clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

New England Patriots links 4/30/21 - Mac Jones era begins, Cam still No. 1; Bring on Day 2!

Daily news and links for Friday

By Marima

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Syndication: Akron Beacon Journal Mike Cardew via Imagn Content Services, LLC

TEAM TALK

LOCAL LINKS

  • Mike Reiss offers his take on the Patriots first-round draft pick, Alabama QB Mac Jones. “Jones played his best in the highest-stakes game, going 36-of-45 for 464 yards and five touchdowns in the title game against Ohio State. That set career highs for completions, attempts and passing yards.”
  • Mike D’Abate (FullPressCoverage) Standing Pat: Patriots select quarterback Mac Jones. “In Jones, the Patriots are procuring the services of a clear leader; as well as a very smart player at the position. His ability to understand pro-level object reads and multiple level progressions has earned him the praise of former Patriots’ coaches Dane Scarnecchia and Charlie Weiss.”
  • Evan Lazar tells us why the Patriots opted for Mac Jones over trading up for Justin Fields. “The former Alabama quarterback also routinely does the little things such as making quick decisions and reads, manipulating defense, moving in the pocket, and throwing with touch, timing, and sound ball placement.”
  • Doug Kyed tells us what the Patriots are getting with their future franchise QB and notes the Pats weren’t enamored with Justin Fields.
  • Jerry Thornton is thrilled the Patriots get Mac Jones, their next franchise QB. ‘Did the Belichick Whisperer do it again or did the Belichick Whisperer do it again?’
  • CBS Boston helps us get to know 22-year-old QB Michael McCorkle “Mac” Jones. /Well, that’s something new.
  • Bob George (PatsFans) Jones now the one to lead Patriots into a new era.
  • Ian Logue (PatsFans) New Patriots QB Mac Jones brings his winning work ethic to New England.
  • Michael Hurley elaborates on Bill Belichick’s statement that as of now, Cam Newton is the starter.
  • Ty Anderson notes Bill Belichick explains the Patriots’ QB situation like only he can: “Cam [Newton]’s our QB,” said Belichick. “Whatever position, whatever time Jarrett [Stidham] or Mac [Jones] are ready to challenge and compete, then we’ll see how that goes. But right now, Mac, he’s just got a lot of learning in front of him.”
  • Alex Barth says Mac Jones ‘secretly wanted to go to the Patriots all along.
  • Matt Dolloff presents a roundup of what the scouts say about new Patriots QB Mac Jones.
  • Doug Kyed highlights what Mac Jones said about being passed by the 49ers. “At the end of the say, you just kind of want to get the right fit.”
  • Adam London notes Mac Jones took to Instagram to celebrate joining the Patriots. “Thankful for the opportunity” “Super excited and blessed to be a Patriot!!! #GoPats”
  • Doug Kyed talks about Bill Belichick declaring Cam Newton the Patriots’ QB after drafting Mac Jones.
  • Jacob Camenker grades the AFC East’s moves after Round 1. Pats: B+, Jets: A-, Dolphins: B, Bills A-.
  • Justin Leger picks the draft winners & losers after Day 1. Patriots: Winners.
  • Alex Barth suggests the Patriots big board for Day 2 of the NFL Draft tonight.
  • Alex Barth passes along a report that teams believe the Pats will attempt to trade up on Day 2.
  • Zack Cox lists the Patriots’ biggest remaining draft needs for Day 2.
  • Andrew Callahan thumbnails several Day 2 prospects on either side of the ball who would fit great here.
  • Patriots Talk Podcast: Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry react to Pats’ selecting Mac Jones in the first round. (24 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

  • Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) Mac Jones didn’t go No. 3, and his slide lasted until the Patriots took him 15th.
  • Tyler Sullivan (CBS Sports) Patriots see Mac Jones fall to them at 15: Jones is the future under center in Foxboro.
  • Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Mac Jones: It’s Cam Newton’s show, I’ll support him any way I can.
  • NFL Nation (ESPN) 2021 NFL draft: Pros and cons for every first-round pick. Patriots Mac Jones biggest question: “Jones was a one-year starter who wasn’t viewed as a first-round caliber prospect entering 2020...”
  • Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Pick-by-pick analysis for Round 1. QB Mac Jones: The Alabama product operates like a pass-first point guard from the pocket with his superb distribution skills. As a steady field general with a high IQ, Jones offers consistency and stability as a potential starter in the league.
  • Gregg Rosenthal (NFL.com) 2021 NFL Draft Day 1 winners, losers. Moving down: Cam Newton’s comeback season.
  • Brent Sobleski (Bleacher Report) NFL Draft 2021: Round 1 grades, analysis for every pick. Patriots: A+.
  • Chad Reuter (NFL.com) Day 1 quick-snap grades for all 32 teams. Patriots: A.
  • Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) 2021 NFL Draft grades for the first 32 picks. Patriots Mac Jones earns a B: ‘It’s the perfect situation for him. He fits in the Josh McDaniels’ offense.’
  • Staff (SI) 2021 NFL Draft Tracker. Patriots: B- ”Mac Jones fits what they like being a drop-back passer. He can win from within the pocket if protected, needing weapons to help him out. Bill Belichick and his staff hope that physical limitations are not too much to overcome for an otherwise promising prospect.”
  • Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) Draft grades & analysis for every pick in Round 1. Patriots: B.
  • Danny Kelly (The Ringer) First round draft grades. Patriots Mac Jones: C+, “Efficient, quick-processing pocket passer who throws with accuracy and touch but lacks top-tier physical traits.” More.
  • Mike Tanier (Football Outsiders) 2021 Draft pick-by-pick analysis: 1-10, 11-20, 21-32. On Mac Jones: “This selection will be hailed as a Belichick coup. In fact, it’s a continuation of an offseason that sees the Patriots building towards a 9-8 record. Grade: C.” /’Eesh.
  • Michael Renner (PFF) Favorite and least favorite picks from Round 1.
  • Cynthia Frelund (NFL.com) 2021 NFL Draft: Day 1’s top value picks.
  • Anthony Treash (PFF) The 6 biggest steals of Round 1.
  • Seth Galina (PFF) Winners and losers of Day 1.
  • Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) Best remaining prospects available in the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • Ben Linsey (PFF) Ideal Day 2 targets for every NFL team. Patriots: Ohio State LB Baron Browning.
  • Analysts (PFF) Ranking the 5 best available prospects at each position ahead of Round 2.
  • Adam Schefter (ESPN) Aaron Rodgers doesn’t want to return to Green Bay Packers, sources say.
  • Rob Demovsky (ESPN) What do the Packers do now that Aaron Rodgers wants out of Green Bay?
  • Charles Robinson (Yahoo! Sports) Packers have only themselves to blame for Aaron Rodgers’ draft day chaos.
  • Mike Fish (ESPN) Records: NFL players’ investments funded controversial high-interest loans.

More From Pats Pulpit