NEWSLETTER
The vibes are different these days, but the Senior Bowl — college football’s premier prospect showcase game — rolls on in 2021. And with it, our annual obsession of the quarterbacks who descend onto Mobile, Ala., to showcase their skills.
To this point, it sounds as if one is already standing above the rest:
Mac Jones could not have had a better day than he did today at @seniorbowl practice. Total command of every play he participated in, and threw the ball with exceptional accuracy. @AlabamaFTBL @MacJones_10
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) January 28, 2021
#Alabama QB Mac Jones is doing what you're supposed to do here:
* Showing energy, leadership and football IQ
* Improving daily with coaching and time to gel with new WRs / really good practice Weds.
Now to finish strong.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 28, 2021
Mac Jones' accuracy really stands out. Consistently hitting receivers in stride during individual drills #SeniorBowl
— Andrew Freeman (@AjFreeman25) January 28, 2021
Mac Jones has done a pretty good job of maneuvering the pocket today.
Athleticism isn't his strong suit, but he's been able to move around with good awareness and keep scanning the field. He's doing well in this scrimmage. #SeniorBowl
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 27, 2021
I’m seeing some important themes from folks who have eyes on Jones at the Senior Bowl. Accuracy is a common thread from those who are watching the Alabama standout practice. This was a strength of his when he was leading the Crimson Tide to a national title, but was brushed aside (at times) as a product of the talent around him. The practice sample is small, but having watched Bears quarterbacks in recent years, we should know the importance of ball placement by now. So Jones checking off the accuracy box this week is a plus.
It’s just practice, but still nice to see:
Mac Jones with a 10 cent throw
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) January 28, 2021
.@AlabamaFTBL QB @MacJones_10 to @LSUfootball WR @ohrae17_ for a touchdown at the @seniorbowl. pic.twitter.com/J6eiilktVg
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) January 27, 2021
Alabama QB Mac Jones to Florida WR Trevon Grimes vs NC Central CB Bryan Mills.#SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/4x0vZ5SlW0
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) January 28, 2021
In team drills, the offense was in a third-and-8 situation, and Mac Jones finds his WR on a crossing route to convert the chains and keep the drive alive. You can see Jones pointing his finger on the play, signaling for the 1st down. Jones has been the most impressive QB today. pic.twitter.com/XmmxEzmmrJ
— The Chicago Audible (@ChicagoAudible) January 27, 2021
What makes Jones’ Senior Bowl practice performance all the more encouraging is that he’s shown these skills in game situations. And perhaps, most importantly, Jones did it in the biggest of big games:
There’s no question about it- @macjones_10 made himself money last night. Very impressed with TWO incredibly important “traits” he displayed for @alabamaftbl in the natty. @getupespn @rollbamaroll @rolltide #CFP pic.twitter.com/gY78OfWtzI
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 12, 2021
The best thing a player can do for their draft stock is shine in big games. But if that isn’t enough or some, then killing it at the Senior Bowl is a nice way to double-down on what you showed during games. In previous years, we’ve seen all sorts of position players take their game to another level during Senior Bowl week, then watched their draft stock skyrocket. Considering the Bears’ draft position, I hope Jones’ stock doesn’t jump too much as to where they can’t take him with the 20th pick.
Then again, if Jones can cement his place as a worthy first-round quarterback, the end result might be good news for a quarterback-starved team like the Bears.
