Ohio State football: Why Falcons should draft Justin Fields

Justin Fields seems to be tumbling down draft boards for made-up reasons. If he were to fall to number four overall, the Atlanta Falcons should draft him.

Justin Fields would have been the second overall pick a year ago had he been eligible to come out. That’s how good of football he played for the Ohio State football team. Despite having another super productive year, he seems to be falling on draft boards.

If for some reason both the Jets and the 49ers pass on him, the Falcons should take him at fourth overall. He would be able to sit behind Matt Ryan for a year and learn on the job. If NFL GMs truly believe he needs time to learn, this would be the ideal situation for him.

Fields is a Georgia native and would love to go back home. He would have weapons to throw to in Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. He would also be able to fix his problem of holding onto the ball a bit too long because he wouldn’t be leaned on to carry the offense.

Atlanta needs a quarterback of the future. Not only would Fields give them a very good player at that position, but he is a native son. Fans would love watching him for years to come. He would sell jerseys and tickets too. He would make the team competitive for a long time.

The Falcons certainly have other needs. They need to fix their defense and they have to find a kicker. But a team should never pass up an opportunity to draft a franchise quarterback. That’s what Justin Fields is. A franchise quarterback. Someone you can build around.

Fields might secretly be hoping for a homecoming. He would be closer to his family and his childhood friends. He would also be with a team that has weapons to throw to and a decent offensive line to protect him. Atlanta should pounce on the opportunity to grab him if he’s there.