The Patriots have selected a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft for the first time in 28 years.
With the No. 15 overall selection in the draft, the Patriots selected Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.
Jones started 13 games last season and threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns to go along with four interceptions.
He is now the Patriots' quarterback of the future and will compete with Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham beginning in training camp this summer.
Here are three quick thoughts on the pick.
-- Jones was a tough evaluation because of the talent he had surrounding him at Alabama. He is not a running threat and is closer to Tom Brady than Cam Newton. In fact, Jones was even compared to Brady by a few draft analysts during the pre-draft process.
-- It would appear the Patriots' long-term plan is for him to take his time being ready to start games with Newton the likely starter until that happens. We've seen in recent years that could come as early as during his rookie season. The Patriots obviously were able to get some good insight on him with Nick Saban and Bill Belichick being so close. Josh McDaniels attended his pro day along with Belichick.
-- Jones is known for his competitiveness, which was evident by him not transferring despite being behind Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts and others. He also comes from a family of athletes as his older brother played college soccer at Mercer and his sister tennis at the College of Charleston.