Wait for former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones to be drafted at No. 15 by the Patriots

 BOSTON, Mass. (AP) — Mac Jones has only visited New England once, on a cruise trip to Boston about ten years ago.

His residual recollection? When his sandal became trapped in an escalator, he was on the verge of losing a foot.

Mac Jones at No. 15

Soon, he'll be back, probably as the Patriots' potential quarterback in their most significant attempt to date to find a long-term replacement for Tom Brady.

The Patriots drafted the former Alabama quarterback with the No. 15 overall pick in the NFL draught on Thursday, making him Bill Belichick's first first-round quarterback selection in his 21-year career in New England.

Jones said, "For me, it's just being myself and being my own player." “Obviously, (Brady) accomplished a lot for New England. I'm so excited to get in there and get to work.”

Jones will start at the bottom of the depth chart, according to Belichick.

Belichick said, "Right now, Mac just has a lot of work ahead of him."

Jones, who grew up as a Brady fan, said he saw plenty of Brady when he first started watching football.

Jones said, "I've watched every Super Bowl, regardless of the team." “Of course, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were involved in a number of them.”

The Patriots were expected to have to trade up to get one of the top five quarterbacks in this year's draught class. Jones, it turned out, had landed right in their laps.

Top-rated prospects Justin Fields and Jones were still up for grabs after Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Trey Lance were taken in the first three picks.

In a trade with the Giants, the Bears went up from No. 20 to No. 11 to pick Fields, leaving only Jones available.

Jones has been on the Patriots' radar for quite some time, as shown by their pre-draft scouting. They sent scouts to the Senior Bowl, and Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels also went to Alabama's pro day. Jones said the conversations continued through multiple video calls as well.

Jones won the Davey O'Brien Award for best quarterback in college football in 2020 while playing for Belichick's lifelong friend and former coaching colleague Nick Saban. Following Tua Tagovailoa (taken fifth in 2020) and Richard Todd, he is the third former Crimson Tide quarterback to be selected in the first round since 1967. (sixth in in 1976).

Jones, who led Alabama to a national title while completing an NCAA-record 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only four interceptions in his lone year as the Crimson Tide's full-time starter, arrives in New England after a season in which he led Alabama to a national title while completing an NCAA-record 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only four interceptions.

After finishing 7-9 in 2020 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, he joins a Patriots team in transition. Cam Newton's inability to find his feet in the offence since taking over for Brady following his free agent departure to Tampa Bay was one of the reasons.

Newton was re-signed in the offseason, but only for a one-year contract. Jarrett Stidham, his replacement last season, was passed over for the starting job and has struggled in limited play during his first two years in the league.

Jones mentioned that he is not concentrating on being the starter at this time. For the time being, he's revelling in the irony of a quarterback room that includes two Auburn alums in Newton and Stidham, as well as a newcomer from rival Alabama. He places a high value on education.

“Cam has already won the team's admiration. And it's my responsibility to support him and Jarrett and, if I can, help them improve as players,” Jones said. “I've never played in the NFL, but I've seen some great football. And I'm certain that I can assist them with anything they require.”

UP NEXT

The Patriots have the 14th pick in Round 2 (46th overall) and the 33rd pick in the third round (the highest compensatory spot at 96th overall) heading into Day 2. The latter option was given to New England in part because Brady was able to land in Tampa Bay and win the Super Bowl last season.

Although they did well in the first round of free agency, they still have holes to fill at safety, linebacker, receiver, and on the offensive line.