Steelers: 3 quarterbacks team should target this offseason
By John Buhler
QB. Alabama Crimson Tide. Mac Jones. 2. 829. Scouting Report. player. Pick Analysis
Alabama is quickly becoming the new Quarterback U of the Power 5
Because Pittsburgh will be picking in the 20s in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Steelers are not going to be in the position to draft either Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson or Justin Fields out of Ohio State. Frankly, they would have to trade up to land either Trey Lance out of North Dakota State or Zach Wilson out of BYU. However, they might find their guy with Mac Jones out of Alabama.
Admittedly, this is a high-risk, high-reward draft pick, but we have seen what Jones can do with the right offensive pieces around him. The Steelers do an incredible job of drafting wide receivers historically. The offensive line is among the best in football and it has been plug-and-chug at running back seemingly forever. The Steelers just need better quarterback play at this time.
What we have seen out of Jones in 2020 with the Crimson Tide is not a fluke. Yes, he does have a former NFL offensive coordinator in Steve Sarkisian calling plays, as well as a trio of first-round talents around him in running back Najee Harris and wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. However, Jones has all the intangibles of his Alabama quarterbacking predecessors.
There is a reason Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts were Heisman Trophy runner-ups in the illustrious college careers. Guess who was in those quarterback rooms as well? Jones throws a great deep ball, plays with a ton of poise in the pocket and is a galvanizing leader that continually plays championship-caliber football. What is not to love about taking Jones in the 20s in 2021?