Can anybody remember the last time a Chicago Bears draft pick was so universally celebrated? Ever? That’s a serious question because it’s difficult to find one that comes remotely close throughout their history. Justin Fields isn’t the kind of quarterback this franchise has ever drafted before. One who has a genuine case for being the most talented in the entire class. Maybe Jim McMahon in 1982 but that wasn’t saying much.
Fields has the look of somebody with genuine star potential. He’s 6’3 with 4.41 speed, a rocket right arm, and the kind of accuracy that gets anybody excited. He also has loads of big-game experience after two years at Ohio State. The fact he was the fourth quarterback off the board last month remains a genuine shock to many experts. Not only did several have him the #2 guy in the top five QBs. Some even had him #1 over Trevor Lawrence.
Either way, it feels like the Bears may have stolen one this time.
That much was taken away from the reaction of an ESPN expert panel. Six of their top football guys were asked one simple question. What was their favorite pick of the entire 2021 draft? Two players claimed the top spot in a tie with two votes each. One was new Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater. The other was Justin Fields. Matt Bowen and Mike Clay were both big fans of what Chicago pulled off.
“Bowen: Justin Fields, QB, Bears. I like the aggressive move here from general manager Ryan Pace to trade up for the Ohio State quarterback. Fields (No. 11) has the high-level physical tools — and the playmaking traits — to elevate Matt Nagy’s offensive system.
Clay: Justin Fields, QB, Bears. No position moves the needle quite like quarterback, and Chicago simply wasn’t going to get over the top with Andy Dalton under center. Enter Fields, who is an outstanding playmaker with his legs, but who has also been one of the most efficient passers in the FBS over the past three seasons. This was a smart trade up and breathes some life into the Bears’ outlook.”
Bowen actually said that Fields would be a great fit for the Bears even before the draft. He’s a big advocate of players with high-end physical traits. This is why guys like Josh Allen and Justin Herbert both worked out despite somewhat uneven college careers. Provided they got the right coaching and supporting cast, their talent would turn them into stars. He believes the same thing can happen for Fields in Chicago.
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Justin Fields is eager to send a message
Don’t be fooled by his careful comments after the draft. He was upset he fell to #11 in the draft. He stated his belief that he is the best quarterback in this class. That wasn’t empty words. Fields believes it. So to not only fail to be the second QB off the board but not even the third and also fall out of the top 10 entirely? To a competitor like him, that’s a slap in the face. When something like that happens, one can expect retribution to follow.
He’ll want to show everybody that questioned his ability leading up to the draft how wrong they were. That is why he is putting in work already. His relentless approach has already made an impression on his coaching staff and they’re doing everything possible to feed into it. The only question is when will Justin Fields see action? As of now, it won’t be Week 1. That is all anybody knows for sure. The Bears have remained steadfast in their stance that Andy Dalton will be the starter this season.
Could things change?
Of course. Dalton could get hurt. He could struggle much like Mike Glennon did four years ago. Or Fields could make such an incredible impression in training camp that Matt Nagy has no choice but to start him. Anything can happen. For now, the rookie is focused on getting up to speed on the system and beginning the relentless preparation for the season to come. Whenever his opportunity comes, he’ll be ready.