Alabama Football: The case for Mac Jones to the 49ers

Here’s why San Francisco should draft Alabama football’s Mac Jones

The San Francisco 49ers traded up in the 2021 NFL Draft to select third overall. As soon as Adam Schefter broke the news, many assumed that they were drafting a quarterback. Due to their drafting placement, they will be choosing between Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Alabama football‘s Mac Jones.

The growing belief is that Mac Jones will be drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, but many believe that he is not the right decision. With more athletic options on the board, Jones’s limitations as an athlete seem to be a red flag.

Still, there is a reason Jones is being considered. If the 49ers take Mac Jones over Fields and Lance, he will have value. Here is the case for Jones to be drafted third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Scheme fit

Many believe that the 49ers should change their scheme to adapt a mobile quarterback, but they haven’t yet. Needless to say, Kyle Shannahan has a type. He has succeeded with Kirk Cousins, Matt Ryan and Jimmy G. All three of these players had to win within the pocket, and Mac Jones has been compared to both Ryan and Cousins.

If Mac Jones goes to San Francisco, he will fit into the scheme like a glove. It’s an ideal landing spot for both parties.

Poise

San Francisco is competing for a Super Bowl. They need someone who can handle the pressure of big moments. Mac Jones proved with Alabama football that he can handle just about anything. The NFL is a big jump in terms of pressure, but no one faced more pressure than Jones in 2020. After filling in the shoes of Tua Tagovailoa, he had to carry Alabama to a title in order to be labeled a success. He did more than that, and he showed poise in the Tide’s toughest moments.

Accuracy

Some will value athleticism. Others value leadership. Some just want a quarterback to have a cannon for an arm. Mac Jones has the leadership, but he is also the most accurate quarterback in college football history. The 49ers know that Mac Jones can put the rest of their weapons in a situation to succeed. With the rest of the talent on the roster, that might be all they need.

We’ll see what the 49ers do later this month, but there is a genuine case to be made for Alabama football’s Mac Jones.