New England Patriots: Mac Jones earns Pats an ‘A’ on Day 1 of NFL Draft

The New England Patriots earned a straight-A on their draft selection of Mac Jones as they landed a top 5 (or better) rookie quarterback at No. 15.

Now, this is the second time in the two years that grade has been delivered after Day one. True enough. Last year, a trade down set up the Patriots for a nice Day two. Unfortunately, they largely flunked that day’s test, absent the selection of safety Kyle Dugger who could be really good.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft set the tone

The keystone underlying this year’s success thus far is the football operation, of course, but an even more important factor lies elsewhere. It’s with the owner, Robert Kraft.

Mr. Kraft made it clear that he wanted the quarterback situation solidified, and the implication was early in the draft. It was. Message received, and excellent addition selected in Mac Jones.

The second “suggestion” let’s call it by Mr. Kraft was to generally have a good draft. The implications, no additional silly reaches, just selections of solid consensus type players who for once can actually play.

A repetition of the disastrous tight end selections last year in which two third-round tight ends contributed five catches total and another two top picks (one in the second and another in the third round) essentially did nothing is clearly not what Mr. Kraft is looking for.

They have a chance this year to double down on a good first day of the draft by making the right moves in the rest of the draft, especially on Day two.