Broncos should be glad they passed on drafting Mac Jones in 2021

The Denver Broncos looked to be interested in QB during the 2021 NFL Draft. They should be glad they did not draft Mac Jones with recent developments.

Recently, information has come out that has not entirely been flattering to Mac Jones. Jones was taken 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and instantly became an effective rookie starter for the New England Patriots.

He helped lead a top-10 scoring offense and the Patriots finished 10-7 and clinched a a playoff spot. Last offseason, they didn't do much, but the most notable move was when Josh McDaniels left the team to become the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jones regressed quite a bit in year two and New England failed to make the playoffs for the second time in three years, which, as we know, is unprecedented. Recently, Jones' name has been in the news and it hasn't been for anything particularly good.

Albert Breer was on “Zolak and Bertrand” via NBC Sports Boston and had some interesting things to say about Jones and the apparent rift between the young QB and Bill Belichick.

" “I don’t think Bill appreciated the way that Mac handled some of the stuff last year. There’s a way that I think Bill thinks a franchise quarterback should conduct himself. And for the most part, [Tom] Brady did conduct himself that way. I think there were certain things in the way that Mac handled his second year as a pro that Bill didn’t appreciate.”"

- Albert Breer

Essentially, Mac Jones wore his emotions on his sleeve during most of the season and did become visibly frustrated at times with the play-calling on offense, which was done by Matt Patricia, who is a defensive coach.

It was odd to see Belichick appoint a defensive coach to call the plays on offense, but some of Mac Jones' behavior in 2022 certainly could have rubbed many people the wrong way.

Honestly, the Broncos seemed to have dodged a bullet here. Both Mac Jones and Justin Fields were on the board when the team picked 9th overall. They obviously took Patrick Surtain II with this pick, but they had a need at the QB position.

Not only was Mac Jones under some scrutiny this year, but he wasn't nearly as effective as a passer as he was during his rookie season, and 2022 rookie Bailey Zappe actually looked noticeably better in limited action in 2022.