With the likes of BYU’s Zack Wilson and NDSU’s Trey Lance, this year’s NFL draft is chock-full of QB talent.
Wilson’s stock shot up after an impressive show last year and Lance’s accuracy caught the eyes of many NFL scouts.
In addition, another prospect worthy of a first-round nod is the 2020 National Championship winner Mac Jones out of Alabama.
However, the reason this year’s draft rivals the all-time class of 1983 is that the top two QB’s are from Atlanta.
No longer known for its peaches, Georgia marks 2021 as having one of the best QB classes in draft history.
Producing two of the top-five projected first-rounders, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields found a common connection since their high school days.
Ranked as the top high school QBs recruited in 2018, Lawrence and Fields played football in home stadiums just 20 minutes apart.
Possibly going one and two in the upcoming NFL draft, the Clemson and OSU alums possess both similarities and differences.
As such, the million-dollar question on the minds of 32 NFL general managers is: how do Trevor and Justin compare?
Tale of the Tape
Standing in at 6-foot-6 and weighing 220 lbs., Trevor Lawrence is as close as it gets to the prototype QB.
With a respectable 40-yard time of 4.75 seconds, Lawrence’s size, arm strength, and athleticism make him highly valuable in the backfield.
In three years at Clemson, he recorded a 67 percent completion rate, more than 10,000 passing yards, and 90 TDs.
Lawrence’s mobility also helped him to gain 943 yards and 18 TDs on the ground while as a Tiger.
As a freshman, Trevor exceeded all expectations guiding Clemson to a remarkable undefeated 15-0 season and the 2018 National Championship.
With a 6-foot-3 frame and weighing 223 lbs., Justin Fields is a dual-threat under center with his arm and legs.
A solid playmaker, Justin clocks an impressive 4.50 second, 40-yard dash and almost impossible to tackle in the open field.
Beginning at Georgia, Fields transferred to OSU and finished with a 68.4 percent completion rate, 5,701 yards, and 67 TDs.
A gifted runner with his legs, he gained 1,133 yards rushing and 19 TDs in his three-year college career.
Understudy to Jake Fromm during his first year as a Bulldog, Justin also led OSU to the National Championship game in 2020.
😤 @OhioStateFB QB @Justnfields is bringing some serious talent to the NFL pic.twitter.com/WiDSfJHaRC
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 18, 2021
Coaching Analysis: Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence combines an impressive football IQ, proven arm strength, and exceptional athletic skill for his robust size.
Not only does Lawrence evade the pass rush out of the pocket, but he also demonstrates leadership in the huddle.
Firstly, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney stated after Trevor’s recent Pro-Day workout:
“His skill set and measurables are really easy. They’re unique and easy to see. They’re obvious, but it’s the immeasurables. It’s those intangibles that really make him special, and you know he’s just a great young man, first of all. He’s been in the spotlight for a long time. Since the ninth grade…he has this huge presence. He’s 34-2 as a starter and he never lost a home game. He never lost a road game. His two losses were in neutral field games. He’s an incredible winner.”
Secondly, Coach Swinney added:
“He’s just so prepared from a mental standpoint. He’s a great leader and a great teammate and I think he has a chance to be one of these international, global type NFL stars as he goes throughout his career. Both on and off the field, I just love his balance of life. He’s got a great family, great support system. He’s simple [and] getting married to his middle school sweetheart. He looks like Hollywood but he’s just the most un-Hollywood guy you’ll ever meet. He’s about his business and everything about him will translate very well day one in the NFL.”
In addition, with the first selection in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft, Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyers has also had his eyes on Trevor.
Urban x Trevor….? 👀
Take a look at @CoachUrbanMeyer breaking down what makes @Trevorlawrencee so special earlier this season on Urban's Playbook 📝 pic.twitter.com/g51LPtWdGg
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 14, 2021
Coaching Analysis: Justin Fields
Justin Fields is an explosive runner that easily switches gears to avoid the pass rush while keeping his eyes downfield.
Fields’ upsides are his stellar athleticism, composure under pressure, and excellent work ethic.
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day shared his thoughts about Justin and his character both on and off the field:
“First off, it started off right from the get-go when Justin and I started our relationship and tried to be up front and honest with him. He was going to have to come in here and earn a spot. It was going to take hard work, what being a quarterback at Ohio State meant, and then we just went to work…I spent some time with him, especially on the field. And then in the off-season this year, I spent a ton of time with him and I’ve spent some time with him certainly this year, a lot of time this fall.”
Coach Day expressed respect for Justin and admired his competitive nature, adding:
“And to see him play the way he did and overcome a little adversity in this past game is what it’s all about, and that’s what life is all about. I think he knows how much I care for him and I’m always there for him and try to help him the best I can, and that’s part of it, too. It’s one thing to care about somebody, and it’s another thing to be able to help them, and I think that he knows I’m here to help him and I can find ways to help him here and there. I think that there’s a trust there, and there’s obviously an unbelievable respect for what I have for him as a competitor and as a person.”
The Bottom Line: Trevor Lawrence vs. Justin Fields
One candidate possesses the football IQ, arm strength, and leadership ability to fulfill the role as a franchise QB.
The other has natural capabilities, confidence, and gained respect from his peers which makes him a top-tier prospect.
With two highly dichotomous skill sets and contrasting approaches to the game, it also behooves us not to overlook their similar backgrounds.
Regardless of what happens to Trevor and Justin on Thursday, April 29, in Cleveland, OH, the QB talent in the 2021 NFL Draft will arguably be discussed for many years to come.
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