Bears draft Justin Fields after trading up with Giants
The Chicago Bears selected quarterback Justin Fields out of Ohio State at No. 11 in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Bears traded up for the 11th overall selection, sending their first- and fifth-round picks this year (No. 20 and No. 164) and a first- and fourth-round selection in 2022 to the New York Giants.
The Giants accepted the trade just minutes after the Dallas Cowboys dealt the 10th overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles, which then selected wide receiver DeVonta Smith. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner receiver was previously linked to the Giants.
Chicago has desperately been looking to upgrade at quarterback in recent years. Nick Foles and Mitchell Trubisky started seven and nine games for the Bears last year, respectively, posting an 8-8 combined record. The team signed Andy Dalton this offseason, telling the veteran signal-caller he would be Chicago's starter.
Fields completed 70.2% of his passes for 2,100 yards and 22 touchdowns against six interceptions through eight games at Ohio State in 2020. Overall, he tossed 67 scores to nine picks during his college career while also rushing for 1,133 yards and 19 touchdowns.
The former Buckeyes star is the fourth signal-caller taken this year after Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Trey Lance.
Draft profile
Key stats: 70.2 completion percentage, 2,100 passing yards, 22 TDs, 6 INTs, 5 rushing TDs
Don't let the narrative on Ohio State quarterbacks and their NFL success cloud your judgment on this one. Justin Fields is our No. 2 quarterback in this talented class because he's got potential superstar written all over him. Concerns about holding the ball too long in the pocket are valid - there are times where you'd like to see him just let it rip. But his athleticism and ability to improvise can compensate as he develops in that area. Everything else about his game, including the arm talent, ball placement, and toughness, is spectacular. If he lands in a system that properly utilizes his skills as a passer and runner, watch out.