4 boom-or-bust prospects the Vikings might gamble on in 2021
By Dean Jones
Mac Jones – QB (Alabama)
There is little disputing the fact that Mac Jones is one of the more polarizing NFL Draft prospects entering the league this year. The former Alabama standout enjoyed a phenomenal 2020 season where he emerged out of Tua Tagovailoa’s shadow en route to yet another National Championship for the Crimson Tide. However, many are skeptical about whether he can become a starting-caliber quarterback at the next level.
Jones is never going to blow anyone away with elite quickness and mobility, that’s not his game. He is a smooth pocket passer who possesses accurate distribution and intelligence that already appears NFL-ready, so once the top-four prospects are off the board, then his name will likely be the next called for players at the position.
The Vikings currently have Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, who played well in 2020 following the bye week despite what some who have it out for him would have you believe. But with just two years remaining on his deal, the time might be upon the front office to start looking at a potential replacement down the line.
Getting quarterbacks that develop over time hasn’t been successful for Minnesota of late. So even though they have more pressing priorities, the chances of them picking this high next year are slim.
Jones is a feast or famine proposition for any team, of that there is little doubt. If the Vikings end up taking the signal-caller, let him learn behind Cousins until his time comes, it could be the making of him.