Dan Orlovsky will feel 'much better' about Mac Jones if Patriots land DeAndre Hopkins

Through two seasons in the NFL, it’s fair to say the jury is still out on Mac Jones. A lot of questions surround his future with the New England Patriots, but ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky says he’ll feel “much better” about the quarterback’s upcoming season if the team lands star receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

New England is the favorite to land the free agent receiver, who is in no rush to sign with any team right now. If Hopkins does sign with the Patriots, it could be a huge boost for the offense entering the 2023 season.

And, Orlovsky admits, he’d feel really good about Jones’ situation if he has Hopkins on the outside.

“I feel better about Mac Jones’ situation as it sits here today,” Orlovsky said on the Pat McAfee Show. “I will feel much better if they bring D-Hop — I’ve been adamant, they need to get D-Hop into that building.”

Even without Hopkins in the building, Orlovsky says he’s a fan of Jones running New England’s offense. He believes the former Alabama star has all the tools necessary to be a high-level player in the NFL.

“The reason I’ve been a big fan of Mac Jones is because I called a couple of his games at Alabama, his last year there. And, in the game, you can appreciate he’s a good player, but you look at him through the lens — at least I did — of an NFL prospect and he doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of what the stars look like athletically,” Orlovsky said.

“Then I studied him and, man, he has everything that it takes to be a very good player at that position.”

Patriots emerge as favorite to land DeAndre Hopkins

Earlier this month, The Athletic reported that there’s “optimism” that Hopkins would land with the Patriots before the start of the 2023 campaign.

The 31-year-old receiver would provide New England with another offensive weapon, one that could potentially pop the top off of opposing defenses. It could provide the spark missing from the Patriots offense — and the reliable target Jones needs.

Hopkins is a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL first-team All-Pro selection. He’s totaled 11,298 receiving yards and 71 touchdown grabs on 853 catches. In 2017, he was the NFL’s receiving touchdowns leader.

It’s easy to understand why Orlovsky would have a more optimistic outlook for Jones if he has the talented veteran on the outside next season.