The new Patriots regime is trying to assert its own identity when it comes to player personnel. But as he tries to break away from the Patriot Way, one Bill Belichick trait may remain.
It is the opaque office location. New England has yet to name a general manager, but scouting director Elliott Wolff is in the running for the job.
The latest news from the Senior Bowl scouting community suggests the Wolves could look to bring in Alonzo Highsmith, who worked closely with Green Bay (2012-17) to oversee personnel decisions. – Creative process. Owner Robert Kraft said New England will work with a common front office voice before the draft.
The chorus also includes athletic director Matt Groh and head coach Jerod Mayo. Since Wolfe is at the top of the totem pole, it’s safe to assume that his philosophy was heavily influenced by some of his father’s famous beliefs. Pro Football Hall of Famer Ron Wolf is a three-time Super Bowl champion as a member of the Raiders, Buccaneers, Jets and most famously the Packers. He preached some important principles that will shape how New England defines Patriots players going forward.
As Green Bay achieved much success, the elder Wolf was a big believer in developing homegrown talent. He focused primarily on interior design and development while using free agency to plug holes that needed fixing.
Furthermore, Wolff continued to select players even when he didn’t have to. Despite having Brett Favre as his starting quarterback, he selected wide receivers in seven of eight drafts from 1992 to 1999. Wolf Jr. also earned a Super Bowl ring during his time in Green Bay under then-general manager Ted Thompson, his father’s first hire.
The full NFL draft order has yet to be announced, but we do know that New England currently has the third overall pick and will have to heavily consider a quarterback. The Patriots also pick 34th overall in the second round and 68th overall in the third round.
There are actually a lot of needs on the current roster. If New England is to return to the playoffs, it will need major upgrades to its talent at multiple positions.The All-Star Game is over and the first round of draft season is right around the corner. The NFL Scouting Combine is scheduled for late next month, followed by the pro day circuit in March.
There will be a lot of moving and shaking leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. In the meantime, we tried to figure out who the Patriots’ top targets are in this year’s draft based on philosophy, needs, schemes and qualifications.Round 1 Objective – #3 overallFinding a loyal franchise quarterback on a rookie and cap-friendly contract is the final ingredient to becoming a contender and success in the NFL.
Mid-level quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield are projected to make over $40 million a year, and with a stellar QB class in 2024, New England will soon find a new face for the franchise.Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU – Daniels could turn out to be the best quarterback this year. He has made great strides in his overall development over the past few seasons during his time in Baton Rouge.
With his big size, pocket skills, strong arm (he was one of the best deep-ball throwers in college football last season) and ability to extend his style of play with his athleticism, Daniels could be a target for top for the Patriots. If he doesn’t finish second overall, North Carolina’s Drake May would be a significant consolation prize.Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame / Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State – Moving forward with Mack Jones means the Patriots need to shore up their offensive line.
This decision could come down to who is the better left tackle, Alt or Fashanu. Building from within is a good philosophy for building a winning organization. But in this scenario, it’s worth challenging that belief because it’s rare to find a quarterback who can make this organization a perennial winner.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State – If New England reverses course and decides to sign a veteran signal-caller like Russell Wilson to a reduced contract, securing a lethal weapon suddenly becomes a top priority. Wilson is more mobile than Jones and has a relatively deeper tackle position. Considered an immediate impact player, Harrison is a more refined product than his father came from Syracuse. He immediately became the most talented player in New England since Randy Moss.Action for the second round – no. 34 generalThe tough passing attack didn’t collapse despite the rough play of the quarterback. New England lacks explosive players on offense and is expected to fill that need early in the draft.
Here are some of the available targets and mixed character options: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas – Will he be the fastest guy in Indy? Some speculated that Worthy could threaten John Ross’ 40m record (4.22). Worthy is a satellite player and is at his best when working in space with screens and surroundings.
He’s a threat that goes the distance every time he touches the ball, something the Patriots lack. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina – A versatile dynamo, Legette had 1,459 yards last season and set a school record in 2022 by averaging 29.4 yards on punt returns, including a 100-yard punt return. He showed off his extensive route tree during Senior Bowl week.
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