Patriots get their QB in Mac Jones, Fantasy Impact

The New England Patriots landed the last of the top-tier quarterbacks in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft Thursday, hanging back at 15th and landing Alabama QB Mac Jones.

(Check out the FTN Mac Jones scouting report here.)

Jones took over for Tua Tagovailoa in 2019. He started all of 2020 and threw for 4,500 passing yards and a 41:4 TD:INT ratio en route to a national title for the Crimson Tide. He joins a Patriots team that brought back Cam Newton from the 2020 team and has a revamped offense after a splurge in free agency.

(Follow along with every pick in the FTN Draft Tracker.)

The Patriots get their Tom Brady heir apparent in Alabama QB Mac Jones with the 15th pick. Jones was downright dominant in 2020, throwing for 4,500 yards (tops in the SEC), 41 TDs (second in the SEC) and just four interceptions. He did, however, have two WRs who were drafted in the top 10 at his disposal (Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith). That’s not a luxury Jones will have in New England, even though the Patriots 2021 offense was revamped in the offseason with the additions of Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.

Cam Newton remains with the Patriots, and there’s a chance they try to win with him again in 2021. The Patriots still have a dominant defense and may feel Newton gives them the best shot this season. It will be a camp battle to watch. However, Newton had a really short leash last season and if he struggles at all in 2021, Jones would be quick to take over.

For fantasy purposes, this is a bit of a mess. Newton’s presence makes 2021 confusing, and the cobbled-together offense makes New England a mystery box. Jones has no rushing upside to speak of and doesn’t need to be on fantasy draft boards for 2021. In dynasty, however, he’s a worthwhile prospect as the clear future franchise QB. — Tyler Loechner