Periodically as we go through the offseason, we'll let you know what others are saying about the Patriots' first-round pick at No. 15 and give our thoughts. Here are two of the major draft experts, followed by some selective analysts:
Version 1.0 (Jan. 28th)
[table id=446 /]
Kiper's explanation for the Mac Jones pick:
Look at that -- New England doesn't even have to trade up to find its quarterback. Cam Newton is returning for another season, of course, and that was a smart deal to bring back a well-respected guy whom the rest of the locker room loves. But Newton is not likely to be the Patriots' guy past 2021, and Jones could soak up the pro game for a season before taking over as the starter.
I've gotten in trouble before for saying that a few quarterbacks are "Tom Brady-like," but I'm really talking about accurate, tall pocket passers. I'm not predicting that these guys are going to become Hall of Famers. When I watch Jones, I can see some of the traits that have made Brady so good for so long. Jones is a pinpoint thrower who can manipulate the pocket and find targets down the field. He is a leader in the locker room, too. This is a good fit. (Again, though, I'm not saying he is as good as the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, although you can find my pre-draft scouting report on Brady here).
The explosive linebacker is arguably the best defender in the draft, offering a versatile game that makes him a perfect fit in Bill Belichick's scheme.
Did I mention that I don’t think the quarterbacks will last long? The only way the Patriots' free-agency spending spree works out long term is if they don't have to spend big money on a quarterback. They are now in quite the predicament: If Cam Newton plays too well, they suddenly can’t keep their roster together with what his price tag will be. That means they will likely be in the market in a deep quarterback class because they obviously don’t plan on picking anywhere near the top 10 in 2022.
Bill Belichick knows he needs a quarterback of the future, and Jones may fit the profile of what he's looking for in an accurate, heady signal-caller.
Bedard's reaction: Jones could certainly be that guy for Belichick. I could see it. Since when does Belichick do the most predictable thing? I could also see him trade back, pick up a defensive player or two later, and then using the extra picks to target his QB in Round 2. No, I do not think the fifth-year option is that much of a factor for the team when you consider that if said player is voted to one Pro Bowl in his first four seasons, the QB fifth-year option is very close to the franchise tag number. And if the Patriots' next QB doesn't get voted to the Pro Bowl in his first four seasons, why would you want to keep him around?
OTHER MOCK DRAFTS
Ryan Wilson, CBS
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
It feels like the Patriots filled every last one of their needs in free agency so we have them bolstering their offensive line with Vera-Tucker, who is one of the most versatile O-linemen in this class; he can play guard or tackle at a high level, providing New England with versatility across the unit.
Bedard's reaction: I don't hate it, even if the fans will. Need that beef up front, aren't completely sold on Wynn, and the team's last two LTs were both first-round picks (Nate Solder was 17th overall).