Why Patriots could get best evaluation of Mac Jones at Alabama pro day

While Mac Jones could fall out of the New England Patriots‘ range in the 2021 NFL Draft, that’s not going to stop head coach Bill Belichick from doing his due dilgence.

The man has already sent scouts to look at Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, who’s widely expected to go No. 1 overall. Why would he stop at someone like Jones, who could potentially fall late into the first round (though that narrative has changed after the 49ers traded up)?

We’ve already seen Jones sling it last week and he’ll be doing it again at Alabama’s pro day on Tuesday.

That’s truly when the Patriots might be able to get their best look/evaluation on the young quarterback.

What can the Patriots learn about Mac Jones at Alabama’s Pro Day?

No DeVonta Smith. No Jaylen Waddle. Every critic who’s had reservations about Jones has alluded to the fact that the Alabama QB had the most generous assortment of weapons at his disposal during his incredible 2020 campaign, and have used that against him.

The counter argument? He had one of the most incredible championship runs in college football history.

He used those weapons properly and excelled.

Nonetheless, if any team is still concerned about Jones’ ability to perform without the best athletes in all of college football, he’ll be front and center at Alabama’s pro day without the two speedsters that supposedly kept him afloat throughout his tenure with the Crimson Tide.

For someone like Belichick, that could be top-notch scouting information heading into an all-important draft.

Everyone knows the Patriots couldn’t care less about the plethora of analysis floating out there from talking heads and rival scouts. Belichick and his staff do things their own way. Though one could argue that “way” needs to change a bit given the organization’s first-round track record over the last seven years, the Pats still find gems from rounds 2-7, so their formula remains successful.

However, this year Belichick simply needs to hit a homer with the team’s first-round pick given the situation they’re in. Though they’ve stocked up on free agents and regained their contender status by revamping the offense and further fortifying the defense, the future under center beyond 2021 is still a glaring question mark that needs some sort of clarity.

Did the team get what they were looking for out of Jones on Tuesday? Well…we’re not sure. Belichick was caught shaking his head at an overthrow, which didn’t bode well.

https://twitter.com/NFLBrasil/status/1376941496839061511?s=20

Belichick has been scouting quarterbacks ferociously this offseason, so perhaps there’s a definitive path for the Patriots to find their quarterback of the future.

Jones has been rumored to be the best fit thanks to various Tom Brady comps, but once again, we’ll leave that up to the scouting department and coaching staff after they get a closer look on Tuesday.

Patriots: Best-case scenario for New England’s first-round pick

If the Patriots want Mac Jones or Jaylen Waddle without going against their brand and trading up for one of them, they are going to need a ton of luck.