Mac Jones left little doubt about his status last season: he is the New England Patriots’ quarterback of at least the immediate future. A first-round draft pick in 2021, Jones delivered an impressive rookie season that saw him earn the starting gig in training camp and never look back — even leading the Patriots back to the playoffs.
Jones did have some ups and downs during the year, and appeared to hit the so-called “rookie wall” late in the season, but all in all played some very good football. The arrow is certainly pointing up, but that does not mean the young passer’s talent is universally acknowledged.