Mac Jones has experienced a meteoric rise over the last 12 months.

At this time last year, many were wondering how big of a dropoff there would be when Jones stepped into the lineup to replace Tua Tagovailoa as Alabama’s full-time starting quarterback in 2020.

Of course, there was no dropoff in Tuscaloosa.

Instead, the Crimson Tide offense got better under Jones and now the program’s star receivers that played with both quarterbacks are all touting Mac over Tua to anyone that asks the question.

After leading Alabama to an undefeated national championship season, which resulted in Jones being named a Heisman Trophy finalist after throwing for 4,500 yards with a touchdown to interception ratio of 41-4, the NFL has now warmed on the Crimson Tide signal-caller.

Jones is expected to go in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft with Washington, Carolina and New England named as teams to watch for Jones.

During a Monday afternoon teleconference, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. added his name to the list of analysts expecting Jones to be taken in the first round of the draft.

How high should fans expect Jones to be drafted?

“I think top 15, I think New England at 15 would be the furthest he would be able to drop,” Kiper said on the call according to Charlie Potter of 247Sports.

Not bad for a quarterback some thought may lose his starting spot to true freshman Bryce Young leading up to the 2020 season.