Mac Jones came a long way from a three-star recruit in Jacksonville, Fla.
He proved to everyone he could be a national champion in college football. Jones set single-season school passing records at the University of Alabama and won a national title. Many did not believe he would be a first-round draft pick, but the New England Patriots thought differently. The organization took Jones at No. 15 overall in the 2021 draft, and he led them back into the playoffs. Jones set franchise rookie marks for passing yards (3,810) and touchdowns (22), making his first NFL Pro Bowl.
RELATED: Former Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle debuts on NFL’s Top 100 Players
He’s the only quarterback from the 2021 rookie class to debut on the NFL’s Top 100 Players for 2022.
His peers think so highly of him that he appeared at No. 85. Several players praised Jones for his leadership, relationship skills, and the way he plays quarterback. Most of them said Jones will be ‘a player in this league for a long time.’
MAC JONES IS A TOP 100 PLAYER (according to THE PLAYERS)! 🔥🔥 #Patriots pic.twitter.com/N0j4ZUjvcy
— Follow @FTBeard7 (@FTBeard7) August 15, 2022
Ravens’ CB Marlon Humphrey
“I always thought Mac was going to do well. Pro Bowl as a rookie, that’s always impressive any time you have those accolades early in your career.”
Patriots DE Matthew Judon
“Mac is a field general. From day one, he came in yelling to get in the huddle. On his first touchdown, he did not want the ball. He’s not a ‘me’ guy, he’s a ‘we’ guy. He is a team guy.”
Patriots DE Lawrence Guy
“The best thing about Mac is he came in a leader. He built a relationship with his teammates. The offensive line loves him, and you can see the respect they have for him. He has broad shoulders. Every game you saw him, wins or losses, he got better. That is the kind of player you want as a young player. He is that leader that you want.”
Jets WR Braxton Berrios
“The way he [Mac Jones] goes through progressions, he does not make many crucial mistakes. He is going to be a player in this league for a long time.”
Saints LB Demario Davis
“He did it, especially down the back end of the season, positioned that team to move back to the standards that they are used to. He is one of the most solid pickups in recent times in the league. His career is going to take off in a major way.”
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
