Bill Belichick was spotted speaking with 49ers executives at Mac Jones’s Pro Day

With less than a month to go until the 2021 NFL Draft, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick traveled to Tuscaloosa to watch Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones show his arm at Pro Day’s Alabama Tuesday.

But Jones might not have been the only passer Belichick watched in training.

In addition to meeting his old friend, Alabama head coach Nick Saban, Belichick also took the time to chat with San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. . The 49ers recently traded to acquire the No.3 pick in the draft this weekend and are expected to use it extensively on a quarterback.

Bill Belichick and John Lynch at Mac Jones Pro Day👀 pic.twitter.com/v8W9iF1nB8

– Draft PFF (@PFF_College) March 30, 2021

While it’s unclear what Belichick discussed with the two 49ers reps, their meeting is notable given rumors of trade talks between the Patriots and 49ers for former New England quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

New England have reportedly halted their pursuit of Garoppolo, their second-round pick in the 2014 draft, although some pundits have suggested Garoppolo’s return was the team’s “plan A” this offseason.

Additionally, the 49ers still say they see the 29-year-old quarterback as their opening week starter in 2021. “It’s going to be hard to find a quarterback who gives us a better chance of winning than Jimmy right now, especially even a draft rookie, ”Shanahan said on Monday.

It is now rumored that New England is in no rush to strike a deal with the 49ers given Cam Newton’s position on the team. It doesn’t hurt that Garoppolo will likely hit the market at a much cheaper rate next year, having been phased out in favor of the soon-to-be-drafted rookie.

Some pundits, including Shanahan’s friend and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, believe the rookie could be Jones, with NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport adding that he would be surprised if Jones was not at least a top 10 pick. With Jones’ stock rising, it seems highly unlikely that the Patriots could be in the game to select him – as projected by pundits like ESPN’s Mel Kiper and NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein – if they don’t. ‘do not change compared to general choice n ° 15.

As for Jones’ training himself, NFL Network expert Daniel Jeremiah spoke favorably of the Pro Day quarterback’s performance during special coverage on “Path To The Draft,” saying the Ferryman from Crimson Tide looked even better than his first practice last week.

Jones showcased the strength of his arms – which experts regularly questioned during the screening process – during Tuesday’s throwing session, including this deep connection to Devonta Smith, winner of the Heisman Trophy.

He also passed a throw or two, with cameras capturing an unsuspecting Belichick reacting to one.

The overthrow of Mac Jones

Bill Belichick:

pic.twitter.com/w9pAvoF45B

– Draft PFF (@PFF_College) March 30, 2021

Still, a few missed shots don’t change the fact that Jones is on the line for the 49er’s third overall pick as an option to succeed Garoppolo this year or next, putting all eyes on the team’s quarterback situation. . Including those of Belichick and the Patriots.