In the latest episode of the Cris Collinsworth Podcast, Richard Sherman and Tre White broke down some of the top cornerbacks and backs in the upcoming NFL draft. When it came time to talk about what the San Francisco 49ers would do at No. 3, both All-Pro players said the Niners would take Justin Fields, Ohio,’s QB.
White said Fields is the best option to refer to his physical gifts. As always, Sherman gave a fascinating answer:
I think people miss the whole picture. They had this big discussion about black quarter, and how they get a little stereotyped. “They are not the hard worker. They are athletic. They are it. They are it. And this is where they move Justin Fields.
He is literally the most effective, if not one of the most effective backs in the draft. I completed 70% of his passes. He has similarities with what Jimmy does. Jimmy G is a very efficient quarterback. He is going to have a high completion rate. He’s going to get the ball in his place. He’s going to slide the ball into the field. He’s really smart. He has Kyle’s offense very well. It’s really great to see.
I still think he’s going to be the first quarterback Day 1 for San Francisco. They have a chance at a Super Bowl this year. They have a Super Bowl roster, which is obvious. He has already taken them to one.
But I think Justin Fields is the one, even without his athleticism. If you only took him as a stand-alone pimp. His efficiency and completion percentage and what he can do week after week. He is a winner. He was a program that competed at a high level year in and year out. Always in the championships and always in the big matches. And he played well.
I think his athleticism adds another layer of elite ability that makes him a difference. It’s also a dove in him, because you do not speak of him as the no. 1-choice not. Nothing against Trevor Lawrence or Zach Wilson, but I think there is implicit prejudice holding him back.
Sherman is on TV. These are the type of analysis fans of football like you, and I could learn to learn from it. We do not get this kind of depth from your everyday analyst.
It’s no secret that Fields is a popular option among 49ers fans. He’s QB1b for my money and for many of the reasons Sherman mentioned. The point I loved the most was that Fields would still be the most talented quarterback, based on how he performs in the bag. If we all say Shanahan longs for accuracy and pocket movement, then Fields is the choice.
For questions about him off the field, check out Mark Sanchez’s story:
If Fields has another worldly memory, it will be even harder for the 49ers to pass on his skill.
I’m curious how long before we hear that the 49ers are interested in Fields or another one of the leading backs. The cycle will eventually move away from Mac Jones.
Collinsworth added that Fields would give the Niners’ offense with his legs another dimension. Now, the offense can use Fields on shot, and even if there is a defender, Collinsworth believes Fields is not tackled by a second-level defender in the open field:
This is 53 1⁄2 plots that you now have to cover. It was hard enough to stop the offense as it was. You add that running quarterback / edge and back defender. That’s a lot to defend.
Sherman referred to the Washington attack that stormed the league with RGIII and called the zone:
“You did not know where the ball was going. He makes quick passes. He runs. He likes. But it’s the one in the bag, when the play breaks, when the play is not there. And if you do not spy on him, it’s going to be crazy.
And the offensive line is great, but now you need to add the interrupt element in that section. The NFC West is just a mobile quarterback division. If you set up Justin Fields, and he ever comes on the field and plays after Jimmy has been playing for another ten years or whatever he does, I think it changes the dynamics and adds a dynamic to Kyle’s offense that is needed.
The rush must now stop. The lightning should slow down. Now you have to get there. Because if you do not get there, he will gamble through your defense in a way that is going to get ugly. ‘
Sherm plays a bit of the PR role to protect his former teammate, but you can get an idea of what Fields would do in this offense.
They continue with Fields and some criticism around the 25-minute mark. To me, Fields’ aggression is a good thing, and Shanahan appreciates it. When you are physically better, you tend to rely too much on your gifts. Fields tend to go all-in on every play instead of making the small profit. If Fields is the choice, and Kyle can make his young QB understand that you can not be a superhero on every play, we’re talking about a special, special combination.