2021 NFL Draft: Daniel Jeremiah is not a big fan of Mac Jones
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones may be a first-round pick in April, but NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah does not seem to be a huge fan.
For many NFL draft evaluators right now, it’s Trevor Lawrence and everyone else among quarterbacks. Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance and Mac Jones are being tabbed as first-round pick signal callers too.
Jones had one full season as the starter at Alabama, and he made the most of it.
4,500 passing yards, 41 TD, 4 INT; 77.4 percent completion rate, 11.2 yards per attempt; 203.1 rating
All of the above numbers were first or second in the country, and the 41 touchdowns were two below another draft prospect (Kyle Trask).
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah started the reveal of what he thinks of Jones by ranking him No. 33 on his list of the top 50 prospects in the 2021 class. The full evaluation reveals everything.
“Jones has average size and athleticism for the quarterback position. He's operated out of the shotgun and pistol, showing incredible accuracy, efficiency and poise. He is a high-effort thrower, with slightly above-average arm strength. He's at his best on touch throws, where he can anticipate and place the ball on the proper shoulder of his target. He shows toughness to hang in versus pressure, although he rarely faced it with an elite offensive line protecting him. He isn't much of a threat as a runner and he lacks the twitch to consistently escape and buy extra time. Jones should become a starting NFL quarterback, but his lack of twitch and athleticism will limit the playbook with the way the game is trending.”
Jones benefited from being surrounded by NFL talent, which just makes him the latest Alabama quarterback we can say that about. Jones measured 6025 (6’2.5”) and 217 pounds at the Senior Bowl, so while his size is not completely ideal, average feels a little harsh. His hand size (9-3/4”) fits the arbitrary criteria there.
As for athleticism, Jones’ lack of it shows clearly on tape. As Jeremiah cites, the way the game is going a quarterback who can move is important. Jones doesn’t have to be Lamar Jackson as a runner. But if he can’t move effectively (lacks twitch and athleticism, as Jeremiah said) that’s an issue. And the notion a playbook would have to be limited with him invites comparison to two current NFL quarterbacks.
Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff. Those comps are not necessarily bad for Jones, as Cousins and Goff both cashed in nicely with their second contracts. Both are starting-caliber quarterbacks, it’s just doubtful either ever raises a team enough to win a Super Bowl. Limited is a word commonly used for both, with scheme and design required to get their best level. That looks like it’ll be Jones in the NFL, with his success largely determined by where he lands.