The Patriots selected Mac Jones with the No. 15 overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft, whereas Bailey Zappe was taken as a fourth-round flier.
But the two players’ draft profiles will likely have little bearing on their playing time going forward, says Sean Payton.
Belichick hasn't lost his fastball
In an interview Monday with Colin Cowherd, the high-profile recent NFL head coach says he thinks New England is the “perfect” spot for Zappe, because he’ll be able to keep his place in the lineup if he continues to play well.
“Bill Belichick is just going to go by what he sees. And so not having had a chance to really evaluate Bailey Zappe other than in the green room and watching him, but if Bill feels like that player gives them the best chance to win, that’s who’s going to play,” said Payton.
Payton added that he’s always respected the way Belichick manages his roster, and tried to replicate the same mentality in New Orleans.
“There could be no better place to be undrafted, or a late-round pick, prove your worth, and there will be no politics or whatever relative to you getting on the field,” he said. “He’s going to play, and we used say, ‘We’re selfish, we want to win.’”
The Patriots have gone 2-0 with Zappe starting under center, and their 38-15 win Sunday over the Browns was an impressive offensive showing by any margin. The rookie completed 24-of-34 passes for 309 yards with two touchdowns and no picks.
Jones, conversely, has thrown five interceptions in three games.
The Patriots have always run as a meritocracy under Belichick. Zappe’s impressive performance combined with a reported rift between the team and Jones could mean the Western Kentucky product will stay under center as long as he keeps playing well.