Patriots believed to be targeting Justin Fields in draft

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) gets ready to throw the ball against Indiana Hoosiers during the third quarter. Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Report: Patriots believed to be targeting Justin Fields in top-10 trade

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/26/21

The New England Patriots may be looking to trade up in the draft after all.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Patriots may be targeting Justin Fields in a top-10 trade.

Several teams have been making calls about getting into the top 10 of next week’s NFL Draft — including the #Patriots, who could have their eyes on Ohio State QB Justin Fields if he begins to slide. @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/GjJazJXZQp
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 26, 2021

Fields is often considered the third-best quarterback in this year's draft behind Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson. He completed 69.9% of his passes for 2,098 yards, 22 touchdowns and six picks last season.

In his second year as a starter, Fields led Ohio State to the national title game and a Big Ten championship.

Rumors of Fields potentially sliding in the draft began after it was reported Sunday that the San Francisco 49ers, holders of the third-overall pick, have narrowed their decision to Alabama's Mac Jones and North Dakota State's Trey Lance.

If Fields drops, the Patriots could make a trade with either the Detroit Lions or Carolina Panthers, who own the seventh- and eighth-overall picks.

The Patriots own the No. 15 pick and a second-rounder at 46th overall. Those picks could vault them into the top 10.

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