Two anonymous NFL GMs not buying criticism of Ohio State QB Justin Field entering draft
Since the end of the college football season, there have been mixed reviews about the status of Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields entering the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite having another outstanding season, some believe he may be the third- or fourth-best player at the position in this year’s class.
Seriously.
Both Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have dropped Fields in their mock drafts in recent weeks, though one is a little more forgiving than the other. Kiper has continually debated whether Fields or BYU quarterback Zach Wilson would be the second QB off the board this year, behind Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence. McShay has the former Buckeye listed outside his Top 10 of overall prospects in the class.
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A few general managers in the NFL aren’t buying those evaluations, though. Speaking with CBS Sports anonymously, two GMs say they’re still big fans of what Fields would bring to a franchise.
“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.”
Fields ended the year with 2,100 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air while completing better than 70% of his passes. He also rushed for 383 yards and 5 scores on the way to a 7-1 season and an appearance in the nationla championship.
In two seasons as the starter, Fields was 20-2.