The hype around Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is growing as the NFL Draft draws closer. But is he worthy of a top-5 pick and will he live up to the hype?
College Career
Jones served mostly as a backup at Alabama until Tua Tagovailoa got hurt late in the 2019 campaign, elevating him to the starting spot. In 2020, he held off five-star freshman Bryce Young for the starting job and proceeded to surpass all expectations. Jones would lead Alabama to a national championship, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns with just four interceptions over 13 games. He was a Heisman finalist, ultimately losing to teammate DeVonta Smith, but took home the Davey O’Brien Award, Manning Award, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, making him the consensus pick for the best quarterback in the nation.
Pros
Jones shows all of the traits of a smart and polished quarterback, which you’d expect from any player coming out of Alabama. He understands how to go through his progressions and anticipate throws, putting the ball where the receiver will be. Jones also has leadership qualities and many of the intangibles you find in good quarterbacks. He also possesses just enough mobility to move around in the pocket and get the pass away.
Cons
In many ways, Jones doesn’t look the part of an elite quarterback. He has average size and isn’t nearly as athletic as the other quarterbacks who are projected to be first-round picks. Jones also lacks elite arm strength, although he’s capable of making all of the necessary throws and good enough on deep balls.
There is a ton of speculation that the 49ers traded up to the on. 3 pick to take Jones. Even if that doesn’t happen, it’s unlikely he’ll fall outside of the top-10 given the demand for quarterbacks right now. However, he succeeded in college with loads of talent around him. The team that drafts Jones will need quality receivers and a solid offensive line to get the most out of him.
Projection
There is a ton of speculation that the 49ers traded up to the 3rd pick to take Jones. Even if that doesn’t happen, it’s unlikely he’ll fall outside of the top-10 given the demand for quarterbacks right now. However, he succeeded in college with loads of talent around him. The team that drafts Jones will need quality receivers and a solid offensive line to get the most out of him.