With The First Pick
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2021 NFL Draft: Justin Fields lights up Clemson in rebound performance

By Garrett Ballard

Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) and Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tuf Borland (32) wait to pick up the Sugar Bowl Trophy after beating Clemson Tigers 49-28 in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) and Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tuf Borland (32) wait to pick up the Sugar Bowl Trophy after beating Clemson Tigers 49-28 in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Fields
Justin Fields. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Fields silenced the doubters in the Sugar Bowl

After a shaky performance against Northwestern in the Big 10 Championship game, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was heavily questioned. Today, he had the opportunity to put some of those questions to rest against the most creative defense in all of college football, and regain any lost 2021 NFL Draft stock.

Fields opened the game like a man on a mission. At halftime, Fields had already passed for 223 yards and four touchdowns. What makes this feat even more impressive is the fact that he threw two of those touchdowns after a big hit that potentially broke his ribs. This performance was needed from Fields.

People were doubting him the second he threw those interceptions against Northwestern, despite his high level of play all season long. Coming out in the college football playoff semifinal and torching one of the best defenses in the country is nothing to brush off.

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The onslaught didn’t stop either. Fields, who was still visibly injured, came out in the second half and continued to carve up the Clemson defense. To finish the game, Justin Fields threw for 385 yards, six Touchdowns and one interception. In addition, he rushed for 42 yards. This is one of the more dominant semi final performances in recent memory.

Justin Fields still QB2

In terms of draft stock, Fields’s has stayed the same. Despite the poor performance against Northwestern, he has always been QB2 for the 2021 NFL Draft. There will be discussions about whether or not he should be ranked ahead Trevor Lawrence and be taken at number one overall, but the odds that happens are slim. One thing that Fields did do tonight was make the Jaguars realize they really do need to do their fair share of research on Justin Fields.

Kyle Crabbs at The Draft Network is not too concerned about Fields’ 2020 struggles:

"“Justin Fields projects as a franchise quarterback at the NFL level — he offers the blend of throwing ability, athleticism, stature and clutch play that will cause NFL teams to fall in love with his evaluation, even if his 2020 campaign showed some cracks in his play. Fields’ ability as a passer is top shelf when accounting for his natural delivery and how easily he’s proven to be able to throw around defenders or work himself into generating velocity and accuracy when on the move.”"

Next. Zach Wilson officially sets stage for battle for QB2. dark

This was an entertaining game from the moment it kicked off, and Justin Fields was a big reason why. His arm talent was on full display tonight and the Jets fans that were complaining about losing Lawrence probably aren’t too upset anymore.

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