Did Mac Jones give the Panthers something to think about?
By Dean Jones
Mac Jones may have given the Carolina Panthers something to think about.
The Carolina Panthers may be on the lookout for a long-term solution at quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft. Teddy Bridgewater‘s first season under center was littered with inconsistencies and frustrating moments in key situations, so although they might be tied down to the player from a contractual perspective, there appears little doubt a better contingency plan needs to be sought in case the former first-round pick suffers more regression next time around.
Given that the Carolina Panthers are selecting at No. 8 overall this spring, it doesn’t appear likely they will be in a position to take the top-three quarterback talents coming out this year. Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Zach Wilson are all projected to go in the top-five, which will leave the front office looking at alternative options further down the pecking order.
One player who is throwing his hat into the ring appears to be Mac Jones.
The Alabama prospect turned in a performance for the ages during the Crimson Tide’s victory over Ohio State in the National Championship game on Monday night, which won’t have gone unnoticed by NFL teams looking for help at the position.
Jones has come of age over the last 18 months, emerging from Tua Tagovailoa‘s shadow to become a dark horse contender to be one of the first to hear their name called.
He left the biggest of impressions during his final college game, of that there is little doubt. But whether this will be enough for the Panthers or another franchise to take a chance on him is another matter entirely.