Much of that is based on what they hear from around the league. Their colleagues and other teams feel Jones might be the pick, despite the overwhelming opinion that the selection would be a reach.
NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks doesn't even view Jones as worthy of a first-round pick, much less No. 3 overall.
"Perhaps the Alabama quarterback is a secret member of The Avengers, operating like Tony Stark as Iron Man," wrote Brooks in a recent feature for NFL.com. "... While I'm not issuing a complete dismissal of Jones' talents as a pinpoint passer with nice timing, touch and anticipation, he significantly benefited from playing behind an NFL-caliber offensive line with first-round talents at wide receiver and running back. The Crimson Tide offense was the armored suit that elevated Jones' game, and scouts need to keep his production in perspective when gauging his talent."
Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are widely expected to go one and two, respectively, in the draft. The latter is more of a lock after the New York Jets traded quarterback Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers.
Where does that leave the 49ers in the mind of Brooks' colleague and podcast co-host, analyst Daniel Jeremiah? With the player consuming much of the chatter—Jones. The analyst released his latest mock draft on Tuesday, and, like so many others, he doesn't sound too confident about the value of selecting the former Crimson Tide quarterback that high.
"I'm not surprised San Francisco traded up to No. 3," wrote Jeremiah. "I am surprised that everything you hear points toward Jones being the Niners' pick at No. 3."
Where does that leave Trey Lance of North Dakota State and Justin Fields of Ohio State, the two quarterbacks viewed as having greater upside? Jeremiah has the Atlanta Falcons acquiring their eventual Matt Ryan replacement in Lance with the next selection—No. 4 overall. Fields drops down to the Detroit Lions at No. 7, even though the team added Jared Goff via a trade.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Jordan Watkins soaking in coaching points from two veteran teammates
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans has missed the last two games due to Achilles tendinitis, but that doesn't mean he hasn't continued to impact the team. One benefit of signing Evans this past offseason was the veteran receiver's potential influence on younger... -
49ers address looming Trent Williams dilemma in PFF 2027 mock draft
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams continues to play at a high level at 38 years old. However, he has made it clear that his current contract is likely to be the final one of his NFL career. In recent years, analysts have urged the 49ers to use a premium draft pick... -
49ers add protection for Brock Purdy in 3-round 2027 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers could go in several directions in the 2027 NFL Draft, but one analyst believes the team could prioritize protecting quarterback Brock Purdy. San Francisco has generally refrained from investing significant draft capital in offensive linemen, but that... -
49ers' John Lynch addresses Mac Jones trade speculation
The November 10 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and with several quarterback injuries around the league, speculation is growing about the future of San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones. The 49ers have an intriguing bargaining chip in Jones, but...