Bill Belichick says Cam Newton is Patriots QB after drafting Mac Jones
The pick spoke volumes when the New England Patriots drafted quarterback Mac Jones at No. 15 in the 2021 NFL draft.
Jones is now the first quarterback drafted by Bill Belichick in the first round. He’s also the first Patriots quarterback drafted in the first round since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. Expectations are sky high, but that doesn’t mean the Alabama quarterback will be the starting quarterback when the Patriots start the 2001 season.
On Thursday night, Belichick started his press conference by talking about the selection of Jones. Before answering any questions, the Patriots coach added that Cam Newton was “our quarterback” and that Jones and fellow quarterback Jarrett Stidham would have to challenge and compete with the veteran.
“Mac was available at our pick and he was a guy we spent a lot of time with. Felt like that was the best pick at that time for us,” Belichick said. “Look forward to working with him. He’s a smart kid. He’s been in a system that’s similar to ours. We’ve had a lot of good conversations with him. I think he’ll be able to process the offense. It’s obviously going to take a lot of time. See how it goes.
“Cam’s our quarterback. Whatever time Jarrett or Mac are ready to challenge and compete, we’ll see how that goes. But right now for Mac, he’s just got a lot of learning in front of him. I know he’s very anxious to get going and get started on it.”
Last year, Newton set a Patriots franchise record with 12 rushing touchdowns, but he only threw for 2,657 yards to go with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Patriots finished 7-9 and this offseason, signed Newton to a modest one-year deal with incentives.
Belichick was then asked how long Newton would be the Patriots’ No. 1 quarterback.
“I don’t know. Somebody will have to play better than he does,” said Belichick.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Bill Belichick says Cam Newton is Patriots QB after Mac Jones drafted
