New England Patriots: AFC East is going to be a must watch division
By Riley Hamel
The New England Patriots, along with the New York Jets, drafted their quarterbacks of the future this past weekend in Cleveland, Ohio. Zach Wilson and Mac Jones join the already young roster of QB’s in the AFC East.
For the last 20 years, the AFC East was a carousel of quarterbacks, aside from the man who dawned No.12. The Bills, Dolphins, and Jets struggled to find the right answer, and in turn, fell short in competing with the Patriots for division titles.
But a few years ago, Buffalo found their franchise QB. Josh Allen has progressed incredibly over the last several seasons and now looks to be an annual MVP candidate.
Last year, the Dolphins drafted a young QB they believe is their future star. Tua Tagovailoa sat behind Ryan Fitzpatrick early in the 2020 season, but would eventually find the playing field.
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His results were mixed, but coach Brian Flores saw enough to trade back in this year’s draft, where they could have had their choice between JustinFields, Trey Lance, and Jones.
Mac Jones will be the New England Patriots QB of the future
Putting the other 3 aside, Jones is now the Patriots’ plan. Sure, he’ll probably sit behind Cam Newton at the beginning of the season, but once he’s out there, the goal is to keep him on the field. But, will he?
Jones couldn’t be a better fit for the New England Patriots. He’s smart, high football IQ, accurate with the football, quick decision maker, and an incredible pocket passer
The only thing you could say he lacks is mobility. But what does Bill Belichick and the coaching staff always say? “Don’t tell me what a player can’t do, tell me what they can do.”
The decision to take Mac with the 15th pick in the draft seems to be controversial within the New England fan base. Some are disappointed we didn’t trade up, especially when Fields started to fall, and some wanted Bill to trade all the way up to 4.
In reality, that was never going to happen. Jones was Belichick’s guy all along.
He comes from a program that wins. He comes from a successful system, and most importantly he comes from a coach that Belichick trusts more than almost anyone in football.
This isn’t the first time Bill has looked to Nick Saban during the draft process, just look at the LB who contributed heavily to 2 Super Bowl titles, Mr. Dont’a Hightower.
But the knock on Alabama quarterbacks is they never perform well at the pro level. Although there might be some truth to that, I believe in Saban’s trust in Jones, and I believe Bill does as well.
With all the young talent at quarterback in this division, the running discussion for the foreseeable future will be who’s the best of the pack.
Like I said earlier, Allen has already cemented himself as a great quarterback in this league. Tua showed flashes last season, but still has a long way to go. Now enter the 2nd overall pick, and the first QB to be drafted in the first round by the Patriots since 1993 when the club selected Drew Bledsoe.
It will be a battle, it will be a fantastic test for the young man, but Jones seems to be focused, prepared, and talented enough to make a run at the starting job come Training Camp.
Next. Mac Jones success could shock the NFL. dark
I can’t wait to see what the kid’s got.