Carolina Panthers draft: What is the problem with Mac Jones?

How good is Mac Jones?

When one compares the national championship seasons of Mac Jones and Joe Burrow – the consensus No. 1 overall selection in 2020 – the similarities are there for all to see. Stepping into the void left by Tua Tagovailoa was a daunting prospect, but to say the quarterback responded well to the challenge would be something of an understatement.

Jones made the most out of an exceptional offensive line and a passing attack loaded with playmakers to put up some lofty stats. The signal-caller completed an eye-catching 77.4 percent of his passes on his way to 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, just four interceptions, and a passer efficiency rating of 203.1.

The prospect was at his brilliant best to outshine projected top-10 pick Justin Fields to win it all for the Crimson Tide. This outstanding series of performances have seen Jones emerge from a mid-round development project to a potential first-round selection that can be a Day 1 starter.

Sound familiar?

Burrow followed this exact same path on his way to being taken by the Cincinnati Bengals last year. While the Carolina Panthers draft team might not have been looking in Jones’ direction prior to the 2020 campaign, they could well be casting their eye in his direction now.

Matt Rhule got a good look at Jones – both from a performance and character perspective – at the 2021 Senior Bowl, describing the player as “an alpha who leads from the front”. Drafting him would be met with dismay from large sections of the team’s fanbase, but the new regime has already shown a willingness to go against the grain.