2021 Senior Bowl: Alabama QB Mac Jones has big week ahead

The Senior Bowl is all about making a good impression. As has been stated many seasons before, the NFL Draft starts in Mobile. This year will be no different.

Even in another draft season of uncertainty, the 2021 Senior Bowl marches on. The top seniors will be in attendance, and there’s an abundance of storylines to keep a close eye on.

The quarterbacks always dominate the headlines. Last year, Justin Herbert made quite the impression. This year, it’s time for Alabama quarterback Mac Jones to do the same.

Jones had a spectacular season for the Crimson Tide in 2020, completing 77 percent of his passes, along with throwing 41 touchdowns to just four interceptions. After following in Tua Tagovailoa’s footsteps, it would be easy to lower expectations. But it was clear that Jones was up to the task, and he led Alabama to a national title and is now hovering in the limbo between day one and two discussion in 2021 NFL Draft circles.

Choosing to attend the Senior Bowl was a great decision for Jones, and he will get a chance to impress scouts from various teams, along with the Carolina Panthers, who are in the quarterback market.

As a prospect, Jones has put together impressive senior tape. His ability to maneuver the pocket and keep his eyes downfield is very good, and he doesn’t fade under pressure. Navigating the chaos is important for quarterbacks, and this will be a week with plenty of info thrown at him.

Jones doesn’t have the best arm in the draft class, but his anticipation and accuracy are good, and his flashes from the bowl game last year turned into more consistency in 2020. His deep ball is smooth as silk, and his mental game is splendid. Getting a new playbook will showcase that.

All of the on-field stuff is good to see, but scouts also look for the personality traits of a leader. Will Jones take charge of the offense? Will he be the first one on the field and the last one off? Is his attitude where many expect it to be?

Those questions will be answered and will be contributing factors when scouts talk to general managers closer to draft time.

This story will be a fun one to watch, and it will be interesting to see if Jones steps up to the challenge and thrives down in Mobile.