Justin Fields is a dual-threat quarterback with athleticism, arm strength, throwing accuracy, intelligence, and a winning pedigree.
So why has the Ohio State quarterback's draft stock plummeted in recent weeks? What happened to Fields being the de facto No. 2 prospect on NFL Draft boards?
JR tackled the confounding topic during Thursday's edition of the JR SportBrief show.
"Where was the negative criticism when Fields was actually playing?" JR said. "Where was the work ethic criticism? Where was the criticism about his mechanics? Where was it tied into baseball? Where was that even insinuated? If you want to judge the guy, judge him on football. I haven't heard anything bad. But now, all of the sudden, he's this and he's that. It's not fair. It's part of the job, but it's not damn fair.
"I also hope he goes high [in the NFL Draft]. I hope he has an excellent career, just like all these other players. But we know the reality is, that's not the case. But he should be judged on what he does out on that field. He should be judged fairly, but that's not going to be the case over the next two weeks. And as Jerry Rice said, he should let all of that unnecessary, unfounded criticism, just let it roll right off of your back."
Fields, who turned 22 in March, is the third-overall prospect on Pro Football Focus' NFL Draft big board. Due to the pandemic and a restructured Big Ten conference schedule, he only played in eight games this past season. But, Fields made the most of his opportunities, as he threw for 2,100 yards and 22 touchdowns, rushed for five scores, and led Ohio State to a national championship game appearance.
The first round of this year's NFL Draft is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 29 in Cleveland.
JR's complete thoughts on Fields can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the JR SportBrief show on Twitter @JRSportBrief and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.