Alabama’s Mac Jones is in a quarterback competition with the New England Patriots, as the decision to start him over Cam Newton could likely stretch into training camp.

The NFL Network’s Mike Giardi outlined how Jones impressed at recent workouts as rookies like Jones transition to life in the NFL. There’s also Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer in the mix in New England as well.

“The thing you notice about Jones right away is that competitive edge we heard so much about at Alabama,” Giardi said. “When he made a play he didn’t like, today at OTAs, he slapped his thigh really hard multiple times. I’m thinking to myself, ‘That’s going to leave a mark, dude, that’s going to leave a bruise.’ But it tells you the perfection that he’s looking for.”

Giardi added that Jones spent a lot of time talking with Hoyer off to the side while watching other quarterbacks. But when he was in a 7-on-7 situation, or 11-on-11, Jones was impressive.

“The ball comes out of his hands quickly, decisively and accurately,” Giardi said. “At least today, he threw the best ball of anybody in camp.”

Jones is in this position after the Patriots selected Jones with the No. 15 pick of the NFL draft, their biggest move to date to bring in a player to possibly be a long-term replacement for Tom Brady.