Mac Jones college vs. pros: Making a case that Patriots QB had a better supporting cast at Alabama

Mac Jones has reportedly been shopped by Bill Belichick this offseason, according to ProFootballTalk, the latest development in a rocky year between the two.

Belichick has a beef. He is reportedly still upset with Jones for his decision to seek outside counsel in 2022, per NBC Sports. Jones also has a beef. The Patriots‘ offensive play-caller last year was Matt Patricia, who had zero prior experience in that role. Add the Patriots’ abysmal offensive season into the equation and here we are, at a crossroads.

If the Patriots do move forward with Jones in 2023, one thing is clear: they need a better supporting cast around him. After all, Jones had a better supporting cast at Alabama, when he won a national championship in 2020. Yes, I know that sounds straight out of a hot-take factory. But this isn’t one of those wild claims from years ago, like the Kentucky Wildcats could beat the Philadelphia 76ers. Jones’ supporting cast at Alabama, at least on offense, was arguably better than what he’s had in New England. 

Here’s the bird’s-eye view. Alabama’s best 11 on offense in 2020 was loaded. It featured 10 NFL players and eight drafted in the first or second round.

Starting 11 on offense in Mac Jones’ most recent college vs. NFL season

A lot of blue-chip talent doesn’t necessarily make them pros, especially if you believe in the ‘Patriot Way’. So let’s break it down further.

Skill players

Jones had better offensive weapons at Alabama than with the Patriots, from blue-chip talent to actual NFL production. 

• Roughly 80% of his career completions at Alabama went to first- or second-round draft picks, namely DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, John Metchie III and Najee Harris.
• Only 30% of his career completions with the Patriots went to players drafted in the first two rounds. 
• Surprisingly, he’s thrown more than twice as many completions to undrafted players with the Patriots (42%) than at Alabama (19%).

Again, blue-chip talent isn’t everything, especially when we’re talking about the Patriots, but the numbers are so mind-boggling I had to share.

Mac Jones’ percentage of career completions by teammate draft round

The actual NFL productivity between Jones’ Alabama versus Patriots teammates is also staggering. 

• Jones has completed a pass to 19 different Patriots players in his career. Not a single one has ever…