Vikings offseason losers

The funny thing is...  Fields has the biggest bust potential of any of the top 5 QBs IMO...  Mond isn't a perfect prospect either, but I'd rather have him as a 3rd round pick than giving up multiple (future) picks to get Fields.

The one we may regret passing on is Mac Jones.  I'm like the only one that liked him pre-draft...  it'll be interesting to see his career compared to Mond and Fields in 3-4 years. 

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: https://vikingsterritory.com/2021/general-news/vikings-named-one-of-nfls-biggest-losers-for-2021-offseason Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report detailed five winners and five losers for the offseason on Monday — now that the bulk offseason operations are in the rearview. For Knox, the Vikings made the “loser” list. Why? Well, he believes the franchise will rue missing out on Justin Fields during the 2021 NFL Draft, a quarterback who landed with the rival Chicago Bears. “The Jets landed their quarterback in April’s draft. So did the Chicago Bears, who traded up to No. 11 to take Ohio State’s Justin Fields. The Minnesota Vikings, however, missed out on the quarterback they wanted. The Vikings wanted Fields and lost him to a bitter division rival. Minnesota’s desire to nab Fields suggests their time with Kirk Cousins is running short. While the Vikings did take Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond in the third round, he was not the team’s first choice. Perhaps Mond will develop well and work out as Minnesota’s future starter. However, if Fields goes on to have a long and fruitful career with the Bears, the Vikings are going to wish they pulled the trigger on a trade.“

MB: Anyone who even loosely follows the draft knows that the offer the Vikings made to move up in the 1st round was NOT a serious offer. It was lowball. Below lowball. I have a hunch that was intentional. 

Yeah, one has to wonder if it wasn't intended to get the Bears to mortgage picks on another QB?  Fields may or may not turn out, but Chicago's tendency to give away multiple draft picks for one player has become a pattern, and not a productive one.

I think there is lots of chess going on in the draft rooms and Rick seems to be on the upper level of chess players.  Whether it was simple feigning interest, or an offer made for the other team so they could drive up interest with the "well the Vikings gave us an offer".  Lots of possibilities.

No doubt. He's proven to be one of the better drafting GMs in the NFL. But where he stands out IMO is his courage and ability to maneuver around the draft, up and down, to target the best value. Can't take that for granted, because not all GMs have 1. the trust of their ownership and 2. the experience to pull the trigger with confidence. He's won more of those than he's lost. 

I criticize this team when I think it's warranted. Not all free agency moves have been successful. Mike Zimmer probably isn't the best game plan coach out there. But the Vikings secret weapon, the reason we always seem to field very competitive rosters, is Rick Spielman. 

@"Wetlander" said: The funny thing is...  Fields has the biggest bust potential of any of the top 5 QBs IMO...  Mond isn't a perfect prospect either, but I'd rather have him as a 3rd round pick than giving up multiple (future) picks to get Fields.

The one we may regret passing on is Mac Jones.  I'm like the only one that liked him pre-draft...  it'll be interesting to see his career compared to Mond and Fields in 3-4 years. 

I watched a ton of Crimson Tide football. I'm far from football savvy, but he made some throws, executed plays that sure looked he's ready for Sunday's. That said I had (have) surround bias with all Tide QB's. 

His surround might have won some games against an NFL team in 2020  :p

Being with Belichek and NE might just be the perfect home for him. 

@"Wetlander" said: The funny thing is...  Fields has the biggest bust potential of any of the top 5 QBs IMO...  Mond isn't a perfect prospect either, but I'd rather have him as a 3rd round pick than giving up multiple (future) picks to get Fields.

The one we may regret passing on is Mac Jones.  I'm like the only one that liked him pre-draft...  it'll be interesting to see his career compared to Mond and Fields in 3-4 years. 

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Wetlander" said: The funny thing is...  Fields has the biggest bust potential of any of the top 5 QBs IMO...  Mond isn't a perfect prospect either, but I'd rather have him as a 3rd round pick than giving up multiple (future) picks to get Fields.

The one we may regret passing on is Mac Jones.  I'm like the only one that liked him pre-draft...  it'll be interesting to see his career compared to Mond and Fields in 3-4 years. 

I agree with PF that Jones is in the perfect place for him. But you weren't the only one who liked Jones. "Like" might be the wrong word for me. I just thought he was underrated, unfairly criticized for having a top surround. I would've taken him over Fields. 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Wetlander" said: The funny thing is...  Fields has the biggest bust potential of any of the top 5 QBs IMO...  Mond isn't a perfect prospect either, but I'd rather have him as a 3rd round pick than giving up multiple (future) picks to get Fields.

The one we may regret passing on is Mac Jones.  I'm like the only one that liked him pre-draft...  it'll be interesting to see his career compared to Mond and Fields in 3-4 years. 

I agree with PF that Jones is in the perfect place for him. But you weren't the only one who liked Jones. "Like" might be the wrong word for me. I just thought he was underrated, unfairly criticized for having a top surround. I would've taken him over Fields. 

Really?!

I guess I'm more of a gambler and I admit I'm more enamored with an athletic freak vs Pillsbury dough-boy lol! 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Wetlander" said: The funny thing is...  Fields has the biggest bust potential of any of the top 5 QBs IMO...  Mond isn't a perfect prospect either, but I'd rather have him as a 3rd round pick than giving up multiple (future) picks to get Fields.

The one we may regret passing on is Mac Jones.  I'm like the only one that liked him pre-draft...  it'll be interesting to see his career compared to Mond and Fields in 3-4 years. 

I agree with PF that Jones is in the perfect place for him. But you weren't the only one who liked Jones. "Like" might be the wrong word for me. I just thought he was underrated, unfairly criticized for having a top surround. I would've taken him over Fields. 

Really?!

I guess I'm more of a gambler and I admit I'm more enamored with an athletic freak vs Pillsbury dough-boy lol! 

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"Wetlander" said: The funny thing is...  Fields has the biggest bust potential of any of the top 5 QBs IMO...  Mond isn't a perfect prospect either, but I'd rather have him as a 3rd round pick than giving up multiple (future) picks to get Fields.

The one we may regret passing on is Mac Jones.  I'm like the only one that liked him pre-draft...  it'll be interesting to see his career compared to Mond and Fields in 3-4 years. 

I agree with PF that Jones is in the perfect place for him. But you weren't the only one who liked Jones. "Like" might be the wrong word for me. I just thought he was underrated, unfairly criticized for having a top surround. I would've taken him over Fields. 

Really?!

I guess I'm more of a gambler and I admit I'm more enamored with an athletic freak vs Pillsbury dough-boy lol! 

Given a choice, I go with the doughboy with a lot of experience reading defenses and going through progressions over the roboQB with very little. I just think that this is one of those traits that is key to making a successful transition from college QB to pro QB. There are plenty others though--accuracy, character...and Fields checks every one of them. I don't hate him, but the fact that he threw so few passes to 2nd and 3rd reads would scare the hell outta me if I'm a Bears fan. 

He's got to sit. If the Bears, tempted to win, put Fields in as a "weapon," I think he'll be RGIII. 

Mac Jones only full season was with these weapons.  Sure, other teams have some NFL talent, but both WR's went TOP 10, RB went 24, starting C went 37, and T went 17 overall - wow! 

Alabama Football 2021 NFL Drafted 

• Jaylen Waddle – Pick No. 6 by the Miami Dolphins; Signing Bonus – $17.58 million; Total Contract – $27.086 million
• Patrick Surtain II – Pick No. 9 by the Denver Broncos; Signing Bonus – $12.61 million; Total Contract – $20.962 million
• DeVonta Smith – Pick No. 10 by the Philadelphia Eagles; Signing Bonus – $12 million; Total Contract – $20.14 million
• Mac Jones – Pick No. 15 by the New England Patriots; Signing Bonus – $8.7 million; Total Contract – $15.59 million
• Alex Leatherwood – Pick No. 17 by the Las Vegas Raiders; Signing Bonus – $7.83 million; Total Contract – $14.39 million
• Najee Harris – Pick No. 24 by the Pittsburgh Steelers; Signing Bonus – $6.85 million; Total Contract – $13.05 million
• Landon Dickerson – Pick No. 37 (second round) by the Philadelphia Eagles – Signing Bonus – $3.66 million; Total Contract – $8.66 million
• Christian Barmore – Pick No. 38 (second round) by the New England Patriots – Signing Bonus – $3.56 million; Total Contract – $8.52 million

I see his ceiling as an average starting QB.  I have watched a good amount of his game tapes and I see a lot of first read, LOS hot reads, screens, designed drag routes etc at the LOS mostly to Smith that he breaks for huge gains that will not happen in the NFL.  Nice to throw screens and wheel routes to the first RB taken Najee Harris who has nice hands.  I do see some perfectly thrown deep balls to completely wide-open TOP 10 WR's who are 5 steps away from a defender....again, not going to happen in the NFL.

All that said, and you can only deal with the hand your dealt and just because Jones's was literally dealt a full house he did execute at a high level.  Lastly, the OC for Alabama is also legit, man did they out-scheme everyone as well.  They were a well oiled machine on Offense from coaching, scheme and player talent.  

Just my armchair opinion but I am obviously not high on Mac Jones as a franchise QB.  

@"minny65" said: Mac Jones only full season was with these weapons.  Sure, other teams have some NFL talent, but both WR's went TOP 10, RB went 24, starting C went 37, and T went 17 overall - wow! 

Alabama Football 2021 NFL Drafted 

• Jaylen Waddle – Pick No. 6 by the Miami Dolphins; Signing Bonus – $17.58 million; Total Contract – $27.086 million
• Patrick Surtain II – Pick No. 9 by the Denver Broncos; Signing Bonus – $12.61 million; Total Contract – $20.962 million
• DeVonta Smith – Pick No. 10 by the Philadelphia Eagles; Signing Bonus – $12 million; Total Contract – $20.14 million
• Mac Jones – Pick No. 15 by the New England Patriots; Signing Bonus – $8.7 million; Total Contract – $15.59 million
• Alex Leatherwood – Pick No. 17 by the Las Vegas Raiders; Signing Bonus – $7.83 million; Total Contract – $14.39 million
• Najee Harris – Pick No. 24 by the Pittsburgh Steelers; Signing Bonus – $6.85 million; Total Contract – $13.05 million
• Landon Dickerson – Pick No. 37 (second round) by the Philadelphia Eagles – Signing Bonus – $3.66 million; Total Contract – $8.66 million
• Christian Barmore – Pick No. 38 (second round) by the New England Patriots – Signing Bonus – $3.56 million; Total Contract – $8.52 million

The NFL is always a level playing field in terms of talent and I think Mac Jones is going to struggle to adjust.  

I see his ceiling as an average starting QB.  I have watched a good amount of his game tapes and I see a lot of first read, LOS hot reads, screens, designed drag routes etc at the LOS mostly to Smith that he breaks for huge gains that will not happen in the NFL.  Nice to throw screens and wheel routes to the first RB taken Najee Harris who has nice hands.  I do see some perfectly thrown deep balls to completely wide-open TOP 10 WR's who are 5 steps away from a defender....again, not going to happen in the NFL.

All that said, and you can only deal with the hand your dealt and just because Jones's was literally dealt a full house he did execute at a high level.  Lastly, the OC for Alabama is also legit, man did they out-scheme everyone as well.  They were a well oiled machine on Offense from coaching, scheme and player talent.  

Just my armchair opinion but I am obviously not high on Mac Jones as a franchise QB.  

While certainly not a "full house", the Patriots are a pretty darn good hand to be dealt also (specifically, coaching). If Jones sits this year but then gives them 4 years of league-average play at a bargain price, the Pats would probably consider that a win. Especially considering their history of recent first round busts.

A Belichick system “fit” is a pretty scary thought.  The attributes Bill was looking at in Jones were probably not on many other teams checklists. Have always been impressed with the Pat’s offense and how all that plug and play execution went through the Qb’s flexibility skills.

@"BigAl99" said: A Belichick system “fit” is a pretty scary thought.  The attributes Bill was looking at in Jones were probably not on many other teams checklists. Have always been impressed with the Pat’s offense and how all that plug and play execution went through the Qb’s flexibility skills.

Belichek had the GOAT at QB, we'll see what he does with the QB hand he's dealt with now.  I'm not sure I'd bet against him. 

@"pattersaur" said:

@"minny65" said: Mac Jones only full season was with these weapons.  Sure, other teams have some NFL talent, but both WR's went TOP 10, RB went 24, starting C went 37, and T went 17 overall - wow! 

Alabama Football 2021 NFL Drafted 

• Jaylen Waddle – Pick No. 6 by the Miami Dolphins; Signing Bonus – $17.58 million; Total Contract – $27.086 million
• Patrick Surtain II – Pick No. 9 by the Denver Broncos; Signing Bonus – $12.61 million; Total Contract – $20.962 million
• DeVonta Smith – Pick No. 10 by the Philadelphia Eagles; Signing Bonus – $12 million; Total Contract – $20.14 million
• Mac Jones – Pick No. 15 by the New England Patriots; Signing Bonus – $8.7 million; Total Contract – $15.59 million
• Alex Leatherwood – Pick No. 17 by the Las Vegas Raiders; Signing Bonus – $7.83 million; Total Contract – $14.39 million
• Najee Harris – Pick No. 24 by the Pittsburgh Steelers; Signing Bonus – $6.85 million; Total Contract – $13.05 million
• Landon Dickerson – Pick No. 37 (second round) by the Philadelphia Eagles – Signing Bonus – $3.66 million; Total Contract – $8.66 million
• Christian Barmore – Pick No. 38 (second round) by the New England Patriots – Signing Bonus – $3.56 million; Total Contract – $8.52 million

The NFL is always a level playing field in terms of talent and I think Mac Jones is going to struggle to adjust.  

I see his ceiling as an average starting QB.  I have watched a good amount of his game tapes and I see a lot of first read, LOS hot reads, screens, designed drag routes etc at the LOS mostly to Smith that he breaks for huge gains that will not happen in the NFL.  Nice to throw screens and wheel routes to the first RB taken Najee Harris who has nice hands.  I do see some perfectly thrown deep balls to completely wide-open TOP 10 WR's who are 5 steps away from a defender....again, not going to happen in the NFL.

All that said, and you can only deal with the hand your dealt and just because Jones's was literally dealt a full house he did execute at a high level.  Lastly, the OC for Alabama is also legit, man did they out-scheme everyone as well.  They were a well oiled machine on Offense from coaching, scheme and player talent.  

Just my armchair opinion but I am obviously not high on Mac Jones as a franchise QB.  

While certainly not a "full house", the Patriots are a pretty darn good hand to be dealt also (specifically, coaching). If Jones sits this year but then gives them 4 years of league-average play at a bargain price, the Pats would probably consider that a win. Especially considering their history of recent first round busts.

@"minny65" said: Mac Jones only full season was with these weapons.  Sure, other teams have some NFL talent, but both WR's went TOP 10, RB went 24, starting C went 37, and T went 17 overall - wow! 

Alabama Football 2021 NFL Drafted 

• Jaylen Waddle – Pick No. 6 by the Miami Dolphins; Signing Bonus – $17.58 million; Total Contract – $27.086 million
• Patrick Surtain II – Pick No. 9 by the Denver Broncos; Signing Bonus – $12.61 million; Total Contract – $20.962 million
• DeVonta Smith – Pick No. 10 by the Philadelphia Eagles; Signing Bonus – $12 million; Total Contract – $20.14 million
• Mac Jones – Pick No. 15 by the New England Patriots; Signing Bonus – $8.7 million; Total Contract – $15.59 million
• Alex Leatherwood – Pick No. 17 by the Las Vegas Raiders; Signing Bonus – $7.83 million; Total Contract – $14.39 million
• Najee Harris – Pick No. 24 by the Pittsburgh Steelers; Signing Bonus – $6.85 million; Total Contract – $13.05 million
• Landon Dickerson – Pick No. 37 (second round) by the Philadelphia Eagles – Signing Bonus – $3.66 million; Total Contract – $8.66 million
• Christian Barmore – Pick No. 38 (second round) by the New England Patriots – Signing Bonus – $3.56 million; Total Contract – $8.52 million

The NFL is always a level playing field in terms of talent and I think Mac Jones is going to struggle to adjust.  

I see his ceiling as an average starting QB.  I have watched a good amount of his game tapes and I see a lot of first read, LOS hot reads, screens, designed drag routes etc at the LOS mostly to Smith that he breaks for huge gains that will not happen in the NFL.  Nice to throw screens and wheel routes to the first RB taken Najee Harris who has nice hands.  I do see some perfectly thrown deep balls to completely wide-open TOP 10 WR's who are 5 steps away from a defender....again, not going to happen in the NFL.

All that said, and you can only deal with the hand your dealt and just because Jones's was literally dealt a full house he did execute at a high level.  Lastly, the OC for Alabama is also legit, man did they out-scheme everyone as well.  They were a well oiled machine on Offense from coaching, scheme and player talent.  

Just my armchair opinion but I am obviously not high on Mac Jones as a franchise QB.  

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"BigAl99" said: A Belichick system “fit” is a pretty scary thought.  The attributes Bill was looking at in Jones were probably not on many other teams checklists. Have always been impressed with the Pat’s offense and how all that plug and play execution went through the Qb’s flexibility skills.

One of my biggest religious fervors is that players make the coaches in the NFL. McCarthy was exposed in GB whenever Favre or Rogers didnt play is one of countless examples. 

Belichek had the GOAT at QB, we'll see what he does with the QB hand he's dealt with now.  I'm not sure I'd bet against him. 

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"minny65" said: Mac Jones only full season was with these weapons.  Sure, other teams have some NFL talent, but both WR's went TOP 10, RB went 24, starting C went 37, and T went 17 overall - wow! 

Alabama Football 2021 NFL Drafted 

• Jaylen Waddle – Pick No. 6 by the Miami Dolphins; Signing Bonus – $17.58 million; Total Contract – $27.086 million
• Patrick Surtain II – Pick No. 9 by the Denver Broncos; Signing Bonus – $12.61 million; Total Contract – $20.962 million
• DeVonta Smith – Pick No. 10 by the Philadelphia Eagles; Signing Bonus – $12 million; Total Contract – $20.14 million
• Mac Jones – Pick No. 15 by the New England Patriots; Signing Bonus – $8.7 million; Total Contract – $15.59 million
• Alex Leatherwood – Pick No. 17 by the Las Vegas Raiders; Signing Bonus – $7.83 million; Total Contract – $14.39 million
• Najee Harris – Pick No. 24 by the Pittsburgh Steelers; Signing Bonus – $6.85 million; Total Contract – $13.05 million
• Landon Dickerson – Pick No. 37 (second round) by the Philadelphia Eagles – Signing Bonus – $3.66 million; Total Contract – $8.66 million
• Christian Barmore – Pick No. 38 (second round) by the New England Patriots – Signing Bonus – $3.56 million; Total Contract – $8.52 million

The NFL is always a level playing field in terms of talent and I think Mac Jones is going to struggle to adjust.  

I see his ceiling as an average starting QB.  I have watched a good amount of his game tapes and I see a lot of first read, LOS hot reads, screens, designed drag routes etc at the LOS mostly to Smith that he breaks for huge gains that will not happen in the NFL.  Nice to throw screens and wheel routes to the first RB taken Najee Harris who has nice hands.  I do see some perfectly thrown deep balls to completely wide-open TOP 10 WR's who are 5 steps away from a defender....again, not going to happen in the NFL.

All that said, and you can only deal with the hand your dealt and just because Jones's was literally dealt a full house he did execute at a high level.  Lastly, the OC for Alabama is also legit, man did they out-scheme everyone as well.  They were a well oiled machine on Offense from coaching, scheme and player talent.  

Just my armchair opinion but I am obviously not high on Mac Jones as a franchise QB.  

Most QBs, even 1st round QBs, end up missing. So I think the Pats would probably be pretty happy if Jones ended up "an average starting QB." And if they end up getting Cousins 2.0 I think they would be ecstatic. 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"BigAl99" said: A Belichick system “fit” is a pretty scary thought.  The attributes Bill was looking at in Jones were probably not on many other teams checklists. Have always been impressed with the Pat’s offense and how all that plug and play execution went through the Qb’s flexibility skills.

One of my biggest religious fervors is that players make the coaches in the NFL. McCarthy was exposed in GB whenever Favre or Rogers didnt play is one of countless examples. 

Belichek had the GOAT at QB, we'll see what he does with the QB hand he's dealt with now.  I'm not sure I'd bet against him. 

@"minny65" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"minny65" said: Mac Jones only full season was with these weapons.  Sure, other teams have some NFL talent, but both WR's went TOP 10, RB went 24, starting C went 37, and T went 17 overall - wow! 

Alabama Football 2021 NFL Drafted 

• Jaylen Waddle – Pick No. 6 by the Miami Dolphins; Signing Bonus – $17.58 million; Total Contract – $27.086 million
• Patrick Surtain II – Pick No. 9 by the Denver Broncos; Signing Bonus – $12.61 million; Total Contract – $20.962 million
• DeVonta Smith – Pick No. 10 by the Philadelphia Eagles; Signing Bonus – $12 million; Total Contract – $20.14 million
• Mac Jones – Pick No. 15 by the New England Patriots; Signing Bonus – $8.7 million; Total Contract – $15.59 million
• Alex Leatherwood – Pick No. 17 by the Las Vegas Raiders; Signing Bonus – $7.83 million; Total Contract – $14.39 million
• Najee Harris – Pick No. 24 by the Pittsburgh Steelers; Signing Bonus – $6.85 million; Total Contract – $13.05 million
• Landon Dickerson – Pick No. 37 (second round) by the Philadelphia Eagles – Signing Bonus – $3.66 million; Total Contract – $8.66 million
• Christian Barmore – Pick No. 38 (second round) by the New England Patriots – Signing Bonus – $3.56 million; Total Contract – $8.52 million

The NFL is always a level playing field in terms of talent and I think Mac Jones is going to struggle to adjust.  

I see his ceiling as an average starting QB.  I have watched a good amount of his game tapes and I see a lot of first read, LOS hot reads, screens, designed drag routes etc at the LOS mostly to Smith that he breaks for huge gains that will not happen in the NFL.  Nice to throw screens and wheel routes to the first RB taken Najee Harris who has nice hands.  I do see some perfectly thrown deep balls to completely wide-open TOP 10 WR's who are 5 steps away from a defender....again, not going to happen in the NFL.

All that said, and you can only deal with the hand your dealt and just because Jones's was literally dealt a full house he did execute at a high level.  Lastly, the OC for Alabama is also legit, man did they out-scheme everyone as well.  They were a well oiled machine on Offense from coaching, scheme and player talent.  

Just my armchair opinion but I am obviously not high on Mac Jones as a franchise QB.  

Most QBs, even 1st round QBs, end up missing. So I think the Pats would probably be pretty happy if Jones ended up "an average starting QB." And if they end up getting Cousins 2.0 I think they would be ecstatic. 

I disagree,  I don't think any executive, coach, fan would be happy if pick #15 is average even if QB.  

If we, stayed at 14 and drafted Mac Jones would any of us be happy if he is a career average QB?

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"minny65" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"minny65" said: Mac Jones only full season was with these weapons.  Sure, other teams have some NFL talent, but both WR's went TOP 10, RB went 24, starting C went 37, and T went 17 overall - wow! 

Alabama Football 2021 NFL Drafted 

• Jaylen Waddle – Pick No. 6 by the Miami Dolphins; Signing Bonus – $17.58 million; Total Contract – $27.086 million
• Patrick Surtain II – Pick No. 9 by the Denver Broncos; Signing Bonus – $12.61 million; Total Contract – $20.962 million
• DeVonta Smith – Pick No. 10 by the Philadelphia Eagles; Signing Bonus – $12 million; Total Contract – $20.14 million
• Mac Jones – Pick No. 15 by the New England Patriots; Signing Bonus – $8.7 million; Total Contract – $15.59 million
• Alex Leatherwood – Pick No. 17 by the Las Vegas Raiders; Signing Bonus – $7.83 million; Total Contract – $14.39 million
• Najee Harris – Pick No. 24 by the Pittsburgh Steelers; Signing Bonus – $6.85 million; Total Contract – $13.05 million
• Landon Dickerson – Pick No. 37 (second round) by the Philadelphia Eagles – Signing Bonus – $3.66 million; Total Contract – $8.66 million
• Christian Barmore – Pick No. 38 (second round) by the New England Patriots – Signing Bonus – $3.56 million; Total Contract – $8.52 million

The NFL is always a level playing field in terms of talent and I think Mac Jones is going to struggle to adjust.  

I see his ceiling as an average starting QB.  I have watched a good amount of his game tapes and I see a lot of first read, LOS hot reads, screens, designed drag routes etc at the LOS mostly to Smith that he breaks for huge gains that will not happen in the NFL.  Nice to throw screens and wheel routes to the first RB taken Najee Harris who has nice hands.  I do see some perfectly thrown deep balls to completely wide-open TOP 10 WR's who are 5 steps away from a defender....again, not going to happen in the NFL.

All that said, and you can only deal with the hand your dealt and just because Jones's was literally dealt a full house he did execute at a high level.  Lastly, the OC for Alabama is also legit, man did they out-scheme everyone as well.  They were a well oiled machine on Offense from coaching, scheme and player talent.  

Just my armchair opinion but I am obviously not high on Mac Jones as a franchise QB.  

Most QBs, even 1st round QBs, end up missing. So I think the Pats would probably be pretty happy if Jones ended up "an average starting QB." And if they end up getting Cousins 2.0 I think they would be ecstatic. 

I disagree,  I don't think any executive, coach, fan would be happy if pick #15 is average even if QB.  

If we, stayed at 14 and drafted Mac Jones would any of us be happy if he is a career average QB?

No, I would've been pissed, because we already have a still-young QB who's better than average.

Not fans. Fans are stupid. But yeah, I think executives and coaches would be pretty pleased if the QB ends up a starter. Hell with being average. The majority miss. But I'm only talking about QBs here. That's the position where the majority of even 1st rounders end up missing, so a starter who isn't Tua, Dimes, Haskins, Darnold, Rosen, Bisky, Goff, Wentz, Mariota, Winston...yeah I think they'd be happy about that. You can win championships with average QBs. 

But now that I think about it, I think I'd pretty pleased myself if Darrisaw ended up being an average left tackle. Hoping for more, obviously. But what I hope for most is just not missing. That's what sets your franchise back. You can win championships with average left tackles too. 

If you have a league average QB, you need to draft another
QB to put into the pipeline.

Can you win a SB with an average QB?  Yes, but your odds are much, much better with
an elite QB.

I’m probably in the minority on this, but I think if your QB
isn’t elite (top 5ish), you need to be looking for an upgrade.  I think there’s a lot more people who’d stop
looking if they got a top 10 QB.  If you’ve
got a 10th-15th ranked QB, and you’re not looking, I think
that’s just a recipe for perpetual mediocrity.