49ers: Ranking the quarterback options with third overall pick

4. Mac Jones, Alabama

Connecting Jones with the 49ers was a popular move in the immediate aftermath of the trade and there are several reasons why he makes sense as a fit with San Francisco.

He reads defenses very well and processes quickly, getting the ball out in a hurry and delivering anticipatory throws to his receivers in stride, and can excel against pressure through intelligent movement in the pocket.

Those are all traits Shanahan values highly and Jones’ first pro day, according to the MMQB’s Albert Breer, was attended by Niners director of college scouting Ethan Waugh. Peter King reported on Monday that John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan will attend Jones’ second pro day on Tuesday, with assistant GM Adam Peters likely to head to Columbus to watch Justin Fields work out on the same day.

The argument could therefore be made that Jones is the target and Lynch and Shanahan are laser-focused on ensuring he checks all the boxes before they make the pick.

But, looking purely at the tape, that case falls down when examining Jones’ deficiencies.

He does not have the athleticism to consistently make plays on the move, potentially limiting his upside when running the boot-action plays that are such a critical part of Shanahan’s scheme.

Jones has received substantial praise for his deep-ball accuracy, but the touch and placement he puts on his downfield throws has been overestimated, with star receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle each providing him with significant help in the form of adjustments at the catch point that turned inaccurate deep throws into completions.

There is no question Jones could succeed in a Shanahan offense, but the ceiling of the Niners’ attack would be limited in the same way it is with Garoppolo under center. Jones should be an effective starter in the league, but he is not a prospect who will elevate those around him and is not worth the capital the Niners parted with to get to number three.