Chicago Bears: 3 trades to take advantage of Justin Fields skepticism
By Ryan Heckman
Once upon a time, the Chicago Bears saw a division rival take advantage of a draft day fall that we all remember too well.
Back in the 2005 NFL Draft, the football world was continuously shocked as pick by pick, Aaron Rodgers slipped. For whatever reason, Rodgers fell all the way to number 24 overall.
We know how regretful a few other teams must feel, looking back on it now. Rodgers is now a first ballot Hall of Fame quarterback and has spent years tormenting Bears fans.
As we approach the 2021 NFL Draft, fans could end up seeing a similar situation with a highly-touted quarterback.
Could the Chicago Bears really end up with Justin Fields?
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was once looked at as the clear-cut number two quarterback in this draft, next to Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence. Now, many believe that the New York Jets will go with BYU standout Zach Wilson at no. 2 overall.
But, it doesn’t stop there. After the San Francisco 49ers traded all the way up to the no. 3 overall pick, some believe they will go for Alabama’s Mac Jones. That would leave Fields, along with North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, as the remaining top quarterbacks.
In recent weeks, Fields’ game has been picked apart by several outlets. Some are questioning whether his game will translate based on some very small intricacies in his game.
Now, we have folks asking the question: how far will Fields fall?
Because of Todd McShay nitpicking three of Fields’ games (out of his entire collegiate career), he may fall quite a bit.
But, the fact is, Fields is an incredible talent. Pro Football Focus has Fields as the top-rated passer from a clean pocket (95.4 rating) and charted him with the highest completion percentage on throws past the sticks last season at 68.4 percent.
He has the size at 6-foot-3. He has the arm. He has not only the mobility, but the superb speed. Fields has played extremely well on the big stage. Therefore, if the Bears have a chance to trade for him, they better do it. The following three scenarios are possibilities based on just how far Fields could fall.