The 2021 NFL Draft let fans know that this would be the year of the rookie quarterback.
Three quarterbacks flew off the board to start the annual event and a total of five went in the first round.
As it turns out, the last of the five is having the best season.
Mac Jones has the New England Patriots at 4-4 on the year after a 1-3 start and has turned things around as of late.
In fact, Pro Football Focus has him taking home a special honor for his play since Week 5.
The highest-graded QB since Week 5
Mac Jones – 90.0 👀 pic.twitter.com/xatb2rOWoP
— PFF (@PFF) November 4, 2021
Jones is the highest-graded quarterback since Week 5 in the entire NFL.
That makes sense given the fact the Patriots just took down the Los Angeles Chargers a week after dropping 54 points on the New York Jets.
A Rookie In A Great Situation
It should come as no surprise that Jones is doing so well because he went to a team with some actual structure in place.
Trevor Lawrence was drafted No. 1 overall as the best prospect available.
The problem for him and any No. 1 pick is that usually means you are headed to an awful team.
Lawrence is showing positive steps, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are still a very, very bad team.
Jones went into a situation where Cam Newton was already in place as the starter.
Mac Jones. Dime. #ForeverNE
📺: #NEvsLAC on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/TYsnlBXJj9— NFL (@NFL) October 31, 2021
He beat out the veteran and got to lead a team that was considered average heading into the year.
Any team coached by Bill Belichick also has an inherent advantage even with a rookie quarterback in place.
Grading Jones only since Week 5 is a small sample size, but since he is a rookie it is fair to wipe away some early mistakes and focus on his constant development.
His next test is taking down the Carolina Panthers in what should be a win for the Patriots.
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