/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69043631/1295899393.0.jpg)
According to reports, Denver Broncos General Manager George Paton will attend the Ohio State pro day to watch quarterback prospect Justin Fields throw.
Broncos GM George Paton, a regular on the Pro Circuit, is planning to attend Ohio State’s Pro Day Tuesday. Team will also have a strong scouting presence at Bama’s 2nd Pro Day, as they did at their first one. #BroncosCountry @KOAColorado
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) March 29, 2021
The report also indicates that the Broncos will have a strong presence at the second Alabama Pro Day. Most likely we’ll see Brian Stark at Alabama where we may see Mac Jones and the rest of the top Alabama prospects workout.
George Paton has/will now attend Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and Justin Field’s pro day as his potential search for the Broncos franchise quarterback continues.
According to NFL Network’s lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, he has Ohio State quarterback prospect Justin Fields ranked as his 8th best prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft and the 3rd ranked quarterback as well.
Fields has good size, excellent arm strength and remarkable athleticism for the quarterback position. He has produced monster numbers both passing and rushing in the Buckeyes’ spread system. He is at his best when he throws on time and in rhythm. The ball jumps out of his hand and he can deliver it accurately at all three levels. When the defense takes that initial target away, he’s had issues quickly aborting that opportunity, which has made him late on throws and also resulted in sacks. He has shown flashes of quickly getting deeper in his progressions (see: 2021 Sugar Bowl vs. Clemson), but that part of his game is still a work in progress. He’s dynamic as a runner. His first step is explosive and he pulls away from defenders with ease. He’s also incredibly tough, as evidenced by his performance after getting drilled in the semifinal game against the Tigers. Overall, I think Fields has a chance to be special, but it’s going to take some time for him to speed up his clock in the passing game.
As we know the Broncos appear to be in the market for one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2021 draft. There are five guys who figure to go in the top 10 of the draft with three of those five going to the Jaguars, Jets, and 49ers. Trevor Lawerence to the Jaguars and Zach Wilson to the Jets appear to be locked in currently with the 49ers rumored to be in on Mac Jones. That will potentially leave NDSU’s Trey Lance and Justin Fields for the Broncos and the rest of the quarterback-needy teams.
The Broncos would most likely need to trade up to select one of these remaining two, so if one of them blows George Paton away during their pro day, we could see him make a move up to get them.
Fields really does have the potential to be special. He has the strongest arm of the prospects, he’s the most athletic of the group and could flourish with the Broncos and their weapons. He’s my top choice for the Broncos and hope they do indeed trade up to select him.