Patriots Favored To Draft Justin Fields, Bears, Eagles Are Long-Shot Candidates

Falling down in the 2021 NFL Draft could end up being the best thing that happens for Justin Fields and his pro career. On Draft Day, the Ohio State quarterback is favored to land with the New England Patriots.

New England owns the No. 15 overall pick in the first round. The Patriots have reportedly been making calls about potentially trading into the top 10. Doing so would likely mean head coach Bill Belichick is targeting a quarterback, and Fields might be the team’s most logical choice.

DraftKings Sportsbook gives New England the best odds to pick Fields at +200. The Carolina Panthers are right behind the Patriots with +300 odds to take Fields. The Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers both have +500 to draft Fields.

After trading up to No. 3 overall, San Francisco is expected to take either Mac Jones or Trey Lance. Atlanta could select Matt Ryan’s successor at No. 4, though tight end Kyle Pitts will most likely be their selection.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins aren’t in the market for quarterbacks at No. 5 and No. 6 overall, respectively. Both teams took a quarterback with a top-five pick in the 2020 draft.

The Detroit Lions are candidates to either pick a quarterback at No. 7 overall or trade with a team that is eyeing a signal-caller. Detroit has +600 odds to take Fields. This could be where the Patriots or another quarterback-needy team moves up to snag Fields.

Cam Newton is returning to New England for a second season. As Tom Brady's replacement, Newton ranked last among all starters in passing yards per game.

Maybe the Chicago Bears will trade up to take Fields. The Bears are realistic long shots to draft Fields with +1000 odds. Chicago has moved on from Mitchell Trubisky, but a top quarterback is unlikely to be available when they’re on the clock with the No. 20 overall pick.

The Philadelphia Eagles have +1200 odds to pick Fields. Philadelphia owns the No. 12 pick. Jalen Hurts still hasn’t proven that he can be an above-average starter for a full season. Some mock drafts project Fields to slip to the middle of the first round.

The Carolina Panthers are expected to consider drafting a quarterback with the No. 8 pick now that Sam Darnold is their most reliable signal-caller. Trading for Teddy Bridgewater won’t preclude the Denver Broncos from picking a quarterback. Denver has the No. 9 pick.

The Washington Football Team has +800 odds to draft Fields. Washington entered Draft Day with the No. 19 pick.

Fields’ draft stock has been a point of contention for weeks. Once viewed as the best prospect behind Trevor Lawrence, the 22-year-old might end up being the fifth quarterback drafted.