2021 NFL Draft: Steelers turn the page at quarterback in first-round mock draft

This is a huge season for Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patrica but it could be just as big for their quarterback, Matthew Stafford. Patricia, the former New England Patriots defensive coordinator, has had a rocky start to his NFL head coaching career. He went from 6-10 in his first season to 3-12-1 in 2019. He’s also rubbed some people the wrong way with his tough approach, which is forgiven when a team wins but magnified when they lose.

Should he again struggle in year three, there’s a real possibility that the front office could move on from him. And if they do, a new head coach is likely going to want his own quarterback rather than continuing to go with Matthew Stafford who will be 32 years old by the time the 2021 NFL Draft rolls around. Heck, even if Patricia does stick around, he could be ready to turn the page and go with a younger player.

With that being the case, the Lions decide to get younger and more dynamic under center as they take Justin Fields out of Ohio State with the fifth pick in this mock. Fields was nothing short of phenomenal in his first season with the Buckeyes, completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,273 yards with an unbelievable 41-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

He added another 484 yards rushing and scored 10 touchdowns with his legs. He’s already a top-5 talent and still only has one full season of experience.