Funny how a prospective client’s stock can fall quickly when it comes to recruiting the NFL. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was fighting for No. 1 overall pick before the season, stayed true to that during the first games of the year, then showed some flaws in the games against Indiana and Northwestern. He took things back against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, then played bruised, looking less than himself against Alabama in the national championship game.
This brings us to where we are today. Because of some issues with his decision making in some games this year during a small population of films, many NFL Drafts cause Fields to drop slightly. He still hopes to rise because of his roof and the fact that defenders are coveted more than any other position, but the decline in perception appears to be real.
The most recent comes from Todd McShay of ESPN, who has just released a new NFL draft (subscription required), and it is somewhat surprising. Not only does he have Justin Fields supplanted by BYU’s Zach Wilson, but he also has North Dakota state quarterback Trey Lance being selected ahead of Fields. This means that the former Heisman finalist is fourth in the hierarchy according to McShay, who generally knows what he is talking about.
Now, before you get too upset, McShay evidently believes there will be a quarterback race to start things, and he has the first choices all resulting in a signal caller name being called.
So, where does the ESPN Fields draft specialist go, and in what choice? Well, we’re glad you asked.