Ohio State football: Justin Fields to Denver?

Justin Fields is searching for a landing spot in the Draft. Could Denver be that place?

Is the landing spot for Justin Fields becoming more clear? In looking at the latest versions of various mock drafts, most agree Fields will be taken by Denver with the ninth overall pick. Believe it or not, a recent trade that now gives the Broncos two veteran quarterbacks is the impetus behind the speculation they want Fields.

Denver traded a sixth-round pick to Carolina for veteran Teddy Bridgewater yesterday. Bridgewater, who has been in the league for six years with three different teams, has a 26-23 career record as a starter. He’s a former first-round pick of the Vikings.

The Broncos also have Drew Lock, who they took in the second round two years ago out of Missouri. Lock is only 8-10 as a starter, has completed less than sixty percent of his passes in his career, threw fifteen interceptions in just thirteen starts last season, and ranked 32nd in passer rating.

He’s been underwhelming, to say the least. GM George Paton gave him a vote of confidence after being hired in January but makes it clear he is not ruling out taking a quarterback in this draft.

Bridgewater is viewed by many as being perfect for the role of mentoring a young quarterback. Fields is viewed by many as a good candidate to sit for a season and learn. When you consider these two things, it is easy to see why the speculation has turned to Denver grabbing the former Buckeye.

Fans want to see their rookie first-round pick quarterback on the field immediately. Team management wants them on the field as soon as possible because of what they are paying these guys. But, there is nothing wrong with a young quarterback sitting for a season or even two.

It doesn’t mean they’re a bust. How many of you remember Aaron Rodgers sat behind Brett Favre for three years? During his time behind Favre, he played in seven games and threw 35 passes. Rodgers has had a pretty decent career, right?

Fans and media alike are far too quick to label a young quarterback a bust if they don’t have almost immediate success. Fields may be one of those guys who needs a season or two to develop properly. I’ve said before to be more concerned with who picks him rather than when. On the surface, the Broncos situation could be a good one for Fields.

Here are two things to keep in mind as the first round unfolds tonight. The Jets are expected to take BYU quarterback Zach Wilson with the second pick. However, we’ve not heard one NFL media insider say he’s been told by someone in the Jets’ organization they are taking Wilson.

All of the Wilson to-the Jets talk has come from the media. Dan Shonka, General Manager and National Scout of Ourlad’s, told me today they have Justin Fields going to the Jets in their latest mock draft. Also, it is well known New Orleans is trying to trade into the top ten.

Drew Brees just retired. They’re not going to make a trade like that unless they want a quarterback. Keep in mind, Saints head coach Sean Payton loves having those Buckeyes on his roster.

It is most certainly going to be an interesting evening.