Justin Fields had plenty of critics coming out of Ohio State last year. They questioned everything from his intelligence to his leadership. Those who knew him inside the program couldn’t help but laugh at those remarks. It was clear most of the people saying them hadn’t the slightest clue who the young quarterback really was and what he meant to the program during his two years there.
Perhaps nobody could put it in better words than Haskell Garrett. He was a defensive tackle for the Buckeyes, so he didn’t have regular interactions with Fields. Yet that didn’t stop him from showering the quarterback with praise during an interview with Justin Melo of The Draft Network. Garrett was asked which teammate he’d bring with him if he was going to war tomorrow.
The 23-year old didn’t even hesitate in his choice.
“I would bring Justin Fields with me. He was our quarterback, our leader. He got the job done. The toughness that he showed throughout that Clemson game back in 2020 stuck with me. I would go to war with Justin Fields any day of the week. He’s definitely somebody I’d bring from the offensive side of the ball. He raises the level of competition around him. He changed the expectations for our offense.”
Considering Garrett hasn’t played with Fields in over a year, that is saying something. It helps illustrate the type of presence the quarterback had. One that is already having an impact on the Bears locker room. He worked with multiple offensive teammates during the offseason, including Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. More recently, he was spotted at a Chicago Blackhawks game along with his entire offensive line.
As stoic as he may seem when speaking to the media, Fields has no problem communicating with his teammates. He lets them know through words and examples that he’s willing to make the sacrifices necessary to win. He proved that last year with the beatings he took every week. Now the goal is to start playing good football. It is little wonder Garrett sounds eager for a reunion if possible.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Justin Fields’ new coaching staff may grant Garrett’s wish.
The defensive tackle is coming off his best season in college, racking up 5.5 sacks. Many view him as a classic three-technique in a 4-3 defense, an undersized but quick interior pass rusher that can shoot gaps, creating havoc in the backfield. That would make him an excellent fit for Matt Eberflus’ new defensive system. A variation of the classic Lovie Smith defenses from the 2000s. Rumors have indicated the Bears have scouted Garrett for some time.
Expectations are he will likely go somewhere between the 5th and 6th rounds later this month. Though not a high-end physical talent, he has enough ability coupled with a solid motor to become a capable rotational player. The Bears have three picks in that draft range, so they may look to target him.
No doubt it’d be a dream come true.
Not only would he join an organization that embraces defense, but he’d reunite with a leader he respects. Hopefully, what he said comes to pass in Chicago. If Fields can galvanize the Bears locker room as he did in Columbus, this team won’t take too long before they’re competitive again. Garrett may have to wait, though, as GM Ryan Poles looks to add more offensive help early in the draft.
