Mac Jones isn’t your typical first round pick.
The New England Patriots quarterback shot his way up the draft boards following an incredible season with Alabama that led to a National Championship victory. Jones threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns with a 77.4 completion percentage.
Before that season, Jones had much less in-game exposure and was sitting behind rising stars in Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts. Jones was the third option in a quarterback room that was loaded with NFL talent. He learned while patiently waiting for his opportunity and that’s why Hurts believes Jones will be successful in the league.
“Mac Jones, he had the opportunity — I think the best way you can learn is to watch,” Hurts said in an interview with WVTM 13 Birmingham. “Watch, take note of those around you, kind of learn the lay of the land, if you will, and learn that way. Mac had a very unique college career where he had to stay patient, and it worked out for him.”
.@MacJones_10 is turning heads w/ the @Patriots & @Eagles QB @JalenHurts saw it coming.
Jalen is in Hoover, AL for his youth camp, & he tells me that he's impressed with Mac, who learned from both him and @Tua at @AlabamaFTBL @UA_Athletics @UofAlabama #JalenHurts @NFL @WVTM13 pic.twitter.com/RI67sOOsjH
— Rick Karle WVTM 13 (@RickKarle) June 26, 2021
Jones entered the elite quarterback room with a learning mindset and he cultivated friendships while keeping the frustration out of the mix.
“He was able to watch me, (and) Tua go through that, get him some burn here and there, and ultimately when it was his time, he took off with it,” Hurts said. “And now he has a great opportunity for his future.”
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