New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones has impressed many over his opening two starts in the NFL, including New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton.

The Patriots and the Saints are set to face off in what will be one of the headline games of Week 3. And in anticipation of this contest, Payton has been watching a fair share of film on the former Alabama Crimson Tide star.

In speaking during a recent conference call ahead of the matchup against the Patriots, Payton offered his early impressions of the rookie quarterback, where he also touched on how the Saints viewed him ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft.

“I think positive, really positive,” Payton said. “He was someone that we were really high on. I think he processes information fast. At Alabama, if you watch closely his tape, the ball comes out, decisions are made fast.

“I think he sees the field horizontally as well as vertically well. He has the arm to make the throws that you want. His decision-making and processing are where I felt were really strong suites with him and I think he's handling it well. It's not easy to all of a sudden come in and start week one as a rookie, but he's a smart player.”

The Saints were linked with multiple quarterbacks ahead of the draft following the retirement of longtime quarterback Drew Brees. Jones was among the quarterbacks who the Saints had shortlisted as a possible replacement for Brees.

In the end, the Patriots swooped in to take Jones with the No. 15 overall pick in the draft, while the Saints selected former Houston defensive end Payton Turner in the round and also later named Jameis Winston as their new starting quarterback.

The NFL is filled with plenty of what-if scenarios in its history. The Saints possibly taking Jones in the draft may go down as one hypothetical scenario that will be analyzed for years to come.