Top 5 QB Breakdown - Wilson 4th

[prime21]

PFF writer - Seth Galina

https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-scheme-fits

It’s time to finally rank the quarterbacks who make up the “Big 5” in the 2021 NFL Draft. Another quarterback could certainly sneak into the first round, and even one of these five could fall out, but the consensus is that Mac Jones, Trevor Lawrence, Trey Lance, Zach Wilson and Justin Fields have separated themselves from the field.

All five can play, but they do present unique strengths and challenges for whichever teams draft them. In ranking the signal-callers, I looked at what type of player they are and what scheme would suit them the best, at least early in their careers.

It’s not a team fit but a scheme fit. For example, the Green Bay Packers and Matt LaFleur won’t be picking a quarterback in the first round, but LaFleur’s scheme would look good on a certain quarterback. You can also find the rankings of quarterbacks 5-10 here.

1. TREVOR LAWRENCE

Trevor Lawrence has been the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft since he was in high school, and there is really no point in questioning it. He possesses all the traits necessary to succeed at the next level, but what stands out the most is his adherence to timing.

It does sometimes act as a detriment, but overall, he knows exactly when routes are going to break and get open, and he times his dropback footwork perfectly with the route concept. It allows him to evade pressure, if needed, but still stay within the timing constraints of the called play.

Clemson also created an offense that allowed him to showcase his arm talent by throwing wideside out-breaking routes, such as corners and speed outs. When he threw the fieldside corner route against Alabama in the national championship game as a freshman for a completion, it basically locked him in as the top pick in this year’s draft.

Scheme Fit: Matt LaFleur’s offense

LaFleur created an offense around Aaron Rodgers‘ strengths — sideline go balls and out-breaking routes. That’s very similar to what Trevor Lawrence was asked to do at Clemson. There weren't many targets over the middle of the field, but he can be a generational “9 ball” thrower like Rodgers. Rodgers and Lawrence’s 2020 target heatmaps are eerily similar.

2. JUSTIN FIELDS, OHIO STATE

Fields has the unfortunate distinction of being in the same draft class as Trevor Lawrence, but don’t forget that Fields was also a five-star recruit and ranked higher than Lawrence by some platforms.

He then went on to have a wonderful two years at Ohio State after transferring from Georgia. He would be the consensus number one pick in most draft classes. He has everything you want from a quarterback: the ability to go through reads on any concept, elite speed and devastating accuracy.

Somehow he’s fallen on mock draft boards and rankings, and if he does fall in the draft, he will be a tremendously valuable pickup to whoever drafts him. Fields’ “problem” might be that he tries too hard to play the quarterback position and might make life a bit harder on himself by trying to read every concept out all the time. That’s a fake problem, anyway.

He gets dinged because he takes time to throw the ball, but that can be attributed to Ohio State’s offensive scheme, which allows its receivers to make decisions on routes that most teams will lock.

Scheme Fit: Bill O’Brien’s offense from 2017-2019

Bill O’Brien didn’t give Deshaun Watson many easy, schemed-up throws, instead making him drop back time and time again and throw all sorts of different concepts. That’s what Fields can do from the get-go, as well. Stick routes, in-breaking routes, three-step drops, five-step drops, you name it.

Sure, we’d like to see a young quarterback be given play-action passes and screens, but if there’s one signal-caller in this year's draft who can handle a less quarterback-friendly offense, it’s Justin Fields.

3. TREY LANCE, NORTH DAKOTA STATE

It’s not easy to wade through the North Dakota State system to find pro-level quarterback concepts. They are going to run the ball, bully the other team and then call play-action shots to get people wide open down the field.

However, when Lance was asked to look like an NFL quarterback on certain concepts, he performed at a high level. He was always willing to go through his reads and make the right decision. When the Bison did call dropback passes, they gave Lance full-field reads, and he was able, time and time again, to move through the concept and find completions.

He is also a very savvy quick-game thrower. The accuracy is a concern; otherwise, he’d be competing with Lawrence and Fields for the top spot in the rankings. But what you lose in accuracy you gain with elite running ability.

Scheme Fit: Kevin Stefanski’s offense

Baker Mayfield was the most protected quarterback in the NFL last season, with Stefanski’s combined use of the running game, play action and screen passes at the forefront of the league. That’s the type of environment Lance needs to be in early in his career. The Browns had the fourth-highest play-action rate on first down and the second-highest run rate on first down. North Dakota State’s 2019 offense would have ranked 22nd in overall play-action rate among the 130 FBS teams.

4. ZACH WILSON, BYU

Zach Wilson shot up the draft rankings after an incredible 2020 season that saw him finish as PFF’s highest-graded passer. He has all the traits you’d want from a quarterback, but his rise to superstardom is fishy.

When BYU had to play tougher opponents in non-pandemic years, Wilson struggled. Mind you, the whole offense struggled, but Wilson was not the tide that lifted all boats. He finished with grades of 80.5 and 76.2 in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In 2020, with loads of time in the pocket and wide-open receivers, he finally looked like a competent quarterback.

We can make all the comparisons of Wilson to the sudden stardom and rise of Joe Burrow last season, but Burrow was pressured just under 10 percentage points more than Wilson in their final seasons. LSU’s 2019 team pass-blocking grade was 68.7, while BYU’s 2020 team pass-blocking grade was 80.2. Wilson lived a relatively easy life in 2020.

Scheme Fit: Kyle Shanahan’s offense

With this fit, you are looking for someone who can scheme up open throws down the field for his quarterback and then use Wilson’s lightning-quick release for the underneath option routes Shanahan likes to run. In Wilson’s breakout 2020 season, BYU used outside-zone play action 92 times — the most in the country. Shanahan used it the sixth-most times in the NFL last season. It’s a good match.

5. MAC JONES, ALABAMA

Mac Jones might have the rudest awakening to the NFL because of his lack of athleticism. He is stunningly accurate, but that might not be enough to make up for all the different looks he’ll get from NFL defenses that will inevitably confuse him and force him to make plays with his legs.

The other quarterbacks in front of him all have the ability to create outside of structure better than Jones. He might have to take his lumps early before really blossoming into a true top-end NFL talent. What Jones does bring is mistake-free football.

Sure, Alabama had the offensive skill talent and offensive line around him to create a good environment on almost every throw, but Jones rarely made a mistake reading the field. If you are looking for an offense with perfect execution on every snap, it starts and ends with the 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide led by Jones.

Scheme Fit: Bruce Arians' offense

You are looking for a team that runs a good number of deep over concepts so that there is carryover for Jones going into the professional ranks. Arians' offense has always been a downhill running and play-action deep-shot offense.

When Jones used play action at Alabama, it wasn’t to roll out and find flat routes; it was to stay in the pocket and hunt for big plays. Arians is similar in that regard. He utilizes “duo” runs that smash the defense in the teeth and then takes big shots on play action.

[T0mShane]

This is Mond erasure and it will not stand 

[SayNoToDMC]

I don't trust Wilsons one year of production to the point I think it's a slam dunk, but Justin Fields sucks. I think I'd rather take Lance and he played one game this year? and was awful in it

[maury77]

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1367512663631216647?s=20

[Snell41]

Outside of Lawrence this entire class is garbage. If Douglas drafts Wilson his job is tied to Wilson. Wilson fails, Douglas gets fired. In even a moderately good QB class Wilson is a 2nd round prospect at best. Short of trading a haul for Watson there are no good QB prospects for us this year, and there’s a good chance we’re an 8-8 team at best. At the very best, more likely 4-6 wins. Punt this year, Sam sucks we all know. Trade down, ride Sam dirty and dump him next year when we have 3 picks in the first round and a damn good chance that a prospect available at any one of those picks next year is far better than the garbage this year.


Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app

[joewilly12]

1 minute ago, Snell41 said:

Outside of Lawrence this entire class is garbage. If Douglas drafts Wilson his job is tied to Wilson. In even a moderately good QB class Wilson is a 2nd round prospect at best. Short of trading a haul for Watson there are no good QB prospects for us this year, and there’s a good chance we’re an 8-8 team at best. At best. Punt this year, Sam sucks we all know that. Sign a respectable backup and ride Sam dirty while we get experience for the haul of draftees we take at other positions. We will get a far better return for trading down from 2 than we will for Sam. Trade down, ride Sam dirty and dump him next year when we have 3 picks in the first round and a damn good chance that a prospect available at any one of those picks next year is far better than the garbage this year.


Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app

Or trade Sam Darnold get draft capital sign a QB like Nick Mullens with the intent on him being the starter we already know who and what Sam Darnold is. I can't see JD doing that to Robert Saleh.

[Snell41]

Or trade Sam Darnold get draft capital sign a QB like Nick Mullens with the intent on him being the starter we already know who and what Sam Darnold is. I can't see JD doing that to Robert Saleh.

I see no way that Douglas trades Sam without either drafting his replacement or trading for Watson. Sam’s value is decent, but not great. Trading down from #2 nets us a 1st in 2022 plus whatever else comes with it which is likely quite a bit. Sam probably gets us a conditional 2nd. Just keep him. Douglas can get away with waiting one more year in hopes of drafting a quality QB. If he drafts a sh*tty one now it’s a nail in his coffin.


Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app

[Larz]

Cool

remember Rosen/Darnold/Mayfield/Allen/Jackson?

[DetroitRed]

I don’t know how anyone speaks so definitively about any of these QBs 

[DetroitRed]

1 hour ago, Larz said:

Cool

remember Rosen/Darnold/Mayfield/Allen/Jackson?

There were people head over heels for Rosen. I liked him.  Pauline loved him

[Morrissey]

4 minutes ago, DetroitRed said:

I don’t know how anyone speaks so definitively about any of these QBs 

Don't worry, when half the board is so clearly wrong in a few years about their takes we'll bump them and point and laugh. People never learn. Half people crapping on Wilson right now where convinced Darnold was can't miss.

[CanadienJetsFan]

4. ZACH WILSON, BYU

Zach Wilson shot up the draft rankings after an incredible 2020 season that saw him finish as PFF’s highest-graded passer. He has all the traits you’d want from a quarterback, but his rise to superstardom is fishy.

When BYU had to play tougher opponents in non-pandemic years, Wilson struggled. Mind you, the whole offense struggled, but Wilson was not the tide that lifted all boats. He finished with grades of 80.5 and 76.2 in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In 2020, with loads of time in the pocket and wide-open receivers, he finally looked like a competent quarterback.

We can make all the comparisons of Wilson to the sudden stardom and rise of Joe Burrow last season, but Burrow was pressured just under 10 percentage points more than Wilson in their final seasons. LSU’s 2019 team pass-blocking grade was 68.7, while BYU’s 2020 team pass-blocking grade was 80.2. Wilson lived a relatively easy life in 2020.

Scheme Fit: Kyle Shanahan’s offense

With this fit, you are looking for someone who can scheme up open throws down the field for his quarterback and then use Wilson’s lightning-quick release for the underneath option routes Shanahan likes to run. In Wilson’s breakout 2020 season, BYU used outside-zone play action 92 times — the most in the country. Shanahan used it the sixth-most times in the NFL last season. It’s a good match.

[Mark78]

Nobody knows sh!t. Like betting on a horse race.

[GreekJet]

PFF has an awful history evaluating college QBs. 

Analytics don’t really work in college. Very small sample size and competition isn’t equal.

[rayzor]

More "expert" opinions.  Let's see how his past predictions panned out:

2020 - 1) Burrow, 2) Tua, 3) Hurts, 4) Fromm, 5) Gordon, 6) Herbert

I couldn't dig further.  Curious what the previous years looked like.

[JohnnyLV]

On 3/4/2021 at 3:13 PM, SayNoToDMC said:

I don't trust Wilsons one year of production to the point I think it's a slam dunk, but Justin Fields sucks. I think I'd rather take Lance and he played one game this year? and was awful in it

Lance needs a "LANCE" offense. Saleh is not doing that. He is not a fit. Even in the above he says Wilson should go to a Shanahan offense. That is what we will be running. Wilson should be the pick period. Plus I am not sure this will actually be the final PFF ranking anyway, as there is a LOT of suspect analysis and bias thrown in.

[FidelioJet]

Just looking for clicks. 

[SayNoToDMC]

2 hours ago, johnnysd said:

Lance needs a "LANCE" offense. Saleh is not doing that. He is not a fit. Even in the above he says Wilson should go to a Shanahan offense. That is what we will be running. Wilson should be the pick period. Plus I am not sure this will actually be the final PFF ranking anyway, as there is a LOT of suspect analysis and bias thrown in.

I wouldn't pay attention to anything PFF puts out. I remember the draft thread a couple years back where people used them to defend the Jachai Polite pick while arguing with people who had common sense and eyes. They also loved Kyle Wilson and I absolutely got no interest in Lance.  I was just making the point of how little I like Fields. I don't see any option outside rolling the dice on Wilson or trading down and punting for another year at QB

[Greenseed4]

Just waiting on the hand measurements...

[long time suffering Jets f]

Jets are caught between a rock and a hard place. They really need to address the QB situation but what to do?  Unless they trade for Watson or Wilson there are no slam dunks out there. I like Fields but just like Wilson and the other QB prospects are all risky picks. All I know Sam Darnold is toast and needs to move on. Why oh why did the Jets have to win those two meaningless games. Thus the predicament they are now in.

 

[Dunnie]

https://walterfootball.com/draft2021QB.php

 

 

---

1. Previous Seasons

   • '20 - Joe Burrow, LSU
   • '19 - Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
   • '18 - Sam Darnold, USC
    Trevor Lawrence*, QB, Clemson
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 220.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
   Projected Round (2021): No. 1.
   View Ranking History
   3/2/21: Lawrence underwent surgery on his left labrum, his non-throwing shoulder, which should not have any bearing on his rookie season. Clemson then held Lawrence's pro day early, and it went well for him, as expected. He showed off his big arm and great skill set to confirm his status as the future No. 1 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
   
   Lawrence made some beautiful throws in 2020, showing off his powerful arm, accuracy, and an impressive ability to throw on the run. His deep ball was superb. He completed 69 percent of his passes in 2020 for 3,153 yards, 24 touchdowns passing and five interceptions. Lawrence also rushed for eight touchdowns. Lawrence tested positive for COVID-19 during the season, forcing Clemson to rule him out against Boston College and Notre Dame. But in the rematch against the Fighting Irish, Lawrence led the Tigers to an impressive victory. Ohio State knocked Clemson out of the playoff, but Lawrence threw for 400 yards despite his offensive line playing terribly. The Tigers' defense was also dominated by Justin Fields.
   
   Lawrence is a pro-ready passer. His accuracy is exceptional, and he consistently places the ball perfectly downfield. Lawrence can fit passes into windows the size of a shoe box, and he drops in strikes past defensive backs. Even though Lawrence will throw into some tight windows, he displays good decision-making and does a great job of avoiding turnovers. Lawrence places passes where his receivers can make a play on the ball and avoids giving defensive backs opportunities to pick passes off. The tall Lawrence sees the field extremely well, and he has advanced field vision. Lawrence displays pocket composure to stand erect in the pocket and does not get rattled by the pass rush.
   
   One trait that really sets Lawrence apart and makes him a truly rare prospect is his deep-ball accuracy. With a variety of receivers, Lawrence does a phenomenal job of locating his passes downfield to beat coverage and lead his weapons to big plays. Because Lawrence has cannon for an arm and can precisely throw deep downfield, defenses can't crowd the box because he will make them pay. Thus, Lawrence's passing ability could really open things up for the rushing attack in the NFL and lead to more success for his team that does not show up in his personal stats.
   
   Lawrence is a good fit for any NFL offense because his powerful arm would allow him to work in a vertical offense and his accuracy on short passes and ability to get the ball out quickly would let him fit in a West Coast system. Lawrence has a quick release and a fast arm whip. His internal clock is advanced as well, letting him get the ball out quickly and not put extra pressure on his offensive line.
   
   On top of elite passing talent, Lawrence has excellent mobility and athleticism. He shows quick feet and a burst as a runner that catches defenses by surprise. On read-option plays, Lawrence shows some toughness to pound the ball up the middle, and he has some power on the ground that makes him effective in short-yardage situations and near the goal line. Lawrence demonstrates nice mobility to dodge defenders in the pocket, and he throws well on the run. In the open field, Lawrence is a slippery runner who can dodge tacklers thanks to his straight-line speed to run away from defenses. Team sources who talked football with Lawrence came away very impressed with his intelligence. They also like his ability to get his team in the right play.
   
   Lawrence, like any college player, has some things he could stand to work on for the next level. Sources say not locking on his first read is one point of improvement. Lawrence could stand to speed up the process of working through his progressions.
   
   8/29/20: In 2019, Lawrence completed 66 percent of his passes for 3,665 yards with 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran for 563 yards and nine touchdowns while leading Clemson back to the National Championship Game. Lawrence showed further development as a passer and as a team leader.
   
   Lawrence took college football by storm as a freshman in 2018, compiling a superb season that culminated with him ripping Alabama's defense comprised of NFL talent to win another National Championship for Clemson. Lawrence completed 65 percent of his passes that season for 3,280 yards with 30 touchdowns and four interceptions.
   
   Lawrence has a good arm, developed poise, and play-making ability. He also makes good decisions while distributing the ball well to his phenomenal supporting cast. Unless Lawrence gets injured, he should have another massive season and has the potential to be the best quarterback prospect to enter the NFL since Andrew Luck.

   ---

   Career Passing Stats

   Season	G	Att	Com	Int	Yds	TDs	Eff	Com/G	Yds/C	Pct	Yds/G
   2018-Clemson	15	397	259	4	3280	30	158	17.27	12.7	65.2	219
   2019-Clemson	15	407	268	8	3665	36	167	17.87	13.7	65.8	244
   2020-Clemson	10	334	231	5	3153	24	169	23.10	13.6	69.2	315

   Career Rushing Stats

   Season	Games	Att	Yds	Yds/Rsh	TDs	Yds/Game
   2018-Clemson	15	60	177	3	1	11.8
   2019-Clemson	15	103	563	5.5	9	37.5
   2020-Clemson	10	68	203	3	8	20.3

   Passing Stats Game Log

   Game	Result	Comp/Att	Yds	TDs	Int	Eff	Yds/Comp	Pct
   9/12/20-@ Wake Forest	W 37 - 13	22/28	351	1	0	195.7	16	78.6
   9/19/20-The Citadel	W 49 - 0	8/9	168	3	0	355.7	21	88.9
   10/03/20-Virginia	W 41 - 23	25/38	329	3	0	164.6	13.2	65.8
   10/10/20-Miami (FL)	W 42 - 17	29/41	292	3	0	154.7	10.1	70.7
   10/17/20-@ Georgia Tech	W 73 - 7	24/32	404	5	1	226.4	16.8	75
   10/24/20-Syracuse	W 47 - 21	27/43	289	2	1	129.9	10.7	62.8
   10/31/20-Boston College	W 34 - 28	0/0	0	0	0
   11/07/20-@ Notre Dame	L 40 - 47 (2OT)	0/0	0	0	0
   11/21/20-@ Florida St.	-	0/0	0	0	0
   11/28/20-Pittsburgh	W 52 - 17	26/37	403	2	0	179.6	15.5	70.3
   12/05/20-@ Virginia Tech	W 45 - 10	12/22	195	1	1	134.9	16.3	54.5
   12/19/20-Notre Dame @ Charlotte, N.C.	W 34 - 10	25/36	322	2	1	157.4	12.9	69.4
   1/01/21-Ohio St. @ New Orleans, La.	L 28 - 49	33/48	400	2	1	148.3	12.1	68.8

2. Previous Seasons

   • '20 - Justin Herbert, Oregon
   • '19 - Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
   • '18 - Josh Allen, Wyoming
    Zach Wilson*, QB, BYU
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 203.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
   Projected Round (2021): Top-10.
   View Ranking History
   3/2/21: There is a lot to like about Wilson for the NFL. He has a quality arm capable of making all the throws and an ability to push the ball downfield. In the short to intermediate part of the field, Wilson can spin the ball and fire some fastballs into tight windows. He also is capable of putting air under the ball to loft in touch passes.
   
   Wilson is an accurate passer who displays quality footwork that leads to him tossing precision passes. He is not an elite runner for the next level in the mold of a Lamar Jackson, but he has mobility with some quickness and athleticism to buy time in the pocket and pick up some first downs on the ground. Some team sources compared Wilson's running ability and athleticism to Johnny Manziel's.
   
   Wilson has some things to work on still, like any collegiate player. Speeding up his process and working through his progressions faster would help him to succeed at the pro level. There can be times at which he holds the ball too long, so he needs to get passes out more quickly. Wilson had the luxury of a good offensive line at BYU, with multiple players who will compete to make NFL rosters, but at the pro level, he should avoid putting as much pressure on his blockers against NFL pass rushers.
   
   While Wilson has enough size to be a starting quarterback in NFL, it would be a good idea for him to add some weight to his frame to help him avoid injury at the pro level. Team sources say Wilson is confident and intelligent, plays tough, and inspires his teammates to play for him. On the negative side, they say Wilson comes from a very wealthy family and comes across as an entitled, selfish know-it-all - his parents are a pain to deal with too. Some team sources think Wilson could rise to be the second quarterback selected and go high in the first round. Others think he should be a late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. But with the way quarterbacks go in the draft, Wilson will probably end up as a top-10 pick.
   
   8/29/20: NFL advance scouts put Wilson on their preseason watch list, so they saw enough on tape and on the field to believe that he has pro potential. Wilson threw the ball accurately over his first two years, but he needs to cut down on interceptions and show the ability to produce more points.

   ---

   Career Passing Stats

   Season	G	Att	Com	Int	Yds	TDs	Eff	Com/G	Yds/C	Pct	Yds/G
   2018-Southern California	0	0	0	0	0	0		0.00
   2019-Southern California	1	0	0	0	0	0		0.00
   2020-Southern California	1	0	0	0	0	0		0.00

   Career Rushing Stats

   Season	Games	Att	Yds	Yds/Rsh	TDs	Yds/Game
   2018-Southern California	0	0	0		0
   2019-Southern California	1	0	0		0
   2020-Southern California	1	0	0		0

   Passing Stats Game Log

   Game	Result	Comp/Att	Yds	TDs	Int	Eff	Yds/Comp	Pct
   11/07/20-Arizona St.	W 28 - 27	0/0	0	0	0
   11/14/20-@ Arizona	W 34 - 30	0/0	0	0	0
   11/21/20-@ Utah	W 33 - 17	0/0	0	0	0
   12/06/20-Washington St.	W 38 - 13	0/0	0	0	0
   12/12/20-@ UCLA	W 43 - 38	0/0	0	0	0
   12/18/20-Oregon	L 24 - 31	0/0	0	0	0

   
   
   
    

3. Previous Seasons

   • '20 - Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
   • '19 - Drew Lock, Missouri
   • '18 - Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
    Justin Fields*, QB, Ohio State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 223.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
   Projected Round (2021): Top-10.
   View Ranking History
   3/2/21: Fields dominated Nebraska, Penn State and Rutgers in 2020 before coming through with one of the best games of his career to beat Clemson in the college football playoff. He played poorly against Indiana and Northwestern, displaying problems with operating in the pocket. In 2020, Fields completed 70 percent of his passes in 2020 for 2,100 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. He had five rushing scores as well.
   
   Fields is a dynamic runner and athlete who a great skill set that includes a strong, accurate arm and some natural passing ability. He still needs a lot of work with pocket awareness. He has to improve passing the face of the rush, handling the blitz, taking check downs instead of forcing passes into coverage downfield, and anticipating receivers coming open rather than waiting to see them come open. That being said, Fields has a lot of talent to work with and is worthy of going as a top-10 pick.
   
   8/29/20: Fields has a dynamic skill set with natural passing ability and is a dangerous runner. He is an accurate quarterback with a strong arm, is aggressive to push the ball downfield, and is a playmaker with his feet. In speaking with some team sources, we agreed Fields looks like a bigger Deshaun Watson. Fields needs development and refinement. He especially needs to improve at executing when faced with heavy blitzes.
   
   Fields was one of the top recruits in the nation alongside Trevor Lawrence. To start out his college career, Fields played at Georgia before transferring to Ohio State. In 2019, Fields took over as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback and dominated. The sophomore completed 67 percent of his passes on the season for 3,273 yards with 41 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for 484 yards and 10 scores. In Fields' one season at Georgia, he was 27-of-39 for 328 yards with four touchdowns passing and four touchdowns rushing.

   ---

   Career Passing Stats

   Season	G	Att	Com	Int	Yds	TDs	Eff	Com/G	Yds/C	Pct	Yds/G
   2018-Georgia	12	39	27	0	328	4	174	2.25	12.1	69.2	27
   2019-Ohio St.	14	354	238	3	3273	41	181	17.00	13.8	67.2	234
   2020-Ohio St.	8	225	158	6	2100	22	176	19.75	13.3	70.2	263

   Career Rushing Stats

   Season	Games	Att	Yds	Yds/Rsh	TDs	Yds/Game
   2018-Georgia	12	42	266	6.3	4	22.2
   2019-Ohio St.	14	137	484	3.5	10	34.6
   2020-Ohio St.	8	81	383	4.7	5	47.9

   Passing Stats Game Log

   Game	Result	Comp/Att	Yds	TDs	Int	Eff	Yds/Comp	Pct
   10/24/20-Nebraska	W 52 - 17	20/21	276	2	0	237.1	13.8	95.2
   10/31/20-@ Penn St.	W 38 - 25	28/34	318	4	0	199.7	11.4	82.4
   11/07/20-Rutgers	W 49 - 27	24/28	314	5	0	238.8	13.1	85.7
   11/21/20-Indiana	W 42 - 35	18/30	300	2	3	146	16.7	60
   12/05/20-@ Michigan St.	W 52 - 12	17/24	199	2	0	168	11.7	70.8
   12/19/20-Northwestern @ Indianapolis, IN	W 22 - 10	12/27	114	0	2	65.1	9.5	44.4
   1/01/21-Clemson @ New Orleans, La.	W 49 - 28	22/28	385	6	1	257.6	17.5	78.6
   1/11/21-Alabama @ Miami Gardens, FL	L 24 - 52	17/33	194	1	0	110.9	11.4	51.5

   
   
   
    

4. Previous Seasons

   • '20 - Jordan Love, Utah State
   • '19 - Daniel Jones, Duke
   • '18 - Josh Rosen, UCLA
    Trey Lance**, QB, North Dakota State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 221.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
   Projected Round (2021): 1.
   View Ranking History
   3/2/21: Lance's one game of the 2020 season was a mixed outing. He missed some throws and made some mistakes, but considering the rust factor, those issues were somewhat understandable. Lance completed 15-of-30 passes for 149 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries as well. After his one game, he announced he would enter the 2021 NFL Draft.
   
   Lance will need a lot of practice time with pro coaches. He has a great skill set with arm strength, size, running ability, and upside. An AFC general manager said they think Lance is worthy of being a pick in the back half of the first round because he needs development, although he probably will go much higher out of team need. Here's the breakdown of Lance from one area scout: "He's big with a strong arm and is a good athlete, but he has no touch or feel as a passer. Lance reminds me of Jason Campbell."
   
   8/29/20: Lance produced a huge redshirt freshman season in 2019, completing 67 percent of his passes for 2,786 yards with 28 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also ran for 1,100 yards with 14 touchdowns on the ground - his rushing yardage was actually bigger, but college football deducts sack yardage from a quarterback's rushing totals.
   
   From a skill-set perspective, Lance fits in with other other recent first-round prospects. His size, arm strength, running ability, and big-play potential are in line with other recent Thursday picks. As a passer, Lance definitely has next-level ability.
   
   Lance has a strong arm capable of making all the throws for the pros. He shows the ability to fire fastballs to the sideline and has no problem airing out deep balls. Overall, Lance has good accuracy, and his deep-ball precision is very impressive. One of Lance's impressive traits from 2019, especially for such a young player, was his poise. Lance looked very calm in the pocket, and when the rush was closing around him, it seemed to be a non-factor for him.
   
   In speaking to some team sources who saw Lance in person while scouting North Dakota State, they feel the potential is there for Lance, but they also need to see more before feeling he is worthy of being a high first-round pick. As of late August, North Dakota State is going to play one football game in the fall. Lance needs more experience and development, but most of the season is gone because foolish decision makers in college football were looking to protect their job security over considering the science that football players are more likely to die in a car accident driving to practice than from COVID-19.
   
   "I think [Lance is] a very good player, but at that position, I'm a firm believer in body of work and he has a very small sample size at this point," said a national scout. "He's got tools to work, and he's not the first young pup to be pushed up. Every year there's someone, but we have to let it play out."
   
   "Recent history has not been kind to the 1-year-wonder surge guys. It has not been ideal for the picks of guys like Mitch Trubisky, Blake Bortles, Dwayne Haskins, DeShone Kizer, Paxton Lynch, etc. At [Lance's] level of competition, you definitely want to have more than good season. I like him though, but not ready to crown him just yet."

   ---

   Career Passing Stats

   Season	G	Att	Com	Int	Yds	TDs	Eff	Com/G	Yds/C	Pct	Yds/G
   2018-North Dakota St.	2	1	1	0	12	0	201	0.50	12	100	6
   2019-North Dakota St.	16	287	192	0	2786	28	181	12.00	14.5	66.9	174
   2020-North Dakota St.	1	30	15	1	149	2	107	15.00	9.9	50	149

   Career Rushing Stats

   Season	Games	Att	Yds	Yds/Rsh	TDs	Yds/Game
   2018-North Dakota St.	2	8	82	10.3	2	41
   2019-North Dakota St.	16	169	1100	6.5	14	68.8
   2020-North Dakota St.	1	15	143	9.5	2	143

   Passing Stats Game Log

   Game	Result	Comp/Att	Yds	TDs	Int	Eff	Yds/Comp	Pct
   10/03/20-Central Ark.	W 39 - 28	15/30	149	2	1	107.1	9.9	50
   2/21/21-Youngstown St.	-	0/0	0	0	0
   2/27/21-@ Southern Ill.	-	0/0	0	0	0
   3/06/21-@ Missouri St.	-	0/0	0	0	0
   3/13/21-Illinois St.	-	0/0	0	0	0
   3/20/21-North Dakota	-	0/0	0	0	0
   3/27/21-@ South Dakota	-	0/0	0	0	0
   4/03/21-South Dakota St.	-	0/0	0	0	0
   4/10/21-@ UNI	-	0/0	0	0	0

5. Previous Seasons

   • '20 - Jacob Eason, Washington
   • '19 - Ryan Finley, N.C. State
   • '18 - Lamar Jackson, Louisville
    Mac Jones*, QB, Alabama
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.88.
   Projected Round (2021): 2-4.
   View Ranking History
   3/2/21: Jones cruised over Florida, Missouri, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State and Notre Dame in 2020. Taking on a good Georgia defense, Jones threw for over 400 yards to get the Crimson Tide a huge win. He was a decisive passer, showing a quality arm, some accuracy, and good decision-making. As is so often the case with players from Alabama, Jones benefited from a great supporting cast and extra media attention. Jones was then the best quarterback at the Senior Bowl practices.
   
   Late in 2020, WalterFootball.com sought opinions on Jones from five different teams regarding the 2021 NFL Draft. Three had a fourth-round grade on Jones, one had him on the bubble between Rounds 2 and 3, and one team gave him a second-round grade. An AFC general manager said the second round was too high for Jones, calling him a mid-round talent, so opinions vary on Jones across the league. Some in the media are projecting him to go in the first round, so perhaps there are teams that have a first-round grade on Jones.
   
   "[Jones is] a stronger-armed Jake Fromm," said one area scout. "He distributes the ball well to all those great weapons. Jones has some ability. His arm is good enough, a little stronger than Jake's. Mac can anticipate, and sees the field well. I think he could have a career in the NFL similar to Matt Barkley."
   
   Another team source who graded Jones in the fourth round said they felt he was a shorter A.J. McCarron. Similar to McCarron, Jones was surrounded with a phenomenal set of wide receivers, a tough offensive line with future early-round picks, and a dynamic running game. Team sources say Jones generally did a good job of managing the game and getting the ball to his playmakers.
   
   The Colts' scouting department, led by general manager Chris Ballard and director of college scouting Morocco Brown, is one of the best in the league for evaluating talent for the next level, and they opted to try to salvage Carson Wentz rather than draft Jones, so that is a consideration regarding Jones' projection.
   
   8/29/20: Jones had some good moments in backup duty in 2019 after Tua Tagovailoa went out for the year with his hip injury. Jones could be a riser as Alabama has a lot of talent around him.

[Dunnie]

Wilson 1st ?

https://lsutigerswire.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-ranking-qbs-zach-wilson-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields/

Edited March 6, 2021 by Dunnie

[Dunnie]

Chris Simms ...

1. Zach Wilson, BYU
2. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
3. Mac Jones, Alabama
4. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
5. Justin Fields, Ohio State
6. Trey Lance, North Dakota State

[Philc1]

On 3/6/2021 at 12:11 AM, Snell41 said:

Outside of Lawrence this entire class is garbage. If Douglas drafts Wilson his job is tied to Wilson. Wilson fails, Douglas gets fired. In even a moderately good QB class Wilson is a 2nd round prospect at best. Short of trading a haul for Watson there are no good QB prospects for us this year, and there’s a good chance we’re an 8-8 team at best. At the very best, more likely 4-6 wins. Punt this year, Sam sucks we all know. Trade down, ride Sam dirty and dump him next year when we have 3 picks in the first round and a damn good chance that a prospect available at any one of those picks next year is far better than the garbage this year.


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If Douglas drafts Fields or Wilson at 2 Woody will be handpicking his replacement in 3 years