2019 Heisman Finalists: How do they project to the NFL?

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 07: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the BIG Ten Football Championship Game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Ohio State. Justin Fields. Pick Analysis. QB. 1. player. 812. Scouting Report

Justin Fields is the only Heisman Finalist that is not eligible to enter the 2020 NFL Draft. He is only a true sophomore and, thus, will not be eligible until 2021. Before this season, everyone thought Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence was going to be the slam dunk top quarterback and number one overall pick for the 2021 NFL Draft. While that still may be true, Fields’ play this season has at least closed the gap and created a conversation between the two great players.

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While his yardage numbers left a little bit to be desired this season, Fields’ touchdown numbers were among the best in all of college football. If fact, he finished 2019 with 50 total touchdowns which placed him third in that category behind only Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts. It is his dual-threat ability to hurt defenses through the air and on the ground that really sets Fields apart as a prospect. He is fast, explosive, and elusive once he gets in the open field as a runner.

Fields can also win in the pocket with his arm. He has a strong arm that allows him to make all the necessary throws while being able to fit the ball into some tight windows. He can also push the ball deep down the field with great touch. Fields is also an incredible decision-maker in the pocket. In fact, he only threw one (!!) interception this season in his 308 pass attempts. When you consider that he also threw for 40 touchdowns, that gives Fields an incredible 40:1 touchdown to interception ratio. That is nearly unheard of in today’s pass-happy game.

It will be interesting to see how Fields responds next year with more responsibility on his shoulders should JK Dobbins leave this offseason. If he is able to respond and lead the offense and his team without Dobbins, he will definitely be in the conversation for the top overall pick in 2021. Especially when considering the recent success of other dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL like Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Kyler Murray.

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