2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the top quarterback prospects with tiers
2021 NFL Draft: Quarterback Tier 2
QB2: Justin Fields, Ohio State
Justin Fields has seemingly slipped down the board for some throughout the 2021 NFL Draft process. NFL teams do not seem to value him as high as the draft community, but it is difficult to understand why. Make no mistake about it, Justin Fields is an elite quarterback prospect who has massive upside at the next level. Any team that passes on him in the 2021 NFL Draft will regret the decision down the line.
Fields also has a special combination of arm talent and rushing ability at the quarterback position. He has the arm strength needed to hit any throw on the field and does a fantastic job of working through his progressions in the pocket. When Fields finds the opportunity to tuck it and run, he displays an incredible combination of speed and power that makes him an extremely difficult player for anybody to stop.
Fields is also accurate to all levels of the field and shows the ability to improvise and create when the play breaks down. NFL teams can bet against Fields if they want but he is an extremely talented player who is going to be a problem for opposing defenses at the next level.
QB3: Trey Lance, North Dakota State
It is fair to question whether a quarterback from the FCS level who only started for one full season can make a smooth transition to the next level. That being said, it is difficult to watch Trey Lance and not come away impressed with his talent at the quarterback position.
Lance is another physical freak at the quarterback position who displays elite arm talent and tremendous ability as a runner. Lance throws a beautiful deep ball and can fit the ball into tight spaces with tremendous velocity. He is a good decision-maker who does a great job of playing within the structure of the offense but can also improvise and make plays on his own when needed.
Lance is also the best rushing quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft class, showing a knack for finding the correct holes, exploding into the open field with tremendous burst and consistently finishing with power. Fields playing high-level college football makes his evaluation a bit easier and putting him slightly ahead of Lance. That being said, both of these guys are incredibly talented and should be in the conversation for every team at the top.