One of the more interesting prospects heading into the NFL Draft is Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. Once thought to be clearly one of the two best passers in this year’s class, there’s been some debate about where the former Buckeye falls among draft-eligible QBs.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Fields in his top-tier of eligible quarterbacks in this draft class. Fellow analyst Todd McShay ranks the QB as the No. 13 overall prospect in 2021.

Concerns about Fields’ ability emerged late in the 2020 season, with poor performances against Indiana and Northwestern. Still, he led the Buckeyes to a 7-1 record, a B1G title and a national championship appearance. And Ohio State is apparently doing its best to calm any worries about drafting Fields.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks recently explained what Ohio State is telling some NFL teams about the quarterback heading into the draft. He explained in a recent edition of the Move the Sticks podcast.

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“There have been some Ohio State people that have come back and said that their offense is more about option-based offense when it comes to wide receivers running option routes,” Brooks said. “And that is why he has been forced to hold onto it. I think that is worthy of investigation. But there is something about him holding onto the rock because you know, in the NFL, the ball has to come out fast.

“You have to get it out quick. You want to play with touch, timing and anticipation.”

A few NFL GMs anonymously dismissed the concerns about Fields and his ability as a quarterback in a recent conversation with CBS Sports.

“Are people really that down on this kid?” one GM asked. “I don’t know what to make of it. He had a game he would want back. Is that some kind of a sin now? I’m not buying it.”

The second general manager said Fields had the potential to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

“Let’s say Trevor Lawrence wasn’t in this draft. He’s staying in school. Whatever,” the GM said. “So who is the first pick in the draft? Who does Urban Meyer take? Justin Fields.”

The drama on Fields continues as the NFL Draft approaches. It’ll be interesting to see where the former Buckeye falls.