2021 NFL Draft: 49ers make aggressive move for QB in 3-round mock draft
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 21st overall
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Alabama. 21. 46. QB. Mac Jones. player
Many will look at taking Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft as a reach. While I do not necessarily disagree with that assessment, nobody can say that Jones did not play well this season and I strongly believe that he can be successful at the next level if he is put in the right situation. The Indianapolis Colts stands out as a strong fit for Jones and No. 21 overall is solid value for this prospect.
Mac Jones impressed in a big way this season, showing impressive poise in the pocket, great on-field awareness, fantastic accuracy to all levels and more arm strength than any of us expected. He pushed the ball down the field well this season and did a great job of simply getting the ball to his impact playmakers with a chance to make plays.
The biggest knock on Jones’ game will be his lack of mobility. While he is not a complete statue back there, he is a traditional pocket passer whose mobility is limited. More traditional pocket passers simply have not been as successful in the NFL in recent years, as the guys who can improvise and make plays with their legs when needed have dominated the league.
That being said, the Colts’ strong offensive line makes me like this fit. Jones reads opposing defenses well and spreads the ball around the field at an extremely high level. If he can be protected in the pocket, he undoubtedly has a great chance to be a successful franchise quarterback at the next level.
The Colts need to figure out their quarterback situation and while Jones is not a perfect player, he is a good quarterback who can help take this team to the next level. Building an offense around Jones and giving him the support he needs could be an extremely successful plan of attack.