2021 NFL Draft predictions for the 2020 Heisman finalists

This Heisman finalist also resides in Alabama, only he throws the ball to the other one.

Mac Jones, Quarterback, Alabama

Season Overview: Despite thought by many to just be a one-year bridge quarterback for the Crimson Tide until the highly touted recruit Bryce Young was ready, Mac Jones has proved himself to be much more than that. Over the course of a challenging schedule that has consisted of nothing but SEC teams to this point, Jones has proved more than capable for the job. The junior standout has completed a whopping 76.5% of his passes this year and thrown 32 touchdowns to just four interceptions while gaining a total of 3,739 total air yards.

Jones is definitely a pocket passer who will rarely use his legs to pick up yards on the ground. That isn’t to say he’s a statue in the pocket, however, as the Alabama product is solid at moving in the pocket and making throws outside the tackle box. His best trait is probably his beautiful deep ball; it’s very accurate and his ball placement on those throws are fun to watch as well. Jones has excelled against elite SEC competition all year and will now look to lead his Alabama team to another national title.

2021 NFL Draft Predictions: Another one of those prospects that have raised his draft prospects, Jones has elevated himself from a day three pick to what could be as early as a late first-round pick if a few contending teams find themselves needing to move on from their aging veterans sooner rather than later. While playing in Alabama’s system may lead to questions about his readiness to take on an NFL playbook, Jones has the skills to adapt to a less RPO-heavy offense.

While a smart team will play to his strengths and utilize a good running game and their fair share of RPOs, Jones should be able to turn into a steady NFL quarterback regardless. Currently, since playoff results are unknown, some late first-round teams that could be looking for a young guy to bring in and groom are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. Other playoff teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints are teams that have the players available and a good possibility of an opening as soon as next year (retiring veterans) to bring in Jones and have him start right away.

Given his limited starting experience, Jones may have to wait until the second round to hear his name called. In that case, teams such as the Carolina Panthers (assuming they don’t take a QB round one), Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots may all zero in on Jones as their potential quarterback of the future.