Justin Fields Scouting Report: Should The Bears Trade Up?

Back towards the end of last year, I was putting together my scouting reports for the top quarterbacks in the 2021 draft. Two names weren't included on my list at the time. One was Trevor Lawrence because all signs pointed to him going #1 overall. There was no point since the Chicago Bears weren't picking that high. The other was Justin Fields because expectations were he'd go #2. Things appear to have changed a lot in the past few months. Not only will Fields not go #2, but there is also a widespread belief he could end up not even being the third quarterback taken later this month as the San Francisco 49ers are heavily connected to Alabama standout Mac Jones. Right around the same time, rumors have picked up that the Bears are seriously considering a jump up the board. Maybe even as far as #4. Could Fields actually be a target for them? Is he even worth it? Here is his belated scouting report to find out.

Chicago Bears 2021 draft look at Justin Fields

Strengths:

• Arm strength won't be a concern. He can rip it with velocity and hit strikes down the field without too much effort.
• Accuracy is fairly consistent. The ball is almost always put in a spot where his receivers can get it.
• Consistently on target while throwing on the run. Ball placement is surprisingly good in those situations.
• Deep ball isn't a big concern. Shows an ability to turn it loose and hit his targets in stride 40-50 yards down the field.

These are the throws that get people excited about Fields. He takes the snap. First read isn't there. As he comes back across the middle, he sees his receiver has a step on the defensive back. Without hesitation, he rips and drops it in the bucket right over the head of the defender before the safeties can arrive to help. That is a professional throw.

• Athleticism stands out regularly. He is a genuine threat with his legs. Not just to buy time but also as a possible runner from the QB position.
• Shows an ability for pre-snap reads. Has caught defenses in confusion a number of times and taken full advantage for big plays.
• Vision is strong. Has an awareness of where his targets are at all times and keeps his eyes down the field.
• Does a strong job selling fakes. This is true both with his play action and his pumps on double moves, which helps get better throwing windows.
• Doesn't panic in the face of the blitz and will often throw in the face of it to the hot receiver for chunk plays.
• Tough kid. Took some big shots at times and showed an ability to not only play through the pain but play well.

Weaknesses:

• Throwing motion has a bit of windup. Can take some time to get the ball out. This could open him up to strip sacks more often.
• Though his vision is solid, his processor isn't the best. Can often be a tick late coming off his initial read, allowing the pass rush that extra critical second to reach him.
• Ball placement starts to get erratic when he gets pressured frequently. Often cost him some big plays to open receivers.
• Complex coverages seem to fluster him. Sometimes hesitant to work the deep middle of the field, which leads to questions about his ability to see and attack the seams.
• Does he shrink in the face of big moments? Had two rough performances in high-profile games to end the past two seasons. Threw two costly INTs vs. Clemson in 2019. Then managed just 194 yards and 51.5 completion percentage vs. Alabama in the national championship.

Pro comparison: Cam Newton

Though he isn't as big as the former MVP, the two share similar styles. Fields has the same sort of throwing motion as Newton with that extra hitch. He's also a superior runner with the football and dangerous when he decides to take off. The arm strength stands out and can throw with precise accuracy when they're given a clear throwing window. Fields might be a more natural passer. If he can learn to read defenses as well as Newton has? He'll be really good.

Projection: 1st Round

From a talent perspective? Justin Fields has an argument for being the most physically gifted in this draft class. It's a foregone conclusion he'll be a 1st round pick and it would be a genuine surprise if he doesn't go in the top 10. There are some concerns about his prowess as a truly professional-style QB but the talent alone makes the risk worth it.