Podcast: Why Justin Fields is the best of the 2021 QB draft class

The group hasn't quite lit the NFL on fire. But 1 1/2 seasons in, it's clear who the best quarterback of the group has been. Most certainly not Zach Wilson in New Jersey.

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The night of an NFL Draft, every fan base can talk itself into their team’s Chosen One in approximately 1.7 seconds. All it takes is a baby-faced Zach Wilson popping that New York Jets hat on, carefully adjusting his suit and aggressively slapping a few hands with a “Let’s go!” on his way toward Roger Goodell.

It’s funny reliving that night. On the NFL Network broadcast, Daniel Jeremiah even references Wilson’s “cockiness” and says that’s what the Jets love about him.

Not so much after a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots! Wilson believes he did not let the defense down, despite completing less passes (nine) than the number of the team’s punts (10).

It’s only right to revisit that draft now that we’ve seen four of those five quarterbacks taken in the first round start for 1 1/2 seasons. That night, co-host Jim Monos was in pure form on our exclusive “NFL Draft Extravaganza.” There were scouting stories galore and Monos could not believe so many teams were passing on Justin Fields.

On this episode of the podcast, our longtime NFL scout explains why Justin Fields has been the best quarterback of the class. There are still questions. His accuracy must improve. But when an elite physical trait is accompanied by an elite work ethic, special things can happen.

Fields appears to have won the Bears locker room.

Wilson… not quite.

Access “Go Long with Dunne and Monos” everywhere you get your podcasts with all links and embeds below. I’ll be at Fattey Beer Company Sunday at noon in Orchard Park, NY if you’d like to buy a signed copy of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football.” Hope to see you there!

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