Quarterbacks Steelers should target in each round of the NFL Draft

Round 2: Mac Jones

The most recent reports suggest that there is next-to-no chance that Mac Jones could slide into the second round. However, even with the value of the quarterback position, I couldn’t justify spending a first-round pick on the Alabama product.

From a statistical standpoint, Jones was phenomenal last year. He put up 4,500 passing yards in 13 games to go with his 41 touchdowns and 4 interceptions – all the while completing 77.4 percent of his passes. Unfortunately, I just don’t trust that this is going to translate to the NFL stage. Jones routinely saw wide-open receivers at Alabama and his offensive line kept him very well protected.

What’s most concerning is that he does not have the upside to be anything more than a mid-level starter in the NFL – very much in the mold of an Andy Dalton-type player. Jones has a middling arm and almost no mobility to escape the pocket and extend the play. Perhaps the Steelers could trade up a bit into the second round to land him if he were to fall that far, but I wouldn’t be willing to give up more than a 2nd and 4th round pick to acquire him.