We’re running a mailbag on Fridays during the offseason. If you have questions on the Patriots, NFL, or want gripe about past answers, email cmason@masslive.com or tweet @bychrismason. Now let’s get to this week’s questions!
What is Mac Jones’ trade value? — Conor M.
A Day 3 pick. More specifically, I’d guess a low fifth-rounder or a high sixth.
I’ve spoken to a number of coaches from around the league that liked Jones in the pre-draft process, but at this point, what you see is what you get. The 2021 first-rounder has regressed in back-to-back seasons and his confidence appears to be totally shot.
Beyond that, Jones only has one year left on his rookie deal, so it’s not like any suitors are guaranteed a long-term return on investment if they turn him into a successful reclamation project. I think he’d be a fine backup elsewhere, but why would teams overcommit now when he’s set to hit free agency next March?
Last month, colleague Karen Guregian asked a rival executive what they thought Jones could yield.
“I could see a team, even if they saw him as a very good backup, trading a fifth-round pick for him,” the exec said. “Maybe they could get a fourth-rounder, but it would depend on the time of year, and the team’s situation.”
If the Patriots get a fourth-round offer for Jones, I’d be stunned if he’s in Foxborough next season.
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Do you think it’s possible for the Pats to go into the season with 4 QBs on the roster? Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, veteran, rookie — Matt K.
Though it paid off to keep four quarterbacks in Bill Belichick’s first season in New England — hello, rookie Tom Brady — I don’t see Jerod Mayo repeating that practice. There’s a reason Belichick preferred to carry two for the latter half of his tenure; it’s just not the best use of 53-man roster spots.
I could see the Patriots carrying three next season though: Rookie, veteran and one of either Jones or Zappe.
If Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are gone at No. 1 and No. 2 will the Patriots take Drake Maye? Or Michael Penix Jr? — Jim L.
This could be a dream scenario for Eliot Wolf and company. I think they’d take Maye in a heartbeat.
In this scenario, I don’t see any other quarterback they’d take at No. 3 overall though. It’s Caleb Williams, Maye, Daniels, and then a significant drop off to the next tier of signal callers.
Do you think there’s a real chance the Patriots bring back J.C. Jackson? Of course, on a more team-friendly deal — @SelfMadeBreeeze
It’s surprising that Jackson (and his $14.4 million cap hit) haven’t been released yet, but after that inevitably happens, I could see a reunion if he’s willing to take a heavily-incentivized deal.
Reliability has been an issue for Jackson in New England and Los Angeles, but his ballhawking skills are undeniable. With Jonathan Jones and Christian Gonzalez under contract, the Patriots are not in a position where they’d need to count on him to man one of the boundaries. So why not take a flier? They’re not going to find a more talented cornerback on the open market and Jackson probably knows he’s going to have to find a prove-it deal.
To your best knowledge, do the Patriots prefer player information gathered from the NFL Combine over the Senior Bowl and college workouts? — Ed H.
Nope. Often times, there’s way more to be gleaned from a situation like the Senior Bowl.
Consider someone like Pop Douglas, who they scouted there last year. Was there more value in seeing the Liberty University product put some of the best draft prospects in the country on roller skates at the Senior Bowl or in watching him run 40 yards in a tee shirt at the Combine? I’m sure Eliot Wolf and Matt Groh would tell you it was the Senior Bowl — and it’s not particularly close. That contrast is even more pronounced with linemen.
The most valuable information gained at the Combine is often medical, where teams have access to a lot of that intel for the first time.
Was it solar storms or Russia and China that knocked out communications today? — George F.
Buddy, it’s the offseason.
When I left my apartment for the first time at 2 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, everything was working just fine.
