Mac Jones in position to expand leadership with New England Patriots

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At this time last year, quarterback Mac Jones had yet to be selected in the first round by the New England Pats.

One year later, Jones is in Florida working out with three top returning receivers (Nelson Agholor, DeVante Parker and Jakobi Meyers) and a new player, which could be seen as a sign of his willingness to expand.

It is what many, including those at the highest levels of the organization, hope to see.

I think he has a little more edge than we have seen. He has been respectful of coming in as a first-year player, according to the owner.

Jones and Agholor worked out with their teammates in the hometown of Agholor. Jones is expected to be a full participant in the official voluntary program that begins April 18 at Gillette Stadium, but there are no rules that prevent players from gathering on their own.

There is a sneak peek of what is happening in the city.

Today's report about a QB with Patriots ties in Tampa has a twist: It's Mac Jones bonding and working on the field with WRs Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers, as well as RB J.J. Taylor.

📸 via @BournePoly11 Instagram: pic.twitter.com/pRhtCN2BNi

Tedy Bruschi highlighted the role of Jones in helping Parker thrive on Monday, after it was noted that his injury history was noted on Monday.

When you bring in a receiver that you need to get the most out of, you put him in the offense, and who plays a big part in that? The leader. Getting on a relationship with this guy is important. Mac needs to be that quarterback. You are no longer a new person. I need you out there, those conversations, the serious ones, receiver to quarterback.

Jones potential increased leadership within the team was foretold by coach Bill Belichick when he was asked last week about long-time franchise stalwarts such as safety Devin McCourty, special teams ace Matthew Slater and running back James White returning in 2022, as they near the end of their careers.

Just like some of the great players in the past, whether it be Tedy Bruschi orLogan Mankins, Willie McGinest and Vince Wilfork, go right down the line. Jerod. Troy Brown. It is not going to last forever. Other leaders need to grow. The guys stepped in for someone before them. Someone will take over in the future. It is the National Football League.

I think Mac will take on those roles eventually. Start with that.

White and David Andrews were offensive captains last season. The other three captains were on defense and special teams.

The door is open for Jones to become a captain in his second season, and White saw the early signs of that becoming a possibility last year.

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As soon as he stepped into the building, you could see he was going to be a good football player, and I think he got better and better each and every week. Being a rookies and starting all the games is not an easy job. He is a good competitor and works hard.

During his college career at Alabama, Jones' body language and avoiding negative reactions when things went wrong were hurdles for him to clear.

In an Iron Bowl loss, Jones threw two pick-sixes, but came back each time to lead touchdown drives and ultimately put the team in position to tie, if not for a missed field goal attempt. Jones was voted a team captain because of the way he took big hits in that game.

In his final season at Alabama in 2020, he presented a genuine personality to his teammates in which he didn't take himself too seriously. At Alabama's second pro day, receiver DeVonta Smith risked injury to catch passes from Jones, a connection that showed itself.

Jones could grow into a leader this year, and the workouts with teammates in Tampa seem like a good sign.

The good quarterbacks in the second year have grown a lot. I enjoy watching Mac Jones. You can see how hard he works. He wants everything to go well. He puts in the time and energy and his personality as a team guy.

He is a good person and humble. I come in there on the weekend or early in the day, and he works out, watches film, and does things that I wouldn't believe someone of his background would do. The guys in the locker room like him. I think the staff did a great job drafting him. We are fortunate to have him for our future.