FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Last year at this time, quarterback Mac Jones had yet to take his determined walk across the stage at the 2021 NFL draft as the New England Patriots' first-round pick.
Fast-forward one year and Jones is spending time this week in Tampa, Florida working out with three top returning receivers (Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers) and newcomer DeVante Parker in what could be viewed as a decisive reflection of his willingness to expand his leadership within the team.
It's what many, including those at the highest levels of the organization, hope to see unfold.