Justin Fields Scouting Report
GRADE: 9.2 - Top 5 pick
PRO COMPARISON: Dak Prescott
POSITIVES
— Good height and size; well-built on the lower half.
— Consistent and repeatable throwing motion and mechanics. Able to get all kinds of throws off even in a crowded pocket and is able to maintain accuracy when changing arm slots.
— Good arm strength. Able to put zip on throws at the first and second levels, and every throw is available to him. Throws a nice deep ball with consistent, catchable placement.
— Accurate at all three levels. Does a nice job of leading receivers on moving routes and aiming throws to save them hits. Will even do things like putting throws on smoke routes to the receiver's upfield shoulder, allowing him to more easily generate yards after the catch.
— Will display nice touch on throws. Doesn't try to jam in short throws. Shows an awareness of changing ball speeds and angles. Throws an overall catchable ball at all three levels.
— Tough in the pocket and as a runner. Is willing to hang in to make throws (mostly because he had to given the offense he played in).
— Good athlete and smooth runner. Able to run every type of QB run scheme because of his ability and run strength. Able to throw accurately and stay balanced when throwing on the move, either on sprint-outs, bootlegs or when adlibbing a play.
— Shows a good understanding of concepts and what is being asked. Will not "wish" throws open and will find checkdowns on play-action concepts.
NEGATIVES
— Not asked to make a lot of true progressions. Offense utilized a lot of wide receiver read routes that forced Fields to hold on to the ball and hitch while the wideout made a decision, so timing will be something he will have to keep improving upon in the NFL.
— Over-exaggerates on his pump fakes.
— Can drift in the pocket while he's waiting for routes to develop and create his own pressure.
— Can be late on deep balls and leave them hanging a bit long.
OVERALL
Justin Fields is a dynamic quarterback prospect who would get No. 1 pick consideration in any other draft class. He displays solid accuracy and throw power at all three levels. Fields is able to change arm slots and throw off-platform while maintaining accuracy. He is tough in the pocket and constantly keeps his eyes downfield while also using his athleticism to make rushers miss in the pocket and generate yards with his legs. All QB run-game concepts are available with him, and he has the ability to extend passing plays when the play breaks down. He has a tendency to hang on to some of his reads, but that is also because of some of the concepts being called, and he will have to keep improving upon his mental clock to save himself from hits in the NFL.
2020 STATISTICS
8 G, 158-of-225 (70.2%), 2,100 yards, 9.3 Y/A, 22 TD, 6 INT, 175.6 rating 81 rush att., 383 yards, 4.7 avg, 5 TD