ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper thinks Justin Fields is on the verge of becoming the top 2021 prospect.
For the next year, we’re going to hear a never ending debate about if Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields is the better NFL quarterback prospect. While Lawrence is at the top of the board right now, the draft expert thinks the Ohio State star isn’t far behind. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Kiper said the following during a Tuesday appearance on ESPN about Fields potentially becoming the top NFL prospect, according to 247Sports:
Very close, very close — no question about it. I think that (Lawrence’s) struggles late (in the season) opened the door. You can argue that point all they want, the bottom line is facts are facts and (Lawrence) did struggle in those last two games.
I’ve been very consistent on this for the past year. My stance is incredibly simple as of this moment. Lawrence and Fields are the two best NFL prospects in 2021, and it’s in that order.
I respect the hell out of Justin Fields. I watched him lead Ohio State to two victories against the Wisconsin Badgers.
Trust me, I understand what Fields brings to the table, and it’s incredibly impressive.
However, I just like Lawrence a shade more. That’s not a knock on Fields at all. Trevor Lawrence is a generational talent at quarterback, and Fields might be too.
All I know is that when I look at Lawrence, everything I see about him, I like. He looks the part of a franchise quarterback and he plays the part.
He has a cannon for an arm, can move the sticks with his feet and does everything you want to see out of a starting quarterback.
Lawrence had some disappointing moments last season as he went through some growing pains, but he still landed the Tigers in the national title game.
He’s a superstar, and I fully expect his name to be the first one called during the 2021 draft.
Also, get used to this debate because it’s not going anywhere.