One of the biggest criticisms of Mac Jones entering the NFL last year was his supposed low ceiling. The Alabama prospect did not offer the biggest natural arm, nor some intriguing athletic traits to make him a dual-threat option at the next level. He also was seen as more scheme-dependent than other first-round prospects in 2021.
The New England Patriots did not care about any of this. Instead, they just said “thank you” when Jones dropped into their lap in last spring’s draft and picked him up as the 15th overall player off the board.
Jones quickly won New England’s starting gig over incumbent Cam Newton, and never looked back.