49ers: 5 best options to back up Jimmy Garoppolo in 2021

No. 3: 49ers could take a rookie-quarterback route, Mac Jones is a solid choice

Whether it’s in the first round or a day-two or day-three pick, the 49ers are bound to use a draft selection on a quarterback.

Mac Jones from Alabama is one of those names being tossed around pretty regularly.

Pros

Jones brings a lot of upside to the table. He’s able to throw off his back foot, absorb a huge hit while completing the pass and he’s pretty darn accurate.

In the CFB Championship game, Jones completed 80 percent of his passes while throwing for five touchdowns and zero interceptions. Suffice to say he can perform well under the bright lights.

One of the knocks on Jones is he needs weapons around him, according to Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson. With weapons like Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and a solid ground game, the Jacksonville, Florida native should thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s system.

Cons

Well, there is an abundance of teams looking for a new quarterback. With the 49ers picking 12th in the 2021 NFL Draft, there’s a high chance Jones isn’t available. And many may argue Jones at No. 12 would be a reach anyway.

Jones is a pocket passer and isn’t as mobile as other NFC West quarterbacks.

With Alabama, Jones had lots of talent around him, and those players were relatively healthy throughout the year. If he joins the 49ers and loses a few players to injury, does he have what it takes to steal games?