Robert Kraft feels good about Mac Jones.
Really good.
The Patriots owner raved about the team’s young quarterback when he met with reporters Tuesday at the NFL annual meetings. “I’m a big fan of Mac Jones. I think, I see how hard he works, and he wants everything to go right and he puts the time and energy — and his personality as a team guy,” he said. “So we have a chance. Because without a good coach and a good quarterback, no matter how good the other players are, I don’t think you can win consistently. Hopefully, I believe we have both an outstanding coach and a good young prospect.”
Josh McDaniels has also lavished Jones with praise, saying recently his former protege is the most “mature, young football player” he’s ever met. On Monday, McDaniels extolled Jones’ work ethic.
Kraft did as well.
“He’s such a good person, and humble,” Kraft said. “I come in there sometimes on the weekend, early, he’s there working out, watching film. Just doing things that I wouldn’t believe someone of his background would have that kind of commitment, given his past.”
Jones, a first-round pick and national champion out of Alabama, definitely seems more grounded than his resume would indicate.
Kraft alluded to that, while predicting Jones will become more assertive with age. After all, he’s only 23 years old.
“The guys in the locker room really like him — all the guys,” Kraft said. “I actually believe he has a little more edge than we’ve seen. But he’s been respectful coming in as a rookie. So, I’m very high on him. I think we really, the staff did a great job drafting him. And we’re lucky to have him for our future, and this will be a good pick.”
Jones was the best rookie quarterback last season, completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns. His performance even earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Slow free agency aside, Kraft clearly believes the Patriots are in good hands with Belichick and Jones. Kraft said he expects the Patriots to be “true contenders” as soon as this season.
