INDIANAPOLIS -- The New England Patriots are used to having a great trash-talking quarterback. Tom Brady was famously good at it, and Cam Newton was no different, albeit with a different style.
And it sounds like Mac Jones is capable of carrying the torch.
While speaking with reporters Thursday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, safety prospect Jordan Battle was asked to identify the top trash-talker he faced during his career at Alabama. He identified Jones, whom he played with for two seasons in Tuscaloosa.
"The best trash-talker I faced at Alabama? Slick Mac Jones," Battle said. "I'll take Mac Jones. Probably the best trash-talker."
So, what's Jones' trash talk sound like?
"It was just like some slick stuff," Battle said. "Like, he'd complete a pass, and he was like, 'Oh yeah, I'm coming at you every play.' OK, I like that. Keep coming. I'm gonna catch a pick one day."
Battle isn't the only Alabama product who shared fond memories of Jones this week.
On Wednesday, stud edge rusher Will Anderson told a great story about his former teammate's leadership. Battle echoed those sentiments during his press conference.
"The main thing was just the way Mac competed in practice," Battle said. "It was fun every day. I know when I first got there (in 2019), Mac was on scout (team), and I seen him every day, like, the way he would compete against us on scout team.
"So, I knew once he got that chance to start at Alabama, I knew he would be a great player. I knew there were a lot of doubters before he ever won a national championship, but I'm happy he silenced all the critics that year. I was happy for him."
Battle is viewed as a likely Day 2 draft pick. He could make sense as a potential Patriots target, especially if Devin McCourty decides to retire.
