2021 NFL Draft: Is Buzz Around Mac Jones Justified?

Nick Saban led the Alabama Crimson Tide Football team to the CFP National Championship title earlier this year. This was his record-setting 7th Championship win, his 6th with Alabama. Alabama starlet De’Vonta Smith grabbed headlines by becoming the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 29 years. But another player who impressed was the starting quarterback, Mac Jones.

The Florida-born youngster threw for 4,500 yards with 41 passing touchdowns against just 4 interceptions last year. He finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist alongside Smith. Jones is reportedly one of the most exciting quarterback prospects ahead of the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.

But let’s take a look at what the numbers say about Jones, as opposed to popular opinion.

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Who will sign Mac Jones when the 2021 NFL Draft begins?

During his 3-year stint with Alabama, Mac Jones made his way to two CFP National Championship titles. He also bagged the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Manning award in 2020. The talented youngster was reportedly being monitored by Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers earlier this month.

The Red and Gold gave up multiple future picks in order to move up to #3 in the 2021 NFL Draft. But their interest in Jones has dipped in recent weeks, due to the emergence of Ohio State’s Justin Fields.

Coach Shanahan recently paid a visit to Columbus where Fields was showcasing his skills during his second Pro Day workout. The event was also attended by Atlanta Falcons (own the 4th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft) scouts.

The 49ers are reportedly convinced that Justin is their ‘quarterback of the future’. That leaves Mac Jones’ future up in the air. The Falcons are said to be keen on NDSU’s Trey Lance. Clemson Tigers’ superstar Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Zach Wilson (New York Jets), are expected to be the first two picks in the upcoming draft.

In 30 starts for Alabama, Jones has thrown for 6,126 yards with 56 passing TDs against 7 interceptions. He is regarded as the ideal ‘system quarterback’ and could be a potential target for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots as well.

But only time will tell who moves in for this young star. What do you think? Tell us in the comments section below.

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