The New England Patriots managed to draft a promising replacement for Tom Brady in Mac Jones. Will the second-year quarterback continue to show improvement in 2022?
Filling the shoes of a future Hall of Famer is a tough task for any young quarterback. Asking a rookie to compete at the level of Tom Brady is even more of an ask.
When Brady left Gillette Stadium to play for the Buccaneers in 2020, the Patriots were left to fill in their missing pieces. Bill Belichick’s last three seasons were dedicated to finding the right leader for his offense.
After experimenting with veterans like Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer, New England set its sights on the upcoming draft.
Putting all our Faith in the Mac
With the 15th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Mac Jones from the University of Alabama. An outstanding college career provided proof New England needed to validate their decision.
Jones finished his junior season at Alabama and ranked first in the SEC in pass completions, pass completion percentage, and passing yards per attempt. His 6,126 career passing yards made it easy for New England’s front office to buy into Mac’s game.
Avoiding the headlines was impossible for the Patriots’ newest acquisition. Maintaining the level of excellence created by his successor became vital for Mac’s development. It did not take long for Jones to understand what Patriots football was about.
Mac’s performances on the field in his first season shocked opposing teams. Jones finished his first season ranked 13th in passing yards.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1437169191254065152
A Mac Jones connection
A successful first season was a good way to start Jones’ career. Momentum from the Patriots’ 10-7 finish last season has caused teams within the division to make the most of their off-season.
While the Dolphins focused on signing All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill, New England shopped for a new receiver of their own. The decision to add veteran Devante Parker to the team receiving core.
Parker’s six-foot-three frame has helped the seventh-year route runner become an easy target for developing receivers.
DeVante Parker Impressed With Mac Jones' Arm: 'He Was Zipping It' https://t.co/RnsCRaWl5a
— WBZ Boston Sports (@wbzsports) April 21, 2022
Before joining New England’s dynasty, Parker made a living helping Tua Tagovailoa develop as an NFL passer. During his time in Miami, Devante recorded over four thousand yards receiving and twenty-four touchdowns.
Rostering another weapon to utilize on the outside will only improve the teams’ aerial attack, making Mac Jones a quarterback to watch next season.
Mark Craft and the Patriots organization understand growing pains come with grooming a young quarterback.
Patience and understanding helped Tom Brady develop into one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history. If Mac Jones continues to improve, the Patriots will be in good shape shortly.