Patriots QB Mac Jones says he's happy with all the playmakers on the New England offense a the team began its three-day mandadory minicamp on Monday in Foxborough, Mass. (AP file photo)

Mac Jones seems much more comfortable this year.

The New England Patriots quarterback, who had all sorts of issues a year ago, feels that things are working out much more smoothly this year as the Patriots began a three-day mandatory minicamp on Monday.

“We’ve got guys who have played a lot of football, not just here but other places,” Jones said. “Talking about things that they’ve done, just anything that we can do to become a better offense and eliminate turnovers… and be explosive when we have to.”

Jones said he’s “really pleased with the playmakers we have on our team. We’ve come out here and really bought into the system, that will really show in training camp and preseason. It’s sometimes hard to show that out here. I’ve been really pleased with the tight ends, running backs, all the receivers, young guys, old guys….We have a good group.”

Jones again complimented the coaching staff, saying that he’s learned a lot from Patriots coach Bill Belichick and new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Remember, Jones was said to be in Belichick’s doghouse for reportedly trying to get offensive advice from the Alabama staff last year.

Jones said he usually, with Belichick, “just pick his brain about defense, because he’s really good with the defensive side of the ball, and learning that part of it, because that’s what he does really, really well.”

Jones is impressed with veteran receiver JuJu Smith Schuster, but Schuster for whatever reason – likely injury related – has been held out of minicamp.

“Some guys have been able to do more than others,” Belichick said. “But everybody who’s been here has benefitted from being here. So it’s about what it normally is at this time of year.

“Guys are in different stages of participation and there are different priorities and needs with different players, and so we’re trying to address those.”

“He really does have a good understanding of football,” Jones said of Smith Schuster. “He’s really bought into the offense, and he’s always studying and everything like that, like everybody else. … We’re always talking about the offense, certain plays that he likes. That’s good, the conversations that always help. He’s played a lot of football in this league, just picking his brain, too.”

And the learning continues.

“Obviously it’s still a learning experience for everybody,” Jones said. “We’ve all put in some really good work. I feel the attendance has been good…We’ve learned a lot about ourselves, but you really can’t tell until you put the pads on.”

GUY A NO-SHOW

One of the Patriots best defensive players, defensive lineman Lawrence Guy, was not present on Monday, and speculation is that it’s contract related. Guy signed a four-year contract with the team in March of 2021 as an unrestricted free agent, one that had incentives that could make its worth near $24 million. His base this year is reportedly $2 million with $3.5 million in incentives.

RB ROBINSON RELEASED

The Patriots released running back James Robinson, formerly of the Jets and Jaguars. Robinson was thought to be perhaps in the mix as a pass catcher out of the backfield, but speculation is that his release had to do with an injury. He signed a two-year contract in March but it was not guaranteed

BROWN OUT AS WELL

Veteran offensive lineman Trent Brown was not present on Monday, and word was he had travel complications due to a flight being cancelled.

“I don’t think everybody’s here,” Belichick said. “We’re working through a couple of things.”

HOPKINS VISITING?

Belichick would not confirm when or if sought after veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins, released by Arizona, would be making his way to Foxborough for a workout as has been reported.

“I don’t know about that,” Belichick said. “We’ve talked to him, we’re working through it. I’m not sure.”

Jones said having Hopkins on his team “is definitely a hypothetical, but I think DeAndre’s a great player. You watch his film from college, all the way through the NFL, he does a great job.

“Obviously we’d love to have him, but we’ve got a great group of guys.”