The NFL is an ever-evolving platform for exceptional talents to kick off their professional career with one amongst the 32 teams. Last year, the New England Patriots were the luckiest club to have drafted a new quarterback in the form of Mac Jones into the roster.
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From the available pool of rookie quarterbacks in 2021, Jones was statistically above all of them. As a result, the 23-year-old was drafted for a four-year deal by the Patriots. However, ESPN’s draft analyst Mel Kiper says the situation might have been different if he were there in this year’s QB class.
Mel Kiper heaps praise for the Patriots’ QB
Despite losing the star quarterback Tom Brady in 2020, the Patriots were clever enough to recruit a youngster into the position. Mac Jones was the fifth and final quarterback selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.
However, according to Mel Kiper, the Patriots QB had the potential to become the No.1 quarterback prospect had he waited a year and entered the draft in 2022.
“Mac probably would have edged all the quarterbacks out,” Kiper said. “Knowing what we know now, he’d be No.1,” Kiper added to his speculations while talking to the reporters on Thursday.
If Mac Jones was in this year's QB class, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said he'd be right at the top.
"Mac probably would have edged all the quarterbacks out," Kiper says. "Knowing what we know now, he'd be No. 1."
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 14, 2022
In the previous year’s draft, out of the rest of the rookie quarterbacks, Jones was the last one to get drafted. The Alabama alumni got selected in the first round of the 2021 draft for a four-year deal. The rookie contract was worth $15.59 million; however, fully guaranteed.
Meanwhile, these speculations reflect the poor condition of this year’s class. With Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder and Kenny Pickett projected to go in the top two rounds, it would be exciting to see how much each of them receive for the upcoming seasons.
“I’d say if you put Mac in this class, he’d probably be right there with Kenny Pickett and Malik Willis. I remember last year he was the fifth quarterback taken but I had him ranked higher than that at No.4 (among quarterbacks),” Kiper added to his speech.
Mac Jones is an exceptional talent
The 23-year-old surprised everyone from the very first day he took charge as the starter for the Patriots. Among all other QBs, Jones had the best rookie season. He led the Patriots to a 10-7 record and had 3,801 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions with a 67.6 completion percentage.
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Even though fans were skeptical about his arm strength and mobility, Jones’ quick processing skills helped the Patriots get back to the AFC playoffs. Subsequently, he earned Pro Bowl and PFWA All-Rookie Team honors the same year. If the star continues to sustain his performance the Patriots may consider retaining him for the long run.
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