Mac Jones Receiving Plenty Of Praise From Patriot Teammates During OTAs

Former Alabama quarterback and current New England Patriots rookie Mac Jones has already made a strong first impression in the NFL.

"The couple of days we’ve had together, he’s definitely been easy to work with,” Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers told reporters. “He probably won’t run past everybody so throwing a catchable ball is definitely something that got him to where he is, and he’s blessed to have the arm talent he has. It’s definitely nice working with him. He does throw a catchable ball. All the guys, I feel like they’re here for a reason. I feel like that’s definitely one of the reasons he’s here.”

Jones and many other Patriots are participating in organized team activities. He was expected to be selected somewhere in the top 10 of the most recent NFL draft. Some had him pegged as high as top five. He instead dropped all the way to 15th.

But he has since said he's glad he landed with the Patriots, a traditional power that gave the world a former sixth-round pick by the name of Tom Brady. So being drafted 15th overall (Jones) is a lot better than 199th overall (Brady).

And the Patriots sound equally glad that Jones is there.

“I think he looks good all around,” offensive lineman Michael Onwenu said. “I think he fits the personnel and fits the team.”

Jones is likely to start the season as the backup to Cam Newton. Former Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham, a fourth-round pick in 2019, and veteran Brian Hoyer of Michigan State are also on the roster.

“The whole room, I think, it’s nice to go out there and compete,” Meyers said. “Everyone brings their own different aspect to the game — Mac, Cam, Stid, Hoy. I feel like it is a great group of quarterbacks. They all work well with each other. They bring a lot of energy each in their own way. I am enjoying Mac, and I am enjoying the rest of the guys."

The Patriots are coming off a 7-9 finish. Jones is coming off a national championship with the Crimson Tide. So he very well could be a welcome addition for more than just the way he looks with the other rookies.

Jones went 311-of-402 passing, with 41 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions as a junior last season.

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Sam Amico spent 15 years covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and NBA.com, along with a few other spots, and currently runs his own basketball website on the side, FortyEightMinutes.com.