Former Patriots OC Says Mac Jones Has Two Key QB Qualities

Is Alabama quarterback Mac Jones the next Tom Brady?

Well, let's not go that far. But Jones does have some key qualities of a winning quarterback, according to former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.

And since Weis used to be the offensive coordinator for Brady, Weiss ought to know. Via ESPN, Weiss said Brady has the "it" factor -- and that Jones has it, too.

“You talk about being around good players. Yeah, he was around good players," Weis said of Jones and the national champion Crimson Tide. "But playing on a team with a bunch of stars, who is the leader of the offense? He also had to make all those throws. I think the kid is an excellent quarterback. He has less holes than just about anybody.”

“If you’re looking for a guy that’s going to be running for 30 yards on a regular basis, that’s not your guy. But he can move in the pocket, and from the pocket, and run the ball when he absolutely needs to.”

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has Jones being taken by the Carolina Panthers in April's NFL draft. Others have suggested he could wind up with (drum roll, please) the Patriots, drafting ninth overall.

But Weis wouldn't go as far as to say the Patriots must take Jones if he's available.

“I don’t want to be one of those people telling them how they are dumbasses if they don’t do that,” Weis said.

The Jacksonville Jaguars own the No. 1 pick and are widely expected to take Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence.