Compared to last year when five quarterbacks were drafted in the first 15 picks, this year’s class, led by dual-threat Malik Willis and Heisman finalist Kenny Pickett, has generated minimal buzz with surprisingly little clarity leading up to April 28th’s opening round. The consensus seems to be that this year’s crop of quarterbacks is nothing to write home about with flawed prospects aplenty. Even Willis and Pickett lack the polish we’ve come to expect from first-rounders with many in the industry not convinced either will emerge as NFL difference-makers.
Addressing reporters during Thursday’s conference call, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. opined that Patriots Pro Bowler Mac Jones would have been the top quarterback in this year’s draft class. Jones was the fifth quarterback taken in 2021, following Trevor Lawrence (first overall), Zach Wilson (No. 2), Trey Lance (No. 3) and Justin Fields (No. 11).
Despite leading Alabama to an undefeated season during his breakout 2020, many talent evaluators were skeptical of Jones’ ceiling, citing his relative lack of arm strength. And while that assessment may still carry water among some members of the scouting community, Jones largely exceeded expectations in his debut season, leading New England back to the playoffs while finishing runner-up to Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Though he may not be the fleetest of foot, Jones’ athletic limitations haven’t done much to hinder his success, even if the Patriots had to resort to smoke and mirrors at times, scheming to the 23-year-old’s strengths. Blessed with rare poise and attention to detail, Jones offers many of the same traits and intangibles as his Patriots predecessor Tom Brady, blasphemous as that comparison may seem.
In a new mock draft released earlier this week, Kiper had the Patriots selecting Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd with the 21st overall pick. Audacy’s Jasper Jones also had New England drafting a linebacker—unanimous All-American Nakobe Dean—in his first-round mock published Wednesday.
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