As much grief and criticism that has been directed over Justin Fields’ status in this year’s NFL Draft, at least one former quarterback and current analyst believes the former Ohio State star has the potential to be the league’s Most Valuable Player at some point during his career.

On Monday night, former NFL quarterback and current analyst Tim Hasselbeck said he’s really impressed with what Fields brings to the table.

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“When I started watching him, I was anticipating not liking him,” Hasselbeck said during an ESPN special. “I wasn’t a huge Dwayne Haskins guy when he came out. I thought I’d see similarities to Cardale Jones. I almost went into the process thinking he was gonna be like other Ohio State quarterbacks. And truth be told, he’s not. I think he’s one of these guys that you look at and you’re like, he could be a league MVP one day. I mean, I believe that strong about him.

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“I think as a passer he’s been wildly undersold. And then we know what he can be physically. And I think in terms of like the leadership, the moment not being too big, I feel like he has it all. I’ve been surprised that he hasn’t been one of these guys that more people are in love with.”

Fields was thought to be the No. 2 quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft before the college football season started. Since it’s ended, though, he’s been graded more harshly than other players at the position and could even fall outside the Top 10 on Day 1 of the draft.

On Thursday night, we’ll see where Fields lands.