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2021 NFL Draft: Five first-round targets for the New England Patriots

By Ian Higgins

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) gestures during a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) gestures during a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction /
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2021 NFL Draft, New England Patriots, Mac Jones
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: 2021 NFL Draft prospect Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide directs the offense during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

10

Mac Jones QB

Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Alabama Crimson Tide Football /

Scouting Report

2020 Starter: Cam Newton (FA)

One of the biggest remaining mysteries of current NFL rosters, the New England Patriots are yet to bring on a legitimate candidate to start at quarterback for the 2021 campaign. With the most likely option becoming the return of a shoulder injury-riddled Cam Newton, the New England Patriots need to genuinely consider the introduction of a rookie quarterback to the offense over the likes of any currently available veteran.

At number fifteen overall, the New England Patriots find themselves out of reach of any of the big four entering the 2021 NFL Draft, but could see a shot at the prospect which has drawn comparisons to the greatest of all time for his doggedness and knowledge of the game.

Showcasing an unheralded command of the Alabama offense in the national championship game, Mac Jones proved that he is one of the most intelligent and pre-snap capable quarterbacks of the 2021 NFL Draft, making him one of few quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft that teams would feel comfortable starting as a rookie.

When a 24-year-old Tom Brady took command of the New England Patriots offense following the injury of franchise centerpiece Drew Bledsoe, the team operated within their boundaries and found success letting Brady manage the game on the shoulders of a dominant defense led by Ty Law, Teddy Bruschi, and Lawyer Milloy.

Following a similar blueprint, the New England Patriots of modern-day could see a replication of their past success under the leadership of Mac Jones.

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