All eyes will be on rookie quarterback Mac Jones as the Patriots kick off rookie mini camp today in Foxboro.

Jones was taken with the 15th overall pick in the first round of this year’s draft. Expectations are high for the Alabama quarterback as the Patriots and fans alike are hoping that Jones is the long term answer at quarterback.

Jones has the size at 6-3 217, poise arm strength and accuracy to thrive in the Patriots system. He and the rest of his draft class along with other rookies will get a crash course in the Patriot Way this weekend.

While expectations are high for Jones, Bill Belichick tried to temper them by announcing that Cam Newton is the team’s designated starter heading into the season. How long that last’s ultimately depends on Newton and if he can turn things around after an abysmal season in 2020.

Fans will be clamoring for Jones at the first sign of Newton struggling but it is important to note that Jones will need time to learn the Patriots vast and complex offensive system. He is a high I.Q quarterback so it shouldn’t be an issue but rushing his indoctrination into the system isn’t a good idea either.

Of course this weekend’s mini camp will give us our first look at Jones but we won’t really get a good look at him until next month’s mandatory team mini camp. That is when he will rep with the starters as well.

Jones comes to Foxboro with a lot of fanfare and high expectations. This weekend is the first step in the process of him becoming the eventual starting quarterback for the Patriots. Let’s see how long that takes.