2021 NFL Draft: No need to trade-up as Mac Jones falls to New England
By Ian Higgins
Despite picking from the 15th overall spot in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots finally find their heir-apparent to the quarterback position with Alabama product Mac Jones. Eerily similar to franchise legend Tom Brady, Jones displayed excellent command of the Crimson Tide offense in their run to the national championship.
Combined with a quick release and consistent ball placement, Jones may not be a fit for the current Patriots offensive system, but will certainly come into his own as a game-managing distributor.
Adjusting to the presence of Cam Newton as their starting quarterback, Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick seemingly manufactured a nearly entirely new system around their ball-toting signal-caller to emphasize their physicality on the offensive side of the ball. Led by one of the best offensive lines in football, the Patriots rushing attack has become a central focus in their game plan.
Mac Jones obviously is not the same athlete Cam Newton is, signifying a return to their conventional offense premised around efficient completions and yards after the catch. With James White returning for an additional season as the lead receiving back, Jones can look to utilize his new backfield pass-catcher similarly to former Alabama teammate Najee Harris in their college playoff campaign.
Now with two elite tight ends in the mix for the New England passing game, Jones will have no problem with a shortage of reliable targets like many would have projected previously to New England free-agency madness. Alongside newly-acquired wideouts Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, the New England Patriots offense is primed for a return to form.
Must Read. Mac Jones Scouting Report. light
With this acquisition, New England has officially moved on from project-quarterback Jarrett Stidham and firmly placed the future of their offense into the hands of Jones. Under the direction of Bill Belichick and a grizzled coaching staff, Jones will continue to learn from the best and extract every ounce of potential out of his play.