He has not only been the biggest surprise in the Southeastern Conference, but he is also rising on NFL Draft boards.
Mac Jones has gone from being doubted and overlooked, to media pundits projecting him as a first-round pick for the 2021 venue. According to NFL Draft expert, Todd McShay, he told Mike Greenberg and Greg McElroy (former Alabama quarterback) on ESPN’s Get Up that he has Jones listed as the 28th overall prospect on his board.
McShay looks at Jones to be the fifth signal caller taken in the first round, behind Zach Wilson (BYU), Trey Lance (N. Dakota State), Justin Fields (Ohio State) and Trevor Lawrence (Clemson).
Despite the idea of Bryce Young being the starter, Jones held firm and proved everyone wrong.
Mac Jones is moving up @McShay13‘s draft board very quickly 👀
“Mac Jones is coming in and he’s pulling a Joe Burrow. I’m not saying he’s going to be No. 1 overall, there’s no chance. … But he’s gone from off the radar to … he’s been on fire this year!” pic.twitter.com/bClFUa8VJq
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 10, 2020
“Mac Jones is coming in and he’s pulling a Joe Burrow,” McShay said. “I’m not saying he is going to be No. 1 overall, there is no chance. … But he has gone from off the radar … to he’s been on fire this year!”
Through six games, Jones leads the SEC in completion percentage (78.5), passing yards (2,196), passer rating (210.3) and total quarterback rating (95.5). He has 16 touchdowns to two interceptions and has Alabama carrying the top scoring offense (47.2 ppg) and total offense (555.2 ypg) in the conference.
Also, the Crimson Tide is fourth in the nation for points per game.
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Jones has turned in similar numbers to Joe Burrow (LSU Tigers) through six games.
As the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner, Burrow completed 79.5 percent of his passes for 2,157 yards with 25 touchdowns to three interceptions in his first six matchups.
The SEC could have its second Heisman-winning quarterback in Jones and should it happen, he would bring Alabama its first-ever Heisman Trophy winner at the position. He prepares to face LSU on Saturday, but Jones is garnering first-round attention.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
