Alabama Football: Why Mac Jones is a franchise quarterback

Mac Jones proved with Alabama football that he is ready for the NFL

It has been years since Alabama football has seen a former quarterback become the face of an NFL franchise. Now, the Tide might see three former players start in the NFL next season. Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts have already been drafted, but Mac Jones is being evaluated as we speak.

Jones is the most polarizing prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. Some think that his strengths are outdated, and others believe he will be the steal of the draft. While a lot will depend on his landing spot, here is why Jones should be treated as a franchise quarterback.

For starters, Mac Jones is the most accurate quarterback in college football history. He has immense control over his ball placement, and he throws with touch and anticipation. Many will say this is easy when you are throwing to the best receivers in college football, but Jones proved that he can do this with anyone at the Senior Bowl.

Mac Jones is also more athletic than people give him credit for. Will he ever be a Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes? No. However, he can be mobile within the pocket and extend plays. In most schemes, this is more than enough.

Of course, Mac Jones also proved his leadership with Alabama football. He stayed with the team despite his odds of ever starting decreasing by the year. He then won the locker room in his fourth season and beat out Bryce Young for the starting quarterback job.

Being a franchise quarterback is about talent, but it’s also about being a person the team can turn to. Alabama turned to Jones when they faced adversity, and he helped carry the team. He might need some time to get comfortable on an NFL team, but he will win over the locker room soon.

Mac Jones is still a risk, but so is every NFL draft prospect. NFL teams have to be willing to take chances based on the positive traits they see. Because of this, Mac Jones deserves a shot to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL.