No. 4 overall pick QB Justin Fields – Carolina Panthers
What McShay says
Yes, Teddy Bridgewater looked pretty good in five starts last season, his first prolonged game action since his serious knee injury, but he also turns 28 this year and was dead last in air yards per attempt out of 42 quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts (5.8). He is signed through 2022, but there is a possible out with just $5 million against the cap after next season. Bottom line, the Panthers are still looking for a quarterback to build around. Fields has shown high-end accuracy, a quick release with some zip on the ball and the ability to adjust arm angles to make difficult throws off-schedule. If his game continues progressing, he would be a great get for Carolina here at No. 4.
What we say
Fields ending up in Carolina seems to be about right for what it’ll need. Regardless of what the Panthers do with Teddy Bridgewater, Fields can learn a lot from him and his experience. The issue will be that Carolina could be in the running for Trevor Lawrence, or could look to boost their offensive line as Russell Okung is in his final contractual season.
The other potential fits for Fields are the Bears if Trubisky and Foles don’t pan out this year, the Washington Football Team if they don’t believe in Dwayne Haskins, and the Jaguars if they don’t end up with Lawrence. Carolina makes sense as long as they don’t feel the offensive line is more important.