Only Trevor Lawrence has better Offensive Rookie of the Year odds than Patriots quarterback Mac Jones

For the first time since Bill Belichick took over as their head coach and general manager in 2000, the New England Patriots invested a first-round draft choice in the quarterback position: the Patriots brought Alabama’s Mac Jones aboard with the 15th overall pick to help address the biggest question mark on an otherwise talented roster.

While it remain to be seen whether or not Jones will have an immediate impact — or if the Patriots will continue to move forward with Cam Newton as their starting quarterback — the oddsmakers still feel confident in his outlook. According to William Hill Sportsbook, only first overall draft choice Trevor Lawrence has better odds at being named Offensive Rookie of the Year this season:

• QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: +220
• QB Mac Jones, New England Patriots: +650
• QB Zach Wilson, New York Jets: +650
• QB Justin Fields, Chicago Bears: +650
• QB Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers: +750
• TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons: +1000
• RB Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers: +1000

His odds alone do not automatically make Jones one of the favorites to win the coveted OROY trophy. He is no lock to win the starting gig, as mentioned above, and other factors such as the players around him will also impact his potential success this year relative to Trevor Lawrence and company.

Still, his odds compared to the higher-drafted Zach Wilson, Trey Lance and Justin Fields are a reflection of Jones having joined arguably the best situation among all of the first-round quarterbacks drafted this year.