Quarterback Mac Jones was able to meet the New England Patriots‘ expectations during his rookie season.
After being selected 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Alabama standout beat out Cam Newton for the starting quarterback role.
He then helped the Patriots return to the playoffs with a 10-7 record.
Jones finished his first season in the NFL with 352 completions for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Those numbers, as well as his leadership, left a mark on his fellow players that he made it to this year’s list of the league’s Top 100 players.
A reminder that this list is voted on by current NFL players. So clearly, there’s some serious respect for Mac Jones around the league. https://t.co/vmxTegL1sU
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) August 15, 2022
Boston’s 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Alex Barth tweeted, “A reminder that this list is voted on by current NFL players. So clearly, there’s some serious respect for Mac Jones around the league.”
He said this while quoting the NFL Network’s revelation of Jones being the 85th best player in the league according to fellow players.
His efforts last season did not go unnoticed as he makes this list for the first time in his career.
What NFL Players Say About Jones
In this video about his ranking, fellow Patriot Matthew Judon said, “Mac is a field general. From Day 1 he came in, yelling to get in the huddle. On his first touchdown, like he didn’t even want the ball. He’s not a big ‘me’ guy. He’s a ‘we’ guy.”
Mac Jones doubters are having a rough time right now pic.twitter.com/I2CgLPYgU5
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 15, 2022
Meanwhile, Lawrence Guy stated, “The best thing about Mac, he came in as a leader and build his relationship with his teammates. The offensive line love him. You can see the respect that they have with him. Every game that you saw him, wins or losses, he got better.”
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy also took notice by saying, “started playing as rookie and got better each week.”
The New York Jets’ Braxton Berrios added, “When he goes through progressions, he doesn’t make too many mistakes.”
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