Patriots rookie QB Mac Jones impressing coaches, teammates at OTAs

Former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, the New England Patriots' first-round pick, has made a great first impression on his coaches and veteran teammates at OTAs. 

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who signed with New England this offseason after four years with the San Francisco 49ers, was particularly impressed with his confidence and energy, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

"He has a swag to him that I didn't know that he had at first," Bourne said Thursday. "He's out there confident, and that is what you need in a quarterback. Good energy, awesome guy, comes to work and you just can feel his energy and leadership already."

Hunter Henry, who also signed with the Patriots this offseason after five years with the Los Angeles Chargers, added that everyone is excited for Jones and can't wait to see him in action. 

Reiss adds that, at one point, the Patriots split their four quarterbacks into two groups on Thursday. Jones and Cam Newton were on one side, while Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer were on the other. The move could "foreshadow" a quarterback competition once training camp begins. 

Head coach Bill Belichick was asked about what he has learned about Jones thus far. He responded, "Mac dove into the playbook and continues to do that. We all have a lot of things we got to work on, and so that's what he's doing."

Belichick also noted that Newton has been "very professional" since Jones arrived and continues to bring "leadership and energy" to each workout. 

Belichick has reiterated that Newton will be the team's starting quarterback in 2021, but that could quickly change if Jones continues to impress once training camp begins.