Josh McDaniels Reveals What Patriots Liked About Mac Jones Pre-Draft

The New England Patriots had a few great reasons to select Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Head coach Bill Belichick used his 15^th overall pick to get the quarterback. It was a really good decision for the team.

Coach Belichick has never taken a signal-caller in a first-round in his time with the Patriots. What made him change his approach? Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels really like Jones and they even spent a high selection to get him. The whole thing is related to Jones’ ability to win with the Crimson Tide.

“Look, Mac, he’s won a lot of games in the last year-plus at Alabama,” McDaniels told reporters on Thursday, via NESN.com.

Patriots wanted Mac Jones and used a high pick in the draft

Jones is a winner and that’s not the only reason Belichick had to get the player. He had just four interceptions in 13 games in 2020. The rookie played against high-level competition in the group.

“He’s played in some big games, some pressure situations. He takes care of the football,” McDaniels continued. “He’s demonstrated an ability to function at a pretty high level in their system and their offense with their terminology. He competed in a league that is, I would say, is widely regarded as one of the top conferences, if not the top conference, in all of college football. To play the position of quarterback there’s not just one thing you need to do well. He certainly stood out in certain obvious ways relative to throwing the football and command and protecting the ball and not hurting his football team.”

Many NFL analysts believe that Jones will be the starting quarterback for the Patriots in the future. He may have to wait for a while. He will also have to get enough experience to lead the team. Cam Newton will be starting games for the Patriots in the upcoming season.

Newton struggled in his first year with the Patriots. This time he has a lot of weapons. In other words, thigns will go really easy for the 2015 NFL MVP.