We should be set for a number of years at the QB position for a number of years. But this is the NFL, which has been known to stand for "Not for Long". I expect a full and vigorous rebound from Baker in 2020, but......
Just for arguments sake, let's say things go horribly wrong in 2020 and Baker falls off the rails. That probably puts us in a top 5 draft position. It puts Justin Fields within striking range. Let's take a look at his game.
First thing that jumps at me is he has prototypical NFL QB size. He's 6'3" and 220 lbs. That's perfect size to stand up to the rigors of an NFL season and the AFC North in particular.
He had a stellar running back at Ohio State in J.K. Dobbins. In Cleveland, we have Nick Chubb. No drop of at all. He had a ton of receiving weapons in Columbus, same here.
He moves well laterally to keep plays alive. We have seen that prick down the turnpike do that many times to get his level of success. Justin's climbs the pocket well. That is also a product of seeing the field well. He knows when to step up to deliver the ball from the most advantageous position.
Justin has a really strong arm, a key component to cutting through the intimidating winds off Lake Erie in December and January. But the best part about his arm is his accuracy. I cannot remember him having more than 4 or 5 picks last year, and the Buckeyes threw the ball a lot.
And lastly, he has the ability to scorch you with his running ability. He is the total package.
X
I have a friend who recruits for Cam Newton's 7v7 squads and Fields played with them; so I've known and seen Fields for a couple years before the national media caught onto him. Strengths: Fields has prototypical NFL size (6'3", 223). Fields possesses very good poise in the pocket. He will stand in the pocket and deliver the throw under pressure. I've watched Fields make pin point throws knowing he is about to get drilled. He has accuracy to all levels of the field. He has enough mobility to make defenses respect his legs and he is an overall good decision maker. Fields does an overall good job of valuing the football and not putting into harms way. He is a smart, respectful kid who is a strong leader and really liked by his teammates. Weaknesses:
Fields has a tendency to hold onto the ball a little longer than he should at times. This causes him to get tracked down from behind. He needs to improve his ability to go through progressions. Ryan Day does an excellent job of limiting Fields' decision making by only giving him half the field to read. He will need to improve his ability to used the entire field and go through progressions to be successful at the next level. Fields needs to get better at post-snap reads. Clemson DC, Brent Venables, is the master at disguising and changing coverages post-snap, and he did a great job of confusing Fields. Fields threw 2 INT's (his most all season) but had 3 other INT's dropped by Clemson defenders. Clemson was by far the best and most athletic defense Fields saw all year and it showed. Overall:
I like Fields as the 3rd best QB in the 2021 draft class. He possesses a lot of tangibles that NFL teams are looking for (e.g. size, arm strength, mobility, etc...). The intangibles are inconsistent and needs some improving. The system he plays in also worries me on the next level. Day does a good job of making his offense easy for any QB to be successful (see Dwayne Haskins); so that has to be a concern. Haskins couldn't even read a playbook once he got to Washington, which is partially on the coaching on the previous level. I like Fields as a top 10 draft pick and a potential Franchise QB.
Thanks for your viewpoint, QCT. I always like to hear someone's view when they can honestly assess a player's shortcomings. That is the hardest thing to do, because you can't see them - you can't see the plays or opportunities that were left on the field. It takes a keen eye to see that.
I will be honest, that is an area that I struggle with.
Good to have you on board, QCT.