Four years in the making, Mac Jones got his moment with the San Francisco 49ers

Mac Jones was a polarizing draft prospect in the 2021 cycle. After leading Alabama to a National Championship, Jones entered the draft. Despite plenty of tape of him dropping dimes all over the field, there were plenty of questions about whether Jones was just a product of the Tide's ridiculous offensive weapons.

DeVonta Smith was the Heisman winner. Jaylen Waddle was an even better prospect, according to the NFL. His RB was the Doak Walker winner. His offensive line was the best in the country.

A few weeks before the draft, the 49ers moved up from No. 12 to No. 3 in a move many thought they made to draft Jones, including the former Alabama QB himself. Instead, when draft day rolled around, the 49ers selected Trey Lance. Jones fell to No. 15 with the Patriots. After two seasons, Lance was traded to Dallas, never making an impact with San Fran. Jones produced a Pro Bowl rookie season, but fell out of favor in New England with a revolving door of offensive coaches.

After a season backing up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, Jones signed a free-agent deal with the 49ers this offseason. In Week 2, he got the opportunity to start due to an injury to Brock Purdy. In just one game, he had a bigger impact on the Niners than Lance ever did.

Mac Jones shines in leading the 49ers to a win over the Saints

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan clearly had faith in Jones. In his first start with the team, Jones threw 39 passes, completing 26 for 279 yards and three touchdowns in leading San Francisco to a 26-21 road win over the Saints.

Better yet, Jones avoided any turnovers, which is something that had plagued him since his rookie season. He looked confident. He was having fun. And he was dropping dimes.

Purdy is expected to miss 2-5 weeks with his injury. With how Jones performed on Sunday in New Orleans, there's a renewed confidence in San Francisco that he can hold down the fort with Purdy out. Purdy's injuries in the past derailed the 49ers - it's why they targeted Jones in free agency this offseason. They wanted a reliable veteran who could come in and run the offense effectively.

Jones always seemed like a good fit in Shanahan's offense. His first start for the 49ers came four years later than it should've. The fortunes for both Jones and the Niners may have been drastically different had he been the pick instead of Lance in 2021.