An NFC personnel director says that Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones could have been a first round pick last season if he entered the draft, according to Lance Zierlein of College Football 24/7.
While Jones was only a sophomore last season and wouldn't have been eligible to go to the draft, the idea of him being a first round pick actually seems plausible. Jones exploded onto the college football scene last year in the Big 10 Championship game. In his first real start, Jones threw for 257 yards with three touchdowns. Ohio State crushed Wisconsin 59-0, and Jones displayed his talent to the entire football world that day.
Jones would go on to beat Alabama and Oregon on the way to winning a National Championship. With only limited tape of his play, teams may have taken a risk on Jones seeing the upside he could bring. Since Jones chose to stay at school for another season, his value has dropped. "Now we can all see his flaws," said the NFC personnel director, via College Football 24/7.
Jones has the size and arm strength to be an NFL quarterback, but his game tape this season likely has scouts second-guessing. Jones has thrown for 334 yards with two touchdowns through three games, but he has also had three interceptions. The other issue for Jones is that he seems to be regressing, as each game this season his quarterback rating has dropped. This is likely why head coach Urban Meyer pulled Jones against Northern Illinois and put in J.T. Barrett.
"Cardale is going to start," this Saturday, said Meyer, via ESPN. Ohio State will need Jones to play like he did at the end of last season against Western Michigan if they want to stay at the forefront of college football. Luckily for Jones, he still has his job as starter, but if doesn't perform, Barrett will likely take his place.
