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Opinion: Should the New England Patriots Be Excited About the Mac Jones Draft Pick?

With the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the New England Patriots selected Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. And after being drafted one couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Mac Jones and a certain Patriots legend named Tom Brady.

While Brady was not as hyped during his drafting process, Jones was among the five quarterbacks people predicted would be taken in the first round of the draft. 

Jones was the fifth QB to be taken in the first round of the draft. And while he does share certain similarities with Tom Brady, there are doubts whether or not he can deliver on the big stage. 

Thus heading into the new season, there’s one question on every Patriots fans’ mind. Is there sufficient reason to be excited about the drafting of Mac Jones

Bill Belichick has a plan for Mac Jones 

The New England Patriots are among one of the winningest franchises of NFL. Winning six Super Bowls, the franchise is tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for most Super Bowl wins. 

And a large part of that success can be credited to the pair of Head Coach Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady. The duo won the six Super Bowl titles together as the franchise went from playoff outsiders to one of the most dominant NFL dynasties of all time. 

Since Brady’s departure before the 2020 season though things have been different. The Pats brought in Cam Newton to fill in for Brady. But then again that didn’t quite go to plan. 

READ MORE – ‘Against Aaron Rodgers for Years’ – Stephen A. Smith Blasts the Green Bay Packers for Their Treatment of Star QB

 

Missing the playoffs while Brady won another Super Bowl, the Patriots know that they still need answers at their QB position. While the franchise signed Newton back on a one-year contract for 2021, he is viewed by many as a bridge quarterback. 

A belief that has only been solidified further by the drafting of Mac Jones. It is clear that Mac Jones will take over from Newton as the future QB of the franchise. 

And there’s every reason to be excited about this change in personnel. Mac Jones has an eerily similar playing style to that of Tom Brady. Both are proficient pocket passers. 

Mac Jones New England Patriots
Jan 28, 2021; Mobile, Alabama, USA; American quarterback Mac Jones of Alabama (10) drills during American practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Neither are known to run the ball to gain yards and instead depend on their arm’s accuracy to make plays. Another similarity in their playing style is their pocket presence.  

Though the two aren’t runners, they are mobile on their feet within the pocket. They have the instinct to make plays in the tightest of spaces. A pocket passer with elite awareness, it’s not surprising to see why Bill Belichick, who is also the GM of the franchise, made the pick. 

To many, Mac Jones is the closest thing the NFL has seen to Tom Brady than the man himself. And given the success Brady brought along with Belichick, it’ll be interesting to follow the progression of Mac Jones.

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