SF 49ers NFL Draft: 5 prospects to watch in 2021 CFB Playoff
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers NFL Draft Target No. 1: Quarterback Mac Jones, Alabama
Mac Jones. 1. player. 829. . Quarterback. Crimson Tide
There’s no shortage of speculation the SF 49ers will move on from starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, which would both give the Niners $24.1 million in much-needed cap space and potentially open up the door for a player who could take Kyle Shanahan’s offense to much higher levels in coming years.
San Francisco 49ers
While Zach Wilson has been a popular name among San Francisco’s fanbase in recent months, Alabama’s Mac Jones should receive equal consideration.
Jones, 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds, has that 36-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio helping him stand out, also showcasing his innate ability to protect the ball. And he’s also one of the most cerebral quarterbacks coming out in this year’s NFL Draft, suggesting he’d be able to pick up Shanahan’s intricate and complex offense relatively quickly.
Sure, Wilson could end up being more prolific. But Jones appears to be tailored to a system where he can make timed throws, although Jones has far better movement skills within the pocket when compared with Garoppolo or any of the other quarterbacks the SF 49ers featured in 2020.
That trait alone could be a massive boost.
What’s best is Jones won’t wind up going in the top five of the NFL Draft this April. His stock right now is currently hovering in the late teens, although a strong showing in the CFB Playoff could up that considerably.
Still within San Francisco’s comfort range, though.
Next. 49ers 7-round New Year's Day mock NFL Draft. dark
The 2021 College Football Playoff Championship game kicks off on Monday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.