Former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields will work out in front of several NFL teams today, including the San Francisco 49ers. The New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots will also send representatives to the quarterback's second pro day in Columbus, Ohio.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch will represent the 49ers.
Because NFL coaches will run it, the throwing session will have more of a feel of a private workout than a pro day and could raise Fields' stock in the eyes of Shanahan and the 49ers, who own the No. 3 overall pick.
Hall of Fame wide receiver and 49ers legend Jerry Rice had some words for the incoming rookie quarterback ahead of his workout (h/t to Dalton Johnson of NBCSBA for the find).
"Justin Fields, hey man, don't worry about what they're saying about you, brother," Rice said via Instagram. "You know that you're a hard worker and you enjoy what you're doing on the football field. You inspire your teammates to be better.
"Hey, they said the same thing about me. They said I couldn't run a 40. Yeah, I might have ran a 4.5, 4.6 — I'm not even sure — but for one thing, they didn't clock me on my way to the end zone. Could nobody catch me. So hey, just let that stuff blow over your head, man.
"Congratulations. I'm sure you're looking forward to the draft, and hopefully, you go high."
Jerry Rice has a message for Justin Fields prior to his Pro Day. #49ers
🎥 @JerryRice | IG pic.twitter.com/FqVKSfxFhR
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) April 14, 2021
While most predict former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones to San Francisco at No. 3, that appears to be speculation mostly based on the quarterback type Shanahan has sought in the past. Fields, considered more athletic and having a higher ceiling, could certainly be the pick for the 49ers.
Shanahan and Lynch have already watched Jones in person. They will do so for Fields today and then work out Trey Lance of North Dakota State next week.
The 2021 NFL Draft begins on April 29.