QB, Ohio State
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 223 lbs
Class: Junior
It is very unlikely that anyone will challenge Trevor Lawrence as QB1 and potential No. 1 overall pick, but if someone does it may well be Justin Fields. After starting his career as a backup in Georgia he transferred to Ohio State prior to the 2019 season and had one of the best seasons we have seen in recent years.
Strengths
In his sole season as a starter, Fields was seriously impressive. He was responsible for 51 total touchdowns in 2019 and just three interceptions. In doing so he became the first college quarterback since at least 2000 to have thrown for 40 and had just three interceptions. His downfield passing is excellent and his 34 big-time throws in 2019 ranked second in the nation. His PFF grade on throws of 20+ yards last year was 94.0.
Fields has a good understanding of the game and takes good care of the ball, with just 11 turnover-worthy plays in 2019. He is excellent at sensing pressure too, knowing when to stand in and when to flush out of the pocket and make the most of his 4.4 speed.
Weaknesses
Fields is an intelligent player but he does have a tendency to hold onto the ball. His 2.89 second time-to-throw was the second slowest in college and would have ranked 33rd of 40 in the NFL last season. He is playing behind one of the best offensive lines at Ohio State and he is unlikely to get so much time at the next level. Fields isn’t the most anticipatory thrower either and benefited from open receivers, with just 187 of his 3,273 passing yards coming from tight window throws. There will also be some lingering concerns that he couldn’t beat out Jake Fromm for the starting job at Georgia.
Bottom Line
Fields is a fantastic prospect and well worthy of a top ten pick. He may not be as good as Trevor Lawrence but very few are and there is no substitute for natural talent, of which Fields has a tonne. It looks unlikely that he will play in 2020 but he has done enough to be a top five pick when the draft comes around.
