There will be a magnifying glass on the New England Patriots’ quarterback situation throughout the 2021 offseason.

Cam Newton will likely move on from the team after a disappointing season and Jarrett Stidham doesn’t appear to be in the conversation. Whether or not Bill Belichick has a veteran or rookie quarterback in mind is still unknown. The Patriots have the No. 15 pick, but they have holes throughout the roster and could replenish at almost every position with the first-rounder.

There’s been reports the Patriots will seek out a veteran, but there’s enough talent for five or six teams to cash in on a potential franchise quarterback through the first 15 picks.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper had the Patriots landing Alabama’s Mac Jones in one of his mock drafts and it isn’t looking unrealistic. Following Thursday’s Senior Bowl practice, the Heisman candidate touched on a conversation he had with the Patriots while speaking with reporters.

“We just had a good conversation,” Jones said. “Talked and they got to know me really well. I really liked their (team) table. It’s kinda fun to see how different tables, they act a little different, but the Patriots were really cool and asked some really good questions.”

Belichick’s friend, Nick Saban, spoke highly of his former quarterback following Alabama’s National Championship victory against Ohio State.

“I think Mac Jones had a phenomenal season,” Saban said. “I mean, the completion percentage that he had, the accuracy, the command of the offense, the understanding of coverage and getting the ball to right guys, consistency in performance, a guy that’s played awesome. He’s a very bright guy.

“I think it’s a lesson for a lot of people out there to look at how important it is to emphasize your development because each year Mac was here, he actually said to me on the stage last night when we were getting the championship trophy, he said, ‘Can you believe this, from a scout team quarterback to winning a national championship?’ I think sometimes people aren’t willing to make the kind of sacrifices that you have to make to go through that kind of development to eventually become the kind of player Mac has become.”

Jones finished the season off throwing 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and four interceptions — with a 77.4 completion percentage and 203.1 quarterback rating in 13 games. He wouldn’t have nearly the same group of talented players surrounding him in an NFL setting, but his ability to work hard and progress would be transferable.

The Patriots have a ton of decisions to make, but they shouldn’t discount the idea of drafting Jones at No. 15 if he’s still available.