Former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones was at the helm of one of the nation’s best offenses, was a 2020 Heisman finalist and a two-time national champion.
As he began his final season, many doubts were cast over Jones. However, he exceeded all expectations and worked his way into the first-round conversation ahead of the 2021 NFL draft.
Now, some mock drafts have him being selected as high as No. 3 to the San Fracisco 49ers.
NFL analyst Bucky Brooks doesn’t understand why Jones has had such a quick rise to the top, as he explain in his latest article on NFL.com.
“While I’m not issuing a complete dismissal of Jones’ talents as a pinpoint passer with nice timing, touch and anticipation, he significantly benefited from playing behind an NFL-caliber offensive line with first-round talents at wide receiver and running back,” Brooks said. “The Crimson Tide offense was the armored suit that elevated Jones’ game, and scouts need to keep his production in perspective when gauging his talent.”
So, playing on an offense loaded with NFL-level talent means he won’t play well in the actual NFL?
Brooks continues his claim by adding that Jones lacks the overall ability to be a decent quarterback in the NFL due to his teammates being far and away better than the opposing defense’s counterparts.
“The 6-foot-3, 217-pounder doesn’t display A-grade arm talent or athleticism between the lines. Jones lacks the speed, quickness and running ability to extend plays or create big gains outside of structure,” Brooks writes. “Moreover, he is confined to the pocket as a statuesque signal-caller built to throw traditional dropback passes behind a fortress.
“To his credit, Jones is an outstanding rhythm passer with the capacity to string together completions on short and intermediate throws. He tosses a catchable ball with pinpoint accuracy and a deft touch, despite the fact that this wasn’t always needed in Tuscaloosa. Obviously, he isn’t to blame for his receivers’ ability to get open — wide open — but scouts should note the consistent separation and space gained by ‘Bama receivers at the top of routes. This led to fewer tight-window throws that challenged Jones to fit the ball into the mailbox.”
To end it all, Brooks examines how Jones compares to the other top quarterbacks in the 2021 draft class.
“Comparing Jones’ skills to those of Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields and Trey Lance, there is a drastic difference between the Alabama standout and those other projected first-rounders,” writes Brooks. “Jones is nowhere near the athlete of Fields or Lance, and he lacks the magical arm talent to compete with the quartet in a game of H-O-R-S-E. Although football isn’t the Olympic decathlon, the modern NFL’s elite quarterbacks are able to deliver “wow” plays with their arm talent and athleticism.”