The general consensus surrounding the 2021 NFL draft quarterback class is that there are two, maybe three elite prospects — Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Justin Fields — and another high-ceiling blue-chipper (Trey Lance). Then there’s Mac Jones, the Crimson Tide signal-caller who’s usually fifth on most rankings.
But should he be higher?
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the word ‘elite’ has been attached to Jones in multiple areas of his game.
“He’s got elite accuracy,” Schefter said one NFL executive told him. “And he’s got elite leadership skills. Those were his exact words. He said that he’s higher on draft boards — more highly rated than fans believe he is.”
The San Francisco 49ers made an aggressive trade to land the third overall pick from the Miami Dolphins, and the presumed target is, in fact, Jones. But if GM John Lynch decides Fields is his guy, there’s a chance Jones will begin to slide into potential trade-up territory for the Bears.
The New England Patriots at No. 15 overall and the Washington Football Team at No. 19 overall pose legitimate threats of selecting a quarterback before the Bears, so if Jones is hanging around at No. 8 overall? Maybe Ryan Pace should hop on a call with the Carolina Panthers, who are fresh off of trading for Sam Darnold.
If you told a Bears fan a month or two ago that they’d be lucky to land Jones at No. 20 overall, you would’ve been laughed out of the room.
Now, they’re on bended knee hoping Mac slides.
