The 2021 NFL draft quarterback class is widely considered to be Trevor Lawrence and a group of unimpressive players. Only Lawrence had his fifth-year option picked up by his team, indicating a lack of confidence in the rest of the group. Justin Fields, who was selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 11 overall pick, was one of those quarterbacks. Despite being touted as the team’s future franchise quarterback, the Bears ultimately traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers in favor of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams after just three seasons.
During his time as the Bears’ starting quarterback, Fields received criticism for his performance, particularly from at least one Chicago coach. According to NFL writer Tyler Dunne, the coach pointed out issues with Fields’ eye movements and overall gameplay, describing it as “bad football.” While Fields showed flashes of greatness in his highlights, the team struggled to put him in a position where he could succeed, often relying on his athleticism rather than developing his skills. This lack of support likely hindered his growth and development as a quarterback.
Fields’ future with the Steelers remains uncertain, as he is currently serving as the backup quarterback behind Russell Wilson in a new-look offense. It is unclear whether Fields will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities on the field this season or if he will continue to be in a supportive role. Given his potential and talent, there is hope that Fields will continue to improve and make strides in his career, especially with the guidance and support of a new team and coaching staff.
The overall disappointment in the 2021 quarterback draft class highlights the importance of surrounding young players with the necessary support and resources to succeed in the NFL. While Lawrence has shown promise and had his fifth-year option picked up, the lack of confidence in the rest of the class suggests that these players may not have been put in the best positions to thrive. Moving forward, it will be crucial for teams to invest in developing their young quarterbacks and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the league.
Despite the challenges faced by Fields and other quarterbacks in the 2021 draft class, there is still potential for growth and improvement in their careers. With the right guidance and support, these players can continue to develop their skills and make an impact in the NFL. The lessons learned from their experiences can help shape the future of quarterback development in the league, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent and setting them up for success. As Fields embarks on a new chapter with the Steelers, there is hope that he will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities and reach his full potential as a quarterback.
