Mac Jones | Alabama 6’2” 217 lbs. 9/5/1998 (Age 22.6)
Mac Jones was drafted 15th overall by the New England Patriots, becoming the fifth quarterback selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Jones took over as the starting quarterback for Alabama as a redshirt sophomore because of the hip injury to starter Tua Tagovialoa. Jones accumulated 6,126 passing yards and 56 TDs versus seven INTs in his three-year collegiate career at Alabama. Jones is not a rushing threat for NFL defenses, with only two TDs and an average of 0.8 yards per rush (including sacks).
Jones had his best season as a junior, his one full season of starting. He led Alabama to a National Championship completing 77% of his passes for 4,500 yards and 41 TDs versus only four INTs. This was one of the most efficient quarterback seasons in FBS history.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At his isolated Pro Day, Mac Jones measured in at 6’2” and 217lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 27.39. Jones did not participate in athletic testing during his Pro Day, but did complete his measurements and throw. Jones was not asked to be a rushing threat in Nick Saban’s system, however, he ran multiple off-platform throws at his Pro Day to convey that he has the ability to move. Despite doing so, Jones will never be a viable rushing threat for NFL defenses.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Above Average
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average
The New England Patriots signed two tight ends to be the third and fourth highest-paid tight ends in the NFL. A decision that would lead to sticking with a run-centric offense, however, the Patriots selected a statue. However, Bill Belichick does have a great relationship with Nick Saban so he must have some inside information on Jones. The Patriots are not a great landing spot outside their past success. Belichick and Saban must be in cahoots.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle said that Mac Jones was better than Tua Tagovailoa. Smith and Waddle lied, and the Patriots got the fifth-best quarterback in this draft class.
Mac Jones is a quarterback who will reflect the system he is in, and the Patriots do not have much to work with outside their free-agent tight end additions. He will be drafted higher than the typically QB5 in a Superflex Rookie Draft, however, he does not become a value until the late second-round. He could have a long career paired up with legendary coach Bill Belichick, but his upside is capped as a QB2 with the weapons that surround him.
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