Tom Brady a 'huge idol' to Patriots rookie QB Mac Jones

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones was often compared to Tom Brady throughout the draft process. It's not hard to see why. 

The two are very similar and Jones' long-time coach Joe Dickinson told ESPN's Mike Reiss that the young signal-caller has heavily studied Brady's game over the years, adding that the former Alabama QB idolizes the seven-time Super Bowl champion. 

"Tom Brady is a huge idol to him, since he was a young guy," Dickinson said. "I had a buddy of mine from the NFL who would get me New England film, and we looked at that a lot, because he was a master of going to the right guy. He loves Brady, because he'll cut your heart out with a dull spoon."

Jones has not limited himself to just studying Brady, though. Dickinson said that he has also studied future Hall of Famer and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. 

"He studied Tom Brady the most. Then Drew [Brees], because Mac knows his own capabilities. Drew might not have the biggest gun in the fight, so he has to have fast eyes. While Mac has a lot stronger arm than people think he does, and he's more athletic than people think he is, he's a huge student of the game and he has the fastest eyes."

Jones' goal is to "learn from the best," so he's also studied Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Kansas City Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes. 

It's unclear when Jones will take the field for the Patriots. Head coach Bill Belichick has reiterated that Cam Newton is the starter entering the 2021 season and the franchise certainly doesn't want to rush Jones' development. He could become the starter by the 2022 season, but that's still a ways away.

Jones said after being drafted that he feels like New England is the "perfect fit" for him. Only time will tell if that is true.