Fields Back to Being the Favorite Over Mac Jones in Odds to Be Selected by 49ers with 3rd Pick in 2021 NFL Draft

• Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields has once again overtaken Alabama QB Mac Jones as the favorite to be the third player chosen in the 2021 NFL Draft
• Fields is listed at -125 to hear his name called third
• Jones has lengthened to a betting line of +120; see the odds below for other players to be selected third overall

Not so long ago, the sports betting world was absolutely certain that Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones was going to be the third player chosen in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Today, those same folks are equally as certain that when the San Francisco 49ers step to the podium on draft night to make the call on the third overall choice, their pick will be Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields.

Fields is the current favorite to be selected third overall at -125. Jones has seen his betting line lengthen to +120 in the NFL Draft odds.

The NFL Draft is slated for April 21st at 8pm ET. It will be televised by ESPN.

2021 NFL Draft Third Overall Pick Odds

Odds as of April 15th
Originally, there was a prop on when the Alabama QB would be picked. The total bar at the time was set at 18.5.

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Fields Of Dreams

When the 49ers traded up to get the third overall pick from the Miami Dolphins, right away everyone knew it was because the team coveted a quarterback. Shortly after making that deal, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch headed out to see Jones strut his stuff during his second pro day.

Fields was holding a pro day at the same time. Since the Niners chose to attend the Jones workout, the scuttlebutt was that they were zeroing in on Jones ahead of Fields.

Here’s video from Justin Fields’ workout today courtesy Ohio State. Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch and 49ers QB coach Rich Scangarello were among the NFL personnel on hand. SF had some input in Fields’ throw selection, but it’s unclear if any of those throws are on tape: pic.twitter.com/LCTZuWWFGb

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) April 14, 2021

However, that talk was quickly muted when Shanahan revealed the truth. This was going to be the second and final pro day held by Jones, so it was their only chance to see him work out in person.

The 49ers braintrust had previously confirmed through Fields’ agent that the Ohio State signal caller would be conducting a second pro day that they’d be able to attend. That ensured the Niners would get an up close and personal with both QB prospects.

Should people wish to get another rumor started, on Monday Lynch and Shanahan are attending a pro day being held by North Dakota State QB Trey Lance. Lance is currently third in the betting line to go at #3. He’s available at odds of +350.

Fields Makes More Sense

When the Jones to San Francisco talk heated up, there were some credible sources backing it, including NBC Sports analyst and former NFL QB Chris Simms, who’s a close friend of Shanahan.

Still, it all seemed to defy logic. Jones is an old-school drop back passer in an era when NFL teams are going for hybrid QBs like Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray and Patrick Mahomes, who are equal threats to run with the football as they are to pass it downfield.

Justin Fields' average pass travels further than any QB in the Draft.

His 11.6 avg depth of target is 1st in the class. pic.twitter.com/MS3tGJxGWW

— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 14, 2021

Fields is someone who fits into the latter mold. He’s elusive afoot. While Jones is viewed as the more NFL-ready of the group, the fact of the matter is that the majority of NFL player personnel people see Fields – and even Lance for that matter – as possessing more upside to grow and as holding a higher ceiling in the pros.

Jones Can’t Keep Up

The people who play the game believe that Fields will be the guy the Niners choose on draft night. Lynch and Shanahan aren’t known for tipping their hands. In fact, they have a reputation for building a smokescreen away from the player they truly intend to take.

Jerry Rice has a message for Justin Fields 👀#49ers || #FTTB pic.twitter.com/3rYALvOpFB

— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) April 14, 2021

They ran a similar end run two years ago. All signs pointed away from Nick Bosa being the guys the 49ers wanted, when it fact, he was who they chose.

A source as prominent as 49ers All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman is convinced that Fields will be the name that San Fran calls.

Pick: Justin Fields (-125)

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