Report: Mac Jones Living Up To Patriots Expectations

The New England Patriots selected a quarterback in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. It looks like Mac Jones is living up to the expectations. The first-round pick did an excellent job on the field.

NFL insider Albert Breer has something to say about Jones and his role with the team.

Jones took part in last week’s three-day minicamp in Foxboro. A lot of people jumped to conclusions about the rookie based on the reps he did and didn’t receive during spring practices. In his Monday Morning Quarterback column for Sports Illustrated, Breer discussed the quarterback battle.

“…The feedback I’ve gotten on Jones is that he’s what the Patriots thought they were getting when they took him 15th — which is to say he’s a heady field general, if somewhat limited physically. But I would not make much of who he’s lined up with during the spring. More than a couple of people who know that program well, both in reference to Jones and other guys, have mentioned to me how Bill Belichick works reps this time of year. And really, it reflects that the Patriots aren’t in a spot where it’s ‘competitive’ for jobs yet.

“Belichick uses May and June for teaching, fundamentals and conditioning, and mixes and matches players throughout. And he’s never been above using the sessions that are open to the media for his own purposes. The real test, to me, was always going to be in training camp, and more specifically when the pads go on. If Jones is out there with the first offensive-line group then, even if it’s just a percentage of those snaps, then I’d say we know something is afoot. And my sense right now is that Jones has done enough in the spring to merit a real competition with Cam Newton in the summer.”

Mac Jones is living up to Patriots coaches’ expectations

Head coach Bill Belichick and the other members of the coaching staff will have to make a decision following training camp. The team will try to take it slow with the rookie. The 22-year-old may establish himself as the best quarterback option for the Patriots in training camp and preseason.

If this happens, the Patriots will have to make a pick. Will they play safe with Newton? Will they enter the new season with a rookie under center? Well, Belichick has never done anything like this.