Washington Football Team: 3 prospects to avoid in 2021 NFL Draft

1. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones just had a historic season in college. However, he is polarizing because of his limited upside and incredible college supporting cast. He had a lot of help, and that may make him undesirable to many.

Jones has talent. He is a fairly solid decision-maker and he is accurate. He could become a solid NFL starting quarterback. However, the need to avoid him is not all about his abilities. It is his value in this draft

There are reports that the San Francisco 49ers traded up to select Mac Jones third overall. Despite Jones’ positives, he simply is not a quarterback worth taking with a top 3 pick, and that is the problem that surfaced.

Jones will not be available at pick 19. If the Football Team wants to select him, the team will probably need to trade up to do so. This is a mistake, and it could negatively affect the team for years after the fact, as it will give up valuable assets for a quarterback with a lower ceiling.

Does this mean Jones is inherently awful in that situation? No, not really. Jones could actually flourish in Washington. If he slips to 19, he may be a justifiable selection. However, he does not have the ceiling to justify giving up assets.

There are other options for the Football Team if it wants to have a younger, developmental quarterback. Jones’ upside is that he does not need the same amount of development as quarterbacks who will go later, but he will price himself out of being a justifiable pick. Washington will regret it if it trades up for him.