regret passing on Justin Fields at No. 2

Coming off of an ugly 2020 season, the New York Jets hold the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jets have already improved this offseason, as the hire of new head coach Robert Saleh will be massive for this team. While they are heading in the right direction, the Jets’ priority this offseason has to be taking care of their quarterback situation. Having that No. 2 pick will obviously help.

I understand the appeal of moving forward with Sam Darnold and looking to build a team around him. That being said, Darnold has been bad and starting fresh with a brand new coach/quarterback combination feels like the best plan of attack.

The New York Jets must make the quarterback position a priority this offseason and simply targeting a new franchise guy at No. 2 makes the most sense. Zach Wilson has been the hot name connected to the Jets recently. While Wilson is undoubtedly a talented player who is coming off of a great season at BYU, he is not the right guy for the Jets.

Former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields has slipped down the board according to some, but when it comes down to it, Fields is an incredible quarterback prospect who has massive upside at the next level. He is the second-best quarterback (obviously, nobody is touching Trevor Lawrence at the top) in the 2021 NFL Draft class and would be the ideal choice for the New York Jets at No. 2.

Fields is an incredibly gifted player whose combination of arm talent and athleticism gives him massive upside at the next level. He rips the ball into tight coverage with impressive velocity and accuracy when needed, and also shows impact playmaking ability as a runner. Fields is a quick and explosive runner who displays a powerful running style that will make him a dangerous rushing weapon at the next level.

Why is he slipping?

Personally, I think that Fields is becoming a victim of over-analyzation throughout the 2021 NFL Draft. We do this every year. Pick and pick at top-tier draft prospects, finding minor negatives to stress about while forgetting about what these guys do best.

In the case of Fields, many doubt his ability to make quick decisions. In reality, I think he is just a patient quarterback who likes to read through his progressions before making a decision. Does this lead to him holding the ball a bit too often sometimes? Sure, but his ability to see the field and work through his progressions is incredibly impressive. Make no mistake about it, Justin Fields is a smart quarterback prospect who reads the field extremely well.

Fields is a smart and athletic quarterback who has a big arm and throws the ball with great accuracy and anticipation to all levels of the field. What’s not to like?

The New York Jets may opt to stick with Darnold or take Wilson with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Those moves may work to an extent, but neither player is going to have the same kind of impact as Justin Fields. Fields is an incredible football player who is going to be a star at the next level. If the Jets go in another direction, they will regret not taking Fields.