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Former Ohio State quarterback and one of the top NFL draft prospects Justin Fields revealed to teams he has epilepsy as part of the pre-draft process.
Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the disorder runs in the family. However, the condition has not affected Fields' play. Doctors have also said the Buckeyes star is likely to outgrow the disorder. Rapoport noted Fields' symptoms have been “shorter and less frequent” through the years.
The illness has not affected Justin Fields on the field, and other family members have outgrown it in their 20s. The prognosis from doctors is that Fields should be in the same situation. Fields’ symptoms have shorter and less frequent over the past few years. https://t.co/Zcp4MqcG08
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2021
It remains to be seen whether this new information will impact the draft stock of Justin Fields.
The apparent prognosis from doctors is obviously encouraging, as is Fields' openness regarding the disorder. But there is no telling how executives with high draft choices will respond to the news.
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Justin Fields is one of the best prospects in a top-heavy quarterback class. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his feet while also possessing a tremendous deep ball. The Kennesaw native showed the full range of his talents during an impressive pro day.
There has been an increasing amount of buzz suggesting the San Francisco 49ers are choosing between Mac Jones and Trey Lance at the No. 3 spot. But Justin Fields could well be a candidate to be selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the fourth overall pick.
Even if Atlanta passes on Fields, he still has a decent chance of going in the top 10 with any number of needy teams possibly trading up the draft board.
Perhaps the revelation of Fields' condition will prompt some timidity. However, medical officials do not seem to believe it will affect his play, and he remains one of the most talented players in the draft. In fact, Rapoport later added it is “possible” Justin Fields has already outgrown the condition.
