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One NFL team reportedly considered taking Justin Fields in the top 10 on draft night

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

The draft saga of Justin Fields is officially over with the star quarterback being selected by the Chicago Bears Thursday evening.

Arguably no quarterback was talked about or scrutinized as closely as Fields throughout the pre-draft process. After San Francisco traded up to No. 3 overall, there was constant speculation that the decision was coming down to Fields or Alabama QB Mac Jones. In the end, the 49ers bypassed both options in favor of North Dakota State star Trey Lance.

After the selections of Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Lance, no quarterback came off the board until the Bears traded up to take Fields at No. 11 overall. Jones was then taken at No. 15 overall by the New England Patriots.

Though Fields did slide out of the top 10, he was still taken early and lands with a team that has been desperate for a difference-maker at the position. However, Adam Schefter reported Friday morning Fields was seriously considered by a team in the top 10.

According to Schefter, the Carolina Panthers considered Fields at No. 8 overall. In the end, the Panthers went on the defensive side of the ball with Jaycee Horn, a cornerback out of South Carolina.

Carolina also decided to pick up the fifth-year option for quarterback Sam Darnold on Friday:

Will Carolina be alright with Darnold, or will Carolina’s pass become Chicago’s answered prayers in Fields? It will be interesting to see how his career begins with the Bears.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.