Report: Patriots weren't willing to trade up to draft Mac Jones

Although the New England Patriots selected Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick in this year's draft, the franchise reportedly wasn't desperate to grab him. 

A report from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer suggests Bill Belichick was willing to pass on Jones rather than trade up to land him, even with his desire to improve the quarterback position. 

"One team in the upper reaches of the first round called them as the draft was going on to circle back on a trade-up inquiry from beforehand (New England had called just about everyone earlier in the month to explore dealing up), and got a response that equated to 'We're good,' Breer wrote in his Monday Morning Quarterback column. "And when the Giants went on the clock at No. 11, even with Belichick's strong connection to owner John Mara and coach Joe Judge, the Patriots didn't even call New York as it worked out the trade with Chicago that set up the Bears to take Fields.

"All of which confirms that New England was committed to taking a disciplined approach and if, say, Washington leapfrogged the Pats to get Jones, they probably would've just pivoted and taken someone like Zaven Collins…at No. 15, and doubled back with maybe Stanford's Davis Mills in Round 2."

Breer's report seems to indicate that the Patriots are comfortable with their plan at quarterback. Cam Newton will be the team's starter in 2021, and if he has a bounce-back campaign, he could be back with the Patriots in 2022. 

The Patriots will have plenty of time to develop Jones, who has heavily studied Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady as well as Green Bay Packers signal-caller Aaron Rodgers. 

New England will eventually make the switch, hoping Jones will be the heir to Brady's throne. For now, everyone will just have to wait and see.