With the 2021 NFL Draft just one week away, the experts are trying to pinpoint where they think the college stars of today will land. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields has been the player moved up and down the board more than anyone. Some said he should challenge Trevor Lawrence for the top spot early in the 2020 season, while others have him falling down the draft board.
ESPN draft experts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay got together for yet another mock draft (ESPN plus subscription required), alternating picks of where they think each player will go. Kiper believes that Justin Fields did enough during his second pro day to earn the trust of the San Francisco 49ers with the third overall pick.
This is a change from Kiper’s previous mock draft where he had Mac Jones pegged with the third pick to the Niners. But Kiper now believes that Fields is the guy and will thrive in Kyle Shannahan’s offense.
McShay has changed his tune just a little as well thinking the 49ers will go with Trey Lance of North Dakota State because of the “upside” he has to offer.
Justin Fields BALLED OUT in his second pro day 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/v1gCQzpUdE
— Barstool OSU (@BarstoolOSU) April 14, 2021
Drafting a quarterback in the NFL is always a gamble. Remember the debate between Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf in the late 90s? We all know how that turned out.
Nonetheless, teams have to take this gamble from time to time and hope for the best. Many times it’s more about finding a good fit between player and team. And from the sounds of it, Fields could look really good in the 49er red and gold… at least Mel Kiper Jr. thinks so.
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