3 NFL Draft prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers should avoid

3 NFL Draft prospects the Steelers should avoid

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks for an open receiver against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter of the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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Pittsburgh Steelers draft rumors, Mac Jones

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – DECEMBER 12: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on December 12, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 52-3. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

1. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Jones’ draft stock is on the rise on the back of a terrific season at Alabama. Before the 2020 season began he was projected as a late round pick. Now Jones is getting serious buzz as a signal-caller who could go in the top-20.

That might cause some Steelers fans to believe Jones could provide their favorite team outstanding value at No. 28. That simply isn’t the case. NFL scouts who believe he’s worthy of a Day One pick are ignoring the obvious luxury he has with the Crimson Tide. He’s had the privilege of throwing to multiple first round wide receiver talents on the season.

Jones is an intriguing NFL prospect, but it’s fair to wonder how he would look playing with a more ordinary supporting cast. The degree of difficulty for him has been low all season long. Teams need to view his tape through that lens if they want to get an accurate evaluation of his skills.

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The Steelers cannot afford to look at him and see Roethlisberger’s obvious replacement. Jones has a chance to develop into a quality starter in time, but he doesn’t have the ceiling of a Pro Bowler at the game’s most important position. Pittsburgh needs to look for more upside. Spending a first rounder on Jones would really limit the Steelers’ offensive ceiling moving forward. That’s not a mistake the team can afford to make in Round 1.

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