Kyle Shanahan was correct: Justin Fields can dazzle at a pro day.
Shanahan and general manager John Lynch weren’t in attendance, but assistant general manager Adam Peters led the 49ers’ contingent. Shanahan and Lynch were in Tuscaloosa, Ala., to watch quarterback Mac Jones at Alabama’s second pro day. However, Shanahan said Monday that the 49ers had arranged to watch Fields throw in person before the draft.
“I’m excited to see him eventually in person, but we also have a lot of tape to go off, too,” Shanahan said. “I know he’s going to throw it really good in person and be really fast in person, also.”
Fields did both Tuesday. At 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, he was clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.44 seconds. Since 2000, the only QB to have a faster time at the combine was Robert Griffin III (4.33) in 2012, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com. Fields’ 65-yard toss to wide receiver C.J. Saunders came as he rolled left and heaved it while falling toward the sideline.
“I thought I could show that throw off,” said Fields, who added he wasn’t as enthused about his 40 time: “I think overall I had a solid day. Of course, I think everybody knows my goal in that 40-yard dash was at least to be in the 4.3s. I’m kind of mad about that. Other than that I thought I threw pretty well.”
Fields went 20-2, averaged 259.1 passing yards a game, and threw 67 touchdowns and nine interceptions in his two seasons at Ohio State. He also added 867 rushing yards and 15 scores, and was a two-time Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year.
Fields was asked about a criticism: He didn’t often work through his progressions to locate secondary pass-catchers. Fields indicated that was partly due to Ohio State’s talented wideout corps.
“We have some of the best receivers in the country,” Fields said. “So if my first or second read is there, I’m not going to pass up that … to get to the three, four, fifth read to prove that I can (get) past my first or second read.”
Shanahan has seen Fields throw in person before. He was an instructor at a Quarterback Collective passing camp that Fields attended when he was in high school.
“He’s a great offensive-minded coach and arguably one of the best coaches in the league,” Fields said of Shanahan. “It’s just a blessing and honor to be in that position to be looked at by them. I’m just grateful.”
Eric Branch covers the 49ers for The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Eric_Branch
