3 things for Carolina Panthers to watch at Justin Fields’ pro day

What things should the Carolina Panthers have their eye on at the pro day of Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields on Tuesday?

All eyes will be on Justin Fields when Ohio State holds its annual pro day this week. The talented quarterback is set to go through drills under the watchful eye of NFL personnel on Tuesday, with the Carolina Panthers sure to have a strong core of individuals at the showcase to see for themselves what the signal-caller is made of.

Carolina has made no secret of its desire to get an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater this offseason. But if they are looking at a potential top college prospect then the recent trade made between the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins threw a wrench into their plans.

Unless they make a daring trade-up themselves, it could be a case of holding firm and hoping for the best. Fields is arguably the most likely to drop in this particular scenario, although the Niners are swerving his pro day in favor of getting a close look at Alabama’s Mac Jones.

If San Francisco pulled the trigger on Jones, it would be nothing short of jaw-dropping and put the Panthers right back in play for a top prospect. Fields did it all at the college level despite falling short in the 2020 National Championship game, but there are some lingering doubts as to whether he can buck the trend of Ohio State quarterbacks who have failed miserably at the next level.

With this in mind, here are three things for the Panthers to watch out for at Fields’ pro day.

Number 1

Justin Fields’ poise

There doesn’t appear to be much to suggest that Justin Fields isn’t a calm, cool individual that rarely gets flustered under pressure. The quarterback will have the NFL world watching closer than they ever have before during his pro day and how his poise comes across on and off the field could make all the difference.

Making the tough throws is one thing. But how quarterback prospects conducted themselves separates the good from the great.

Fields has waited a long time for this moment, so it would be a surprise if he didn’t make a lasting impression. The player has generated a substantial amount of experience against the best around at the college level and although the obvious Ohio State element is a potential red flag, the Carolina Panthers could do far worse than look in his direction with a strong showing.