Justin Fields Draft Rumors: Patriots, Lions, Panthers, Broncos Are Top Candidates To Pick QB

Where will Justin Fields go? It’s probably the biggest question heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. With the first round just a few days away, there might be some more clarity about the Ohio State quarterback.

The clock on Fields starts with the San Francisco 49ers and the No. 3 overall pick after Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are presumably drafted with the top two selections. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday night that the 49ers are deciding between Mac Jones and Trey Lance, suggesting that Fields is unlikely to be off the board when the Atlanta Falcons are up at No. 4 overall.

Most mock drafts predict Atlanta to take tight end Kyle Pitts. The Cincinnati Bengals won’t use the No. 5 overall pick on Fields one year after they drafted Joe Burrow. It’s certainly possible that a team will trade up into the top five to grab Fields, who many view as the second-best signal caller in this year’s class.

It would be a surprise if Fields falls out of the top 10. Multiple teams that are set to pick soon after Cincinnati could use a quarterback. There are rumors that teams could trade into the top 10 to snag Fields if he’s still available.

The Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos own picks No. 7, No. 8 and No. 9, respectively, and are all expected to at least consider drafting a quarterback.

Detroit traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff, who may not be the Lions' long-term option. It’s no secret that Carolina is looking for an upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater. Denver wants to bring in a quarterback to compete with Drew Lock.

The New England Patriots have been calling teams about potentially trading for a top-10 pick, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, and the belief is that Bill Belichick would target Fields. New England is slated to make its first pick at No. 15 overall, though Fields is expected to be long gone by that point.

The Patriots are bringing back Cam Newton for a second straight season. As Tom Brady’s replacement in 2020, Newton ranked dead last with 177.1 passing yards per game.

DraftKings Sportsbook gives Fields -500 odds to be a top-10 pick. With +100 odds to be a top-five selection, Fields is given a 50/50 chance of being off the board by the time the Miami Dolphins are on the clock at No. 6 overall.

Fields is now considered to be a long shot to be a top-three pick with +3300 odds.