The New England Patriots were rumored before the 2021 NFL draft to have interest in trading up into the top 10 so that they could take a quarterback. Instead, they stayed at No. 15 and selected former Alabama star Mac Jones.
Jones, who slid well past his projected top-10 landing spot, will likely sit behind Patriots starting quarterback Cam Newton on the 2021 depth chart. However, flashes of Jones will likely be seen in his rookie season because Newton is only signed to a one-year deal, and the Patriots will want Jones to gain experience.
One coach from a divisional rival shared his thoughts anonymously with Michael Giardi of NFL Network.
“He processes so well that it will make his lack of athleticism a small issue. And they’ll also be able to run the “O” the way Josh wants it run, especially with the two tight ends they added. Don’t know if Mac was their guy, but it works,” stated the anonymous coach.
There are various factors that went into Jones’ draft-night slide, but the Patriots saw their guy at No. 15 and could very well make him the future of the franchise.