With the NFL’s 2021 draft a mere hours away, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay published his final mock simulation of the season. In this one, the New England Patriots stay put and still go their potential quarterback of the future — Alabama’s Mac Jones:
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Because the Niners opted to go with Lance, the Patriots get lucky in this scenario, not having to move up and still landing one of the top five quarterbacks. Jones is an anticipatory passer with excellent accuracy; coach Bill Belichick would help him develop into a good NFL starter.