5 players Panthers should monitor in National Championship game
By Dean Jones
Mac Jones – QB (Alabama)
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Teddy Bridgewater‘s future with the Carolina Panthers is hanging by a thread. The quarterback simply hasn’t reached the standard required to get the team where it wants to go and one could argue they missed out on a shock wildcard berth due to the free-agent signing’s inability to come through on game-winning drives in 2020.
This might see the Panthers select a signal-caller of the future in the 2021 NFL Draft. It doesn’t appear likely that Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, or Zach Wilson will be around by the time they’re on the clock and if the decision-makers opt not to go with Trey Lance, then it might see them wait until the second or third round to take a player at the position.
Mac Jones has more riding on the National Championship game than most. The Alabama quarterback has enjoyed a tremendous year under center after emerging from the shadow of Tua Tagovailoa and if he can end his time with the Crimson Tide on a high, it is sure to make scouts sit up and take notice.
Jones has completed 77 percent of his passes for 4,036 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just four interceptions this season for an eye-popping passer rating of 203.0. He moves exceptionally well in the pocket, has impressive leadership skills, and has deceptive arm strength that could be a real asset to Carolina providing not too much pressure is put on his shoulders early in the player’s transition.