NFL mock draft 2021: Four quarterbacks in the top five, Watson stays put
Justin Fields. 4. player. Pick Analysis. Quarterback. Ohio State. 44. Scouting Report
The Atlanta Falcons and Justin Fields may be my favorite pairing in this 2021 NFL mock draft and would be a near-perfect fit, in my opinion. Fields has the potential to become a great NFL quarterback, and given a little bit of time behind Matt Ryan that development could happen quickly.
In my mind, Justin Fields is undoubtedly the best quarterback NFL prospect to come out of Ohio State. Some let the lack of historical success by Buckeye quarterbacks in the league affect their evaluation of Fields, which is ridiculous. Fields has clearly shown NFL ability that many of the previous Ohio State stars did not, and should develop into a true top talent at the next level.
Fields is a very well-rounded prospect. Like the other top 2021 QB prospects, Fields is very athletic and effective as a runner. Whether it is a designed run or just improvising with his feet, Fields impresses with the ball in his hands.
As a passer, Fields displays the desired arm talent for an NFL prospect. His ball placement is impeccable, with great touch to every level of the field. He has solid zip and arm strength and fits the ball into many tight windows at Ohio State.
What really sets Fields apart for me is his pocket presence and his ability to make plays off schedule. He reminds me of Russell Wilson in that sense. Sometimes he can try to do too much and takes a bad sack here and there, but overall he has a great feel for pressure and always seems to make a play.
Fields has experience against top-notch competition, playing in the SEC for Georgia and in the Big Ten for Ohio State. He is a proven winner with the grit, toughness, determination and leadership that any coach would love to see.
Some people knock Fields’ ability to read the defense and his decision-making. I believe that he has already improved a lot in that area and will only get better with time. I think he could come in and be an effective starter right away, but given a year under a guy like Matt Ryan could prepare Fields to take the league by storm in 2022 with his hometown team.