2021 NFL Draft: Mac Jones lands in best possible spot with Patriots

The New England Patriots had never drafted a quarterback in the first round until Thursday when they picked Alabama’s Mac Jones. After being picked No. 15, he won’t be expected to start immediately, especially with Cam Newton there. But Jones is obviously the future.

In his recent past, though, Jones threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns while leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship. He threw for so many yards and scores that two of his teammates, wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, were both drafted Thursday, as well. Smith even won the Heisman Trophy; Jones finished third.

Heading to the Patriots is a tough gig for a young quarterback who will draw plenty of comparisons to the legend Tom Brady. Everybody knew what New England was getting when Newton signed. He wasn’t going to suddenly become a dink-and-dunk passer who never extended plays. Mac Jones is the pocket-passing quarterback Patriot fans’ are became accustomed to.

Mac Jones will have time to learn

Not starting immediately shouldn’t be a problem for Jones, especially with a franchise like New England. While at Alabama, Jones sat behind both Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa for stints. That’s a talented position group, but I guess I could say that about all of the Crimson Tide’s units.

After North Dakota State’s Trey Lance and Ohio State’s Justin Fields went Nos. 3 and 11, respectively, Jones was the top remaining quarterback on the board, and New England’s future fell into their lap. They’ll need to capitalize on their nine other picks to build a youthful roster around Jones, as they’ve been big spenders in free agency recently.