2021 Senior Bowl: 5 players to watch

Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Jones enjoyed a stunning lone season as a starter for the Crimson Tide that ended with him as a Heisman Trophy finalist and with him leading Nick Saban’s team back to the top of the mountain as they routed Ohio State to win the National Championship.

Jones finished the season with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He demonstrated an ability to process extremely quickly when going through his progressions and consistently delivered the ball with anticipation.

He also displayed hugely impressive accuracy and touch in throwing downfield, building a great rapport on deep balls with Heisman winner Smith and Jaylen Waddle before the latter’s season was disrupted by an ankle injury.

While Smith’s status as a first-round and likely top-10 pick appears to be secured, Jones’ draft standing would benefit greatly from a strong week of practice.

Jones’ success is viewed by many as a product of having such a tremendous level of talent around him at Alabama. Given the traits he displayed throughout their unbeaten season, that is an unfair critique and his week at the Senior Bowl offers him the opportunity to dispel it.

If he succeeds, Jones could make it five quarterbacks to come off the board in the first round.