2. The return of ‘The Joker’
Let’s assume Jones doesn’t like his projected draft stock, considering the quarterback class for 2021 would include big names like Lawrence and Fields, as well as some up-and-coming stars such as BYU’s Zach Wilson and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance.
Jones is currently a redshirt-junior, which means after 2020 he will have one more year of eligibility. Should he choose to return, Jones can have an additional season to display his playing abilities and prove this is not a season of luck, but that he can consistently be a winning quarterback performing at a high level.
There have been comparison’s of Jones’ 2020 season being similar to that of former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow’s historic 2019 season. Unlike Burrow, Jones did not see much action prior to this year, whereas Burrow was the full-time starter for the Tigers in 2018, which was not a season full of flashy stats and play worthy of a No. 1 overall selection.
A return from Jones could either move him into the top-10 for the 2022 NFL draft, or hurt his draft value should he not perform as well as he has in 2020.