Justin Fields Drops, Zach Wilson Rises in Mel Kiper's 2021 NFL Draft Big Board

Justin Fields remained the second-ranked quarterback on Mel Kiper Jr.'s big board, but he has company.

In the ESPN expert's latest 2021 draft rankings, he dropped Fields to No. 7 from No. 3, while BYU's Zach Wilson rose to No. 8 from No. 14. Clemson's Trevor Lawrence, the overwhelming favorite to be the top pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, remained Kiper's No. 1 prospect.

Kiper noted that Fields needs to improve at going through his progressions, but he remains bullish on the Ohio State product. Fields threw for 2,100 yards and 22 touchdowns against six interceptions during an abbreviated 2020 season, leading the Buckeyes to the national championship game.

Fields had marked struggles on the national stage, however, most notably against Alabama in that title tilt and Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Wilson flourished during his junior season to become perhaps the fastest-rising player in the nation, throwing for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns against three interceptions while adding 254 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

The beginning of the first round is expected to be among the most quarterback-heavy in history, with perhaps five players being selected inside the top 15.