Detroit Lions: Daniel Jeremiah is spot on in latest NFL Mock Draft
By Bob Heyrman
The Detroit Lions may have an opportunity to decide between Penei Sewell or Justin Fields.
If these two are available at seven, this needs to be the only debate within the Lions draft room. The NFL Network expert has Detroit taking Fields.
Fields possesses everything NFL scouts look for in a quarterback prospect in 2021. In today’s game, having a mobile quarterback is such a bonus. It allows offensive coordinators to maximize their playbook. Having a dual-threat quarterback that has the ability to elude the rush and buy his receiver an extra second to separate downfield is a huge asset that any offense could use.
I won’t rush to say that Fields is better than Lamar Jackson, who has already won a league MVP, but I believe he’s a better passer. Fields occupies above-average arm strength, similar to Jackson, but he’s also proven to be exceptionally accurate with his throws. That is one area Jackson needs to improve on moving forward.
Unlike Jackson, Fields doesn’t project to be a ‘run first’ quarterback in the NFL, but his 4.45 speed mixed with his 6-foot-2 and 227-pound frame makes for quite the athletic specimen.
During the 2019 season, Fields completed over 63% of his passes in six games against top-25 schools. During those contests, he tossed for 1,482 yards, 14 touchdown passes, and just three interceptions.
He’d follow that up in 2020 with 1,311 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions in five games versus the top-25. Those are some good numbers against the better teams in college football. He proved last season his willingness to gut out a game, play injured. One thing a scout can’t measure is a prospect’s heart. Its apparent Fields has the heart to succeed at the next level.