Mac Jones is a competitive and aggressive player. In fact, Jones’ aggression once led to him telling off Nick Saban’s first team defense.
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Jones was playing as a scout team QB in practice one day, and his love for the game couldn’t be helped. He would keep throwing touchdowns against the defense which eventually fed head coach Nick Saban up. Jones’ response was something you’d expect from the Alabama product.
That kind of confidence, to tell one of the greatest college coaches in the history that his defense needs to step up right to his face, tells you everything about Jones. He wants the fire, and he’s not afraid of anyone.
Mac Jones & His Alabama Career
Jones enjoyed a stellar junior year at Alabama. It was this impressive third year that has scouts turning their heads and wondering whether Jones is worth the investment or not.
For reference, he threw for 4,500 yards to go along with 41 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Those numbers led the SEC and the NCAA in 2020.
Further, Jones had the highest completion percentage in the NCAA at 77.4. He also won the 2020 consensus All-American award, the 2020 Davey O’Brien Award, and the 2020 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award.
Just looking at his body of work in this one year, it’s easy to see why Jones is such a sought after quarterback. However, the fact that his sample-size is so small raises some questions. Can he still carry over that kind of a performance in the NFL, or was he a one-time wonder?
Additionally, analysts bring up the fact that Jones had both top prospects Najee Harris and Heisman Winner Devonta Smith on his team, suggesting he was “carried” by them. Nonetheless, those numbers are still good enough to make Jones a first round prospect for sure.
How high he goes depends on how much teams are willing to risk.
Where Will Mac Jones Be Drafted?
Mac Jones definitely seems like a first round prospect, but which team will want to select him? Several teams who hold the top ten draft picks have quarterback needs to address like the New York Jets, the Jaguars, and maybe even the San Francisco 49ers.
However, prospects like Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Trey Lance have generated more buzz around themselves. Thus, could Jones fall all the way to a middle-order team? Someone, like maybe the Patriots?
The Pats hold the 15th pick, and if Jones is still available Belichick may want to gamble on the young signal caller. After all, Cam Newton has yet to prove he’s a long-term answer at quarterback, and the Pats didn’t make any trades or signings to acquire somebody to challenge his position. So, could they do it through the draft? Time will only tell.
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