Ohio State Football: Justin Fields could be No. 1 draft pick in 2021

The Ohio State football team could have another top draft pick in next year’s NFL Draft as Justin Fields is poised for success.

The NFL is a quarterback driven league. Teams live and die by their quarterback play every single season. No other position in professional sports has such a direct correlation with the outcome of games more than the guy behind center.

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is in prime position to cash in as a top NFL Draft pick next year, and could even wind up going No. 1 overall. Fields, who had an excellent season as a first year starter in 2019, should only get better next season as his offensive line and skill position players will be some of the best in the country.

And with another season under the guidance of quarterback guru Ryan Day, Fields will be in position to challenge Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence as the No. 1 overall selection. But the dual threat of Fields’ arm and legs could be enough for an NFL club to choose Fields over Lawrence.

For Ryan Day, he will be looking to add a second first round quarterback prospect to his resume, furthering his resume as a quarterback whisperer and helping his recruiting abilities in terms of getting top QB recruits.

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today has Justin Fields ranked No. 3 in his 2021 draft rankings, saying this about him:

"“Dating back to his high school days in Georgia, Fields hasn’t ceded the spotlight to Lawrence. And if there’s anyone who can challenge the highly touted quarterback for the top spot in next year’s draft, it’s the Georgia transfer. The 6-3, 223-pound signal-caller puts his downfield passes on point and threw for 41 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He also is dynamic when he takes off running, creating even more problems for defenses trying not to be victimized deep. Even if he ends up the second quarterback selected after Lawrence, he’ll be far from a consolation prize.”"

Next year’s NFL Draft will be held in Cleveland, Ohio and one can not think of a better place for Fields to walk across the stage as the No. 1 pick other than in the state of Ohio. But what would make it even better is if he can lead the Buckeyes to a National Championship as coach Day understands the prime opportunity in front of them with Fields at the helm.

Returning a Heisman candidate at quarterback is something that does not come around often, and Ohio State must take advantage. If the Buckeyes do, Justin Fields will most certainly be in position to be in Joe Burrow’s shoes next year.