Standing Pat: Patriots Select Quarterback Mac Jones

The New England Patriots have apparently found their new franchise quarterback.  

With the 15th selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected signal-caller, Mac Jones, of Alabama.

For all the speculation surrounding New England trading up to select Ohio State’s Justin Fields, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, or Jones himself, the Patriots stood pat at number 15.  Without having to surrender additional draft capital, the Pats obtained the player, whom they had coveted right along.  

Jones had an impressive season as Alabama’s starter in 2020. He completed 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. His season culminated with leading the Crimson Tide to the National Championship.

In Jones, the Patriots are procuring the services of a clear leader; as well as a very smart player at the position. His ability to understand pro-level object reads and multiple level progressions has earned him the praise of former Patriots’ coaches Dane Scarnecchia and Charlie Weiss. Jones has also demonstrated an understanding of the variety of concepts that will be required of him to succeed in the Patriots offensive system under head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.  

Jones’ naysayers will point to his limitations outside the pocket, as  the reason for the Patriots’ making a mistake with this section.  While it is an accurate assessment to describe his arm strength is average, he does demonstrate more athleticism than for which he is given credit.  Jones has great field awareness and is capable of moving up in the pocket and delivering the ball to his target, accurately and on-time. He is not a quarterback that will routinely create off-script plays outside the pocket. However, he has shown (even as recently as his Pro-Day workouts and Senior Bowl practices) that he has enough mobility to take advantage of the space he has within the pocket. 

In New England, Jones will join a quarterback room that includes incumbents Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham and Jake Dolegala.  While it is unlikely that Jones will earn the Pats’ starting job in the advent of his rookie season, he is clearly the future plan at the position in Foxboro. The best way to fit into the Patriots’ offense is to win pre-snap reads, make anticipatory throws and demonstrate the ability to get the ball out on time.

Mac Jones can do that…and the team with which the Patriots will surround him in 2021, will allow him to do just that. 

-Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and Columnist for Full Press Coverage. He covers the New England Patriots and provides NFL editorial content. He is also the host of the Locked On Patriots podcast. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC