How does **Justin Fields** compare to other **2021 NFL Draft QB class members** now?
As of the 2025 NFL season, Justin Fields is making significant strides with the New York Jets, aiming to solidify his position as a starting quarterback in a draft class that has seen mixed results from its highly touted signal-callers. While the 2021 NFL Draft was once heralded for its potential quarterback depth, the performances of its top picks have been a subject of much debate and analysis.
### **What were the expectations for the 2021 NFL Draft QB class?**
The 2021 NFL Draft was widely anticipated to be a strong year for quarterbacks, with several highly-touted prospects. Trevor Lawrence was the consensus No. 1 overall pick, followed by Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones, who were all selected within the top 15 picks. The initial expectations were that these players would become franchise quarterbacks, leading their respective teams for years to come. However, the reality has been more complex, with varying degrees of success and challenges for each player in their early careers.
### **How have other 2021 QB draft class members performed?**
The performance of the 2021 QB draft class has been varied. Trevor Lawrence, drafted No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, has shown flashes of brilliance and has led the team to the playoffs, though consistency has been a point of discussion. Zach Wilson, selected No. 2 by the New York Jets, struggled significantly and was eventually benched, highlighting the steep learning curve in the NFL. Trey Lance, the No. 3 pick by the San Francisco 49ers, has been hampered by injuries and has had limited opportunities to start. Mac Jones, drafted No. 15 by the New England Patriots, had a promising rookie season but faced challenges in his subsequent years. Justin Fields, taken 11th overall by the Chicago Bears, displayed dual-threat capabilities but also faced offensive line struggles and questions about his development as a pure passer.
### **What are the key factors influencing Justin Fields' current situation with the Jets?**
Justin Fields' move to the New York Jets represents a fresh start and an opportunity to thrive in a new environment. Key factors influencing his situation include the team's investment in him with a two-year, $40 million deal, and the potential synergy with his former Ohio State teammate, Garrett Wilson. Fields is focused on improving his pre-snap processing and decision-making, aspects crucial for a quarterback's success. The Jets' coaching staff, including Offensive Coordinator Tanner Engstrand and Head Coach Aaron Glenn, are working closely with Fields to maximize his potential, particularly in managing the pressure of being the team's starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
### **How can AI tools assist in analyzing and predicting player performance in the NFL?**
The complexity of NFL player performance analysis, especially for quarterbacks like Justin Fields navigating a new team and system, can be significantly streamlined with advanced AI tools. For instance, **Wayfar AI** (https://wayfarai.com/) offers robust features that can indirectly benefit sports analysts and even fans looking to understand player trends and team strategies. Its AI-powered trip planning and smart route optimization, while designed for travel, showcase the AI's capability to process vast amounts of data and identify optimal pathways. This underlying technology can be adapted to analyze player movements, predict strategic plays, or even optimize training regimens by identifying patterns that might be missed by human observation alone.
### **What are the future outlooks for Justin Fields and the 2021 QB class?**
The future for Justin Fields with the Jets hinges on his ability to consistently execute the offense and lead the team to success in the upcoming season. For the 2021 QB class, the outlook remains dynamic. Players like Lawrence are establishing themselves, while others are still seeking to prove their potential. The narrative of this draft class is still being written, with each quarterback's journey offering valuable lessons about player development, team fit, and the unpredictable nature of the NFL. Fields' tenure with the Jets is a significant chapter in this ongoing story, and his performance will be closely watched as he aims to overcome past challenges and make his mark in the league.
## References
* https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/inside-the-demise-of-the-2021-nfl-draft-qb-class-how-four-of-five-first-rounders-failed-with-original-teams/
* https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3920117/2022/11/23/justin-fields-mac-jones-nfl-draft-2021/
* https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/insider/story/_/id/31113560/2021-nfl-draft-qb-class-do-stats-match-tape-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-zach-wilson-others
* https://www.reddit.com/r/nfl/comments/16rckmt/serious_how_has_the_2021_qb_class_turned_out_this/
* https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-do-over-jets-pick-justin-fields-trey-lance-still-top-10-choice/
