I haven't heard any real thoughts from you on Mac? Maybe I missed them? So when you say "that's not what I'm seeing" when compared to the guys above I'm not sure what to make of it.
He's a guy you can win with not bc of. Again in that Jimmy, Carr, Cousins area. He certainly doesn't do anything better than those three coming out that's for sure. All those guys have had success, are accurate and are very similar to Jones. I don't see any disrespect there.
His mechanics are very good until pressure arrives especially direct pressure. Footwork gets sloppy, he's unable to make it happen in terms of reads. Nice release, not Jimmy G type quick but good enough to above average for the NFL. He's definitely not a statue and has some feel. He can slide & step up. It's just when things get tight around him there's a problem.
His arm talent is pretty good for sure but not great. You brought up Goff I mean that's not a hard hard to pass with respect. In terms of placement, touch, accuracy I think he was behind Burrow & Tua from last year but again he's more than good enough here. He has very good placement & touch. Arm talent is there but again you didn't see a ton of tough, NFL passes. Lots of "trust his WR passes" which matters but the tight window, tight-rope - far hash weren't on display. Not the end of the world but you notice it.
In terms of pocket presence, command, poise he's behind the others in the group including Mills. Not terrible but out of this group I've seen better. He could improve some. He could be faster and quicker overall. Vocally to being quicker getting the ball out with RPO/Screens
Physique definitely has to improve. Chunky up top & thin lower half. Lots of room to work.
In terms of systems I'm liking him in more of wc. Ours wouldn't be impossible but he'll be to be quicker overall including decision making. Something he didn't have to do a lot of at Bama. He had his hand held if we're being honest in terms of what he was doing and what he'll be doing here. Doesn't mean he can't but it's a leap.
I really like Jones and have a 2nd on him. Been following since he arrived at Bama, watched (9 A22, every start). Feel comfortable where I have him.
No disagreement. I guess we don't agree on the value & talent. I think top 10-15 is a reach for him.
I can't overpay for the guys I mentioned and we have a good shot at Jimmy since SF showed everyone their hand. No one in their right mind would send 15 for Jimmy. 46, sure, maybe depend on who you ask but that's where the value comes into play. I can't spend 15 on a guy with obvious limitations and that needs his hand held.
You wouldn’t have heard from me on him because today’s the first time I’ve properly watched him. And as yet, I haven’t watched anyone else yet so I can’t compare him to anyone else in this draft.
Here’s what I see.
First I’ll get two big caveats out of the way. Yes he doesn’t have a great or even very good arm and he’s not a running QB. If he had those two qualities he’d be going in the top three and possibly no 1.
What I like/Love
1. Ball Placement is top notch. Particularly between the hashes. Regularly throws such that only the receiver can catch the ball
2. Throws receivers open in the end zone. Can’t stress the importance of this enough.
3. Good footwork in the pocket. Obviously not as good as Brady at this as he was elite, but Brady-like in his ability to step up or slide under pressure.
4. When moved off his spot, he keeps his eyes downfield and always looks to pass first. This tells me a) he’s smart and b) is aware of his limitations as a runner
5. I’ve not seen many draft QBs as good at making multiple and full field reads as Jones.
6. Even when he ‘misses’ on downfield throws because of lack of arm strength, he still completes the pass and puts the ball in a position where only the receiver can catch it. Again, this suggests he’s aware of his limitations and compensates successfully.
7. Very good anticipation which leads to him throwing WRs open.
8. I think his physique is an asset. I think he’ll stand up to hits better than a number of wiry QBs we’ve seen. Couldn’t care less whether he looks good in uniform or not.
What I don’t like
1. The obvious as previously cited. He’s not a top deep threat QB nor is he a runner.
2. Sometimes misses the backside CB. Seen this on a couple of occasions and it’s definitely something he needs to clean up.
3. Because of his lack of arm strength, his off platform throws are lacking power.
4. That’s really about it. 1. Is big obviously but again, I maintain that if he was better at 1., he’d be going top of the draft.
Summary
Jones is a very accurate middle of the field QB who can be dominant between the hashes. He has weaknesses deep and outside the hashes but I get the impression he’s aware of those weaknesses and compensates accordingly. He’s clearly a smart and well coached QB who is very good at the fundamentals and he’s going to be an outstanding chain mover in the NFL. He’s no gunslinger and likely wont win 40 point shootouts in the NFL, but he will keep your defense off the field, keep the ball alive on long drives and has the accuracy and anticipation to get receivers open in the EZ. I believe he’s a franchise QB that can take a team to multiple playoffs in the right system (he’ll need that to succeed) and I think he suits our offense as currently constituted ideally. Moreover, I think he legitimately has a good chance to beat out Cam as year one starter.
I’d take him in a heartbeat at 15 and I’d be prepared to trade up for him whether that’s giving up our 2 or our next year first. He may not have the skills to to change games on his own but he makes the players around him better and for me, that’s worth a first round pick.
) id guess he will be patient as always and wait for the opportunity.
