Where does Raiders Derek Carr land in our complete AFC QB rankings?
In the 2021 NFL Draft, there were five quarterbacks selected in the first round. Mac Jones was the fifth. Despite this, Jones went on to have the best rookie season of any rookie quarterback in 2021. With 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and thirteen interceptions, Jones was able to lead the Patriots back to playoffs as well.
Of course, Mac Jones had to fill the massive shoes of Tom Brady. Never an easy task, the Patriots threw everything at the rookie early on. With the whole playbook open to him, it was clear Jones mentally could handle playing quarterback in the NFL. While his arm does have some very worrisome limitations, Jones is capable of being a game manager in the NFL and that has value.
However, that value is not equal to a franchise quarterback. The tricky part of that equation is how does Mac Jones get over that hump? Physically, it would appear that Jones is maxed out. He does not have the elite-level arm strength of Patrick Mahomes or Justin Herbert to bail him out. More worrisome than this is that it would appear he is near his peak mentally as well. After all, he can only become so good in this department.
Truthfully, it is tough for me to ever see Mac Jones becoming an elite NFL quarterback. Regardless, he can still be a good one, which he was in 2021. The final grades for the 2021 QB class are still a long way from being finalized, but Jones certainly wins year one.