7 Senior Bowl players for the Lions to watch out for on offense

Mac Jones, QB – Alabama

The dream is over, and it’s not easy to take. It looks like Matthew Stafford’s time in Detroit is over after the star quarterback approached the team about a trade before the new season.

Whilst there’s a good chance the Lions use their first pick to select Stafford’s successor, you can make the case that they need to address talent across the roster. And Detroit may rather look to use a second first-round selection acquired in the future Stafford trade, or a day two pick to find his successor.

While there are likely no quarterbacks worthy of a top 10 pick at the Senior Bowl this year, there are still a few options. Florida’s Kyle Trask had a great season and will be in Mobile, but I’m much more interested in Alabama’s Mac Jones.

Yes, Jones had a supporting cast built almost entirely of names we will hear on Sundays. But he also produced numbers and performances that eclipsed both Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts. His performance this year may push him up into the first round, but a lot of that will depend on what he shows this week.

Jones is undersized at 6-foot-2 and 205-pounds and is lacking the physical threats of the big 4 quarterbacks in this class. However his poise, accuracy, and decision-making are certainly above average, and whilst he may not have the upside of some of the players drafted early in round one, he has shown he’s a leader and a winner.

Whilst the Alabama offensive line was comfortably the best in the nation (more on that later), Jones also showed that level of poise and decision-making when the pocket did break down around him. He keeps his eyes downfield and makes an accurate throw despite often knowing he’s going to take a lick in the process. That’s what he is likely to see more of in the NFL.

Jones also has a number of beautiful anticipatory throws when receivers aren’t even out of their breaks, and whilst he doesn’t have elite arm strength, he can push the ball when he needs to. His deep ball accuracy in particular is really impressive, as you can see in the clip above as he hits Jaylen Waddle in stride.

Now I’m not 100% convinced Jones is the kind of prospect who will elevate a team like the Lions and their current roster. But if you can give him protection and not ask him to do everything himself he can definitely get the job done.

This week will be particularly interesting to see him work with new receivers and see if his leadership comes to the front.