Packers: 3 new Bears players to worry about in 2021

1. Justin Fields, QB

As much as Packers fans will hate to hear it, the Bears may have found their long-term answer at quarterback. Once Ohio State’s Justin Fields fell outside the top 10 of April’s draft, the Bears made their move, trading up to 11th overall to get their QB.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had Fields eighth in his 2021 draft class rankings, writing that he “has a chance to be special”.

In the immediate future, we might not see much of Fields. The Bears brought in veteran QB Andy Dalton this offseason and, if they’re smart, they’ll go with Dalton this season even if the team is struggling. They should give Fields all the time in the world to develop his game and if they get it right, he can lead their offense for many years.

But, it’s the Bears. They have made a habit of getting big decisions wrong. And given the pressure GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy have found themselves in, maybe Fields will be making his first start far sooner than he should.

Fields is an excellent passer having thrown 63 touchdown passes with only nine interceptions in two seasons at Ohio State, but he can also hurt defenses on the ground, having rushed for 867 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

It’s unclear when Fields will become QB1 in Chicago, but if he reaches his potential, it will be bad news for the Packers.