Alabama Football: Mac Jones to the Patriots makes sense

Former Alabama Football Mac Jones is making future NFL teams re-think their Draft plans. Jones to the Patriots would be a great fit.

Back in 2017 who would have thought the Alabama Football signing class included two future NFL first-round quarterback picks? No one is the correct answer. At least no one outside members of Mac Jones’ family.

Mac Jones was a de-committed Kentucky Wildcat and a 3-Star pro-style QB. Based on the 247Sports Composite Jones was the No. 19 pro-style QB in the class, the No. 52 player from the state of Florida and the No. 399 player overall in the nation. Mac was a scrawny kid who looked younger than his age and was far short of physical maturity.

Mac’s first college offers came from East Carolina and Kentucky in the summer of 2015. He committed to the Wildcats that summer and his Alabama Football offer did not come until April 2016. Two months later, Jones flipped from the Wildcats to the Crimson Tide. Mac made the decision after Tua Tagovailoa committed to the Tide. Alabama football fans paying close attention to Jones should have realized two things. Mac Jones was not afraid of competition and was prepared, if necessary, to be patient. Among a quarterback group with Jalen Hurts and Tua, Mac received little public notice.

Over time, his teammates began paying attention. As a scout team quarterback, Mac hit enough long bombs to embarrass first-team defenders. According to Alabama football insiders, a Tide defender suggested Mac shouldn’t ‘light up’ his teammates. Mac suggested they try stopping him instead.

Until Tua was hurt in 2019, Mac didn’t get much game action. His performance in the 2019 Iron Bowl lost Mac favor with some Alabama football fans. In the offseason, vocal Crimson Tide fans were convinced the Crimson Tide could not win a championship with Mac. Heralded, but unproven Bryce Young was favored instead.

Needless to say, Mac proved naysayers wrong. Not only did he lead the Crimson Tide to a Championship, but he also had one of the greatest ever seasons for a college quarterback.

Still, in terms of his NFL career, there are some doubters. Some have claimed he is limited by being a ‘system’ quarterback who flourished because of Steve Sarkisian, DeVonta Smith, Najee Harris and Jaylen Waddle. Those doubts began to fade with Mac’s Senior Bowl experience.

Based on team conversations and scouts’ observations, there is no debate about Jones being a first-round QB. Jones practiced but did not play in the Senior Bowl. Chris Trapasso said of Jones’ performance,

"Jones threw with pinpoint accuracy and fantastic anticipation to receivers he didn’t have any established rapport. A strong week of passing at the Senior Bowl always bodes very well for a quarterback’s stock because coaches love to see one thrive in a difficult environment."

So much for the ‘system’ rap of needing Sark and his Crimson Tide teammates to shine.

More recently, longtime QB Guru, June Jones said he rates Mac the best QB in the Draft.

"Mac’s deep-ball accuracy is probably the best that I have graded in my years of coaching quarterbacks,. He’s almost at 55 percent at over 20 yards, which is unbelievable."

Jacksonville seems sold on drafting Trevor Lawrence, but many NFL teams need quarterbacks. One of them is almost certain to choose Mac Jones in the top 10-12 picks of the first round. Most NFL Draft decisions will not be made for months. The New York Jets, with the No. 2 pick, are expected to take either Zach Wilson or Justin Fields. FCS QB, Trey Lance is expected to be chosen in the first round, but it will take a bold team to pass on Mac Jones and take Lance.

The New England Patriots are not known for NFL Draft boldness. Bill Belichick is known for Draft smartness. The Patriots pick at No. 15 and QB might not be their top need, but if Belichick decides it is, Mac Jones is a great fit. The Patriots might have to trade up to get him and the typical Patriots’ move is to trade down. Assuming Jones is available, he would be an attractive pick for the Patriots. A comparison of Mac Jones to Tom Brady is a massive stretch, but not without any merit.

Like Brady, Jones is a smart QB. Mac does not wow anyone with his athleticism, but neither Brady coming out of Michigan. With a growing possibility, Cam Newton returns to New England for another season, Jones would have time to learn the New England system. Belichick has to think post-Newton, either by Draft or trade. Mac Jones will never be a young Cam. There is room for debate of how far short Mac would be of eventually becoming a Tom Brady.

There is the Saban and Belichick connection. If Nick Saban believes Mac can be a top NFL QB in his second or third season, Belichick might agree.