This is The Game Day’s Mac Jones NFL Draft 2021 Prospect Profile. After you read our Mac Jones Scouting Report, check out our full 2021 NFL Draft Guide and Marcus Mosher’s first 2021 NFL Mock Draft for Rounds 1-3.
Mac Jones NFL Draft Prospect Profile
Mac Jones 2021 Draft: Bio & Measurables
- College: Alabama
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 214 lbs.
- Class in Final Season: Junior
Mac Jones: Scouting Report
Strengths
- Strong leadership skills with high football IQ
- Good pocket presence with strong accuracy
- Played at a high level in his final season at Alabama
- Awareness to make the right play
Needs Improvement
- Needs to play within structure and offensive scheme
- Struggles with off-script plays
- Fits profile of QB who requires strong supporting cast to reach full potential
- Average arm strength
- Needs to hit the weight room
Mac Jones NFL Outlook
Jones put a stamp on his Alabama career this past season, going off for 4,500 yards (11.2 Y/A), 41 touchdowns and four interceptions. This was his only season with elite production.
He helps make up for average arm strength with strong pocket presence and a high football IQ. Jones performed well against strong competition in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
He was surrounded by a stacked supporting cast at Alabama, which leads to questions about his ability to carry a team at the professional level.
Jones struggles with off-script plays, so it’s best for him to play in a scheme that suits his talents, surrounded by talented pass-catchers and blockers. Jones has adequate mobility to help him evade the pass rush.
NFL coaches will likely fall in love with his strong leadership and football awareness. Jones has the work ethic to succeed at the professional level, but he looks more like a potential starter rather than a franchise quarterback.
Mac Jones NFL Comparison
A.J. McCarron: Jones looks similar to another former Alabama quarterback in McCarron, but with much more upside.
Like McCarron, Jones has average arm strength with only adequate mobility. Both quarterbacks performed well against strong competition but were surrounded by an elite supporting cast.
While McCarron had three years of production and Jones only has one full season, they have similar measurables and traits as passers. McCarron could have had a better career if he was surrounded by the right scheme and pass-catchers. Jones’ upside for growth will likely depend on his landing spot more than the other quarterbacks in this class.
Mac Jones NFL Draft: Team Fits
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are reportedly in love with Jones, with Adam Schefter and Daniel Jeremiah each stating that Jones will be heading to San Francisco.
Kyle Shanahan has been enamored with the following quarterbacks throughout his career: Matt Schaub, Kirk Cousins, Matt Ryan, and Jimmy Garoppolo. Jones has a similar skill-set to each of those players.
San Fran would be an ideal landing spot for Jones, who would be coached by one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL and surrounded by playmakers like George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos look like they’re starting to lose faith in starting quarterback Drew Lock, so we could see them try to address the position once again in this year’s draft.
This would be a fantastic landing spot for Jones because he’ll be surrounded by young and talented weapons like tight end Noah Fant as well as wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and K.J. Hamler.
Jones would have familiarity with Jeudy, having played with him at Alabama. This would allow the Broncos to have an open competition at QB between Lock and Jones, perhaps bringing out the best of each passer.
Washington Football Team
This would be another solid landing spot for Jones, but Washington would have to trade up in order to get him.
Washington has some young talent on offense in wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Antonio Gibson. They also have an impressive defense, loaded with first-round picks like Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
He could act as the game manager in a ball-control offense that leans on its defense.
Of course, Jones could also sit behind Ryan Fitzpatrick in Year 1.
Mac Jones NFL Draft Prediction
Round 1, Pick 3: San Francisco 49ers
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The 49ers would not have traded up to third overall if they were not enamored with a quarterback prospect. When you have guys like Schefter reporting on a pick, it’s usually going to be legit.
Jones has shot up draft boards in the last couple of months due to his high football IQ and ability to excel under pressure. He’s going to thrive in an ideal situation in San Francisco.
Mac Jones 2021 NFL Draft Bets
Jones is currently listed at -200 to go third overall at BetMGM.
The inflated price tells you that it’s likely to happen, but I wouldn’t be comfortable laying this price because I believe that Justin Fields and Trey Lance are superior quarterback prospects.
My advice would be to wait a bit to see if this price becomes more reasonable as we get closer to the draft.
Now that you’ve read our Mac Jones draft prospect and scouting report, stay tuned after the 2021 NFL Draft for his impact on betting lines, odds and tips for his likely NFL team.
New BetMGM customers can claim a signup offer to get a $100 Deposit Match up to $500. Use this offer to bet on the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
