Fields of Dreams: Can Justin Fields Become the Jets Franchise Quarterback?

 

Photo Credit: foxsports.com.

The quarterback pool in this year's free agent class wasn't that deep, to me. It's saying something when Sam Darnold, who's coming off a breakout season in Minnesota, but has had an up-and-down career prior to that, was considered the best QB available. Then there was Justin Fields, who was considered the next best thing.

As free agency drew closer, Fields' name became linked with the Jets more and more. I was a little skeptical at first, but then it came to me that Fields is talented and loaded with potential, it just hasn't fully materialized, yet. He said it himself that he has untapped potential, which I think is a perfect way to describe it. Now that he's a Jet, it will be interesting to see how the coaches help him realize that potential.

From his time with the Chicago Bears, he has shown flashes of what he's capable of, but it has been hindered by inconsistency, particularly from the pocket. His pocket game looked better in Pittsburgh-- and he had a winning record before Russell Wilson took over-- but I still saw where he relied more on his feet.

I get it; he's a dual-threat quarterback, so I don't expect him to be Joe Montana from the pocket, that's not his game, but I would like to see him go through his progressions and make the right reads/decisions more often. I'm not saying take away his running ability completely-- it's an extra weapon-- just don't over rely on it. What I would like to see is a balance.

I've been saying the last few years that I prefer a young veteran over a rookie--unless I think that rookie is a once-in-a-lifetime talent-- that you can build around. Justin checks one box as far as being a young veteran, building around him is to be determined.

I know some will look at me sideways for saying this because he just won a Super Bowl, but he reminds me of a poor man's Jalen Hurts. Jalen was the same way when he first came into the league: he showed flashes of what he was capable of, but he was hot and cold, hit-or-miss. Jalen is starting to come around, and I still don't think he has reached his full potential, but I digress.

I think Justin is capable of being a franchise guy if he puts it all together. If or when that happens, then they can build around him.