Eliot Wolf, Patriots Scouting Director, to Make Final Personnel Decisions
Eliot Wolf, the new leader of the New England Patriots front office, is set to make the final personnel decisions for the team. Despite not holding the title of general manager, Wolf will be in charge of free agency and the draft. Wolf, the son of legendary Green Bay Packers general manager Ron Wolf, has been attending the NFL Scouting Combine since 1993 when he was just 10 years old. He spoke to the media for the first time since joining the Patriots three years ago and provided some insight into his plans for the team.
Wolf believes that this year’s draft class is particularly strong when it comes to quarterbacks. He stated that all the quarterbacks in this draft look like tough guys, which is a desirable trait for any position but especially for a quarterback. The Patriots are considering drafting a quarterback with the No. 3 pick and have scheduled interviews with Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels, who are the top three quarterbacks in the draft class.
When it comes to decision-making, Wolf mentioned that the Kraft family, who owns the Patriots, are staying out of the process. They prefer to leave football decisions to Wolf, new coach Jerod Mayo, and director of player personnel Matt Groh. Wolf emphasized that he looks for a quarterback who can elevate his teammates and mentioned the importance of body language on the field. He made a subtle reference to Mac Jones’ criticized body language during games.
Wolf also talked about the new culture that has been established within Gillette Stadium since parting ways with Bill Belichick. He emphasized that there is now a more open and less rigid atmosphere in the building, which allows for greater collaboration and communication. He hopes to build a culture based on people developing people, doing the right thing, being honest and open, and feeling comfortable speaking up about any issues.
Having started his career in the league with the Green Bay Packers, Wolf is bringing the “Packer Way” to New England. He described the “Packer Way” as emphasizing drafting and developing players, extending core performers from within, and treating people with honesty and respect. One of Wolf’s first tasks with the Patriots was updating the team’s grading system for draft prospects. Under his system, players are graded more on the value they could bring, considering that some positions are more valuable than others.
The Patriots have expressed their desire to re-sign guard/tackle Mike Onwenu, but there is a slight complication as he recently fired his agent. However, Wolf believes that Onwenu’s intelligence and self-awareness will make negotiations easier and views him as a cornerstone player for the team. Wolf also addressed the addition of Alonzo Highsmith to the front office, clarifying that Matt Groh will serve as the No. 2 executive.
Finally, Wolf set expectations for the upcoming season, stating that a successful season would involve showing good progress, turning the culture around, and competing for the playoffs. With Wolf at the helm, the Patriots are looking to make significant changes and build a successful team for the future.
In conclusion, Eliot Wolf’s first public appearance as the Patriots Scouting Director provided valuable insights into his plans for the team. From his belief in the strength of this year’s quarterback class to his emphasis on building a new culture within the organization, Wolf is poised to make a significant impact on the New England Patriots. With his experience and the support of the Kraft family, Wolf is looking to lead the team towards success in the coming seasons.