NY Jets: Justin Fields is a worthy consolation prize in the 2021 NFL Draft

The NY Jets want Trevor Lawrence, but Justin Fields is a worthy alternative.

The NY Jets have had their eyes on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence for quite some time. But if they can’t manage to land Lawrence this April, Ohio State’s Justin Fields is more than a worthy consolation prize.

Lawrence is going to be the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. This is something that people have speculated for the last year or two and his performance this season has all but confirmed it.

As arguably the greatest quarterback prospect in recent memory, few believed that Lawrence will become anything either than an All-Pro-caliber player at the next level.

He’s just that good. But he isn’t the only top-tier quarterback prospect in this class.

The likes of Fields, BYU’s Zach Wilson, and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance have all solidified themselves as first-round prospects. However, of the three, Fields is without a doubt the most intriguing.

The Georgia transfer has gone on to become one of the best players in college football after a spectacular 2019 season that saw him finish with 3,273 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only three interceptions in 14 games.

It was his first season as a starter, and it netted him a trip to New York for the Heisman ceremony among a litany of other awards. Fields established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and it’s been no different this year.

In three games, Fields has tossed for 11 touchdowns and is yet to turn the ball over. The 21-year-old has the Buckeyes playing at a playoff-worthy level and looks primed to take them there once again.

The NY Jets would be very happy if they landed Justin Fields

Fields has some of the most natural arm talent around. An effortless thrower, Fields can throw the ball from seemingly every angle and make it look easy. From a physical standpoint, he’s everything teams are looking for in a franchise quarterback.

From his arm talent to his ability to extend plays outside the pocket, Fields has it all.

While he’s not a Lamar Jackson-esque runner, his mobility is one of the strengths of his game and is reminiscent of someone like Deshaun Watson or Patrick Mahomes.

Overall, Fields is safe with the ball as evidenced by his incredibly low turnover numbers, but he could still work on improving his field vision a little. He’s shown progress with that in 2020, but there’s still some room for growth there.

That said, Fields would be the top quarterback prospect in his class in most years. If it wasn’t for Lawrence, Fields would be the odds-on favorite to not only be the first quarterback drafted, but the first player.

Justin Fields is everything teams look for when searching for their franchise quarterback in today’s NFL. He’s an exciting dual-threat who possesses the arm talent and intelligence to be a star at the next level.

He’s not Trevor Lawrence, but he’s the next best thing.