Mac Jones talking to Patriots scouts at the Senior Bowl

January 29, 2021 | 14h13

The Patriots’ offseason plans as a quarterback can go in several directions, but a potential option remains a simple scenario.

With 15th choice in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, New England could select one of several available quarterbacks.

Although it is expected that several of the best candidates in the position will already be gone when the Patriots are at work, a notable college star will probably still be available.

Mac Jones, who led Alabama to an undefeated season that culminated in a National Championship in early January, has already been identified as the player Bill Belichick can choose. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. designed Jones for the Patriots in his recent mock draft.

“Mac Jones, pocket passer, great accuracy at all levels, that’s what Tom Brady was,” explained Kiper in an interview with ESPN after disclosing his projection. “Bill Belichick-Nick Saban connection, Alabama players in New England.”

“Maybe it makes a lot of sense,” Kiper added. “Things never work like that when you think you got something here just by looking back [sense] and connecting the dots. “

While there is still a long way to go before the Patriots make any official draft decisions, Jones is at least being considered.

In an interview at the Senior Bowl, Jones – who made 41 touchdowns as a junior in 2020 with just four interceptions – said he liked talking to New England scouts.

“We just had a good conversation,” said Jones. “[We] we talked and got to know me very well. I really liked them [team’s] table. It’s fun to see how the tables are different, they act a little differently, but the Patriots were really cool and asked some really good questions. “

The NFL draft begins on April 29, although it is not the only possible way to add a quarterback, as several veteran quarterbacks are also available.