Todd McShay explains how Mac Jones reminds him of Tom Brady, Dan Marino
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Alabama QB Mac Jones is a Heisman Trophy finalist and has been incredible all year in 2020.
He’s seen his NFL Draft stock skyrocket, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him declare for the 2021 draft after the conclusion of Alabama’s Playoff run.
One of Jones’s best skills is creating time for himself in the pocket by making subtle movements. In that way, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said Jones reminds him of NFL legends Dan Marino and Tom Brady (via 247Sports):
“Mac Jones is really good moving inside the pocket,” McShay said on ‘Keyshawn, JWill and Zubin.’ “He reminds a little bit of Dan Marino or even Tom Brady in terms of, and I’m not saying the same skill level, but not very mobile but really good inside the pocket.
“(He) understands pressure and where it’s coming from, will climb the pocket and trusts his protection. He has really good protection for the most part and obviously the best wide receiver in the country in DeVonta Smith. Najee Harris gives him that extra bit of balance that the offense needs.”
It’s worth making this clear — McShay isn’t saying Jones is exactly like Brady and Marino. He is simply saying Jones’s pocket presence reminds him of those superstars.
Soon, Jones could have a chance to show what he can do in the NFL. Then we can see if he can live up to those all-time greats.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
