Tuesday didn’t offer a ton of clarity on how the New England Patriots could address their quarterback situation, but it gave us a bit more to work with.
Director of scouting Eliot Wolf, now the Patriots’ de facto general manager, spoke with reporters at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. It was the first time since 2013 that someone with the Patriots conducted a news conference at the Combine. Wolf touched on a variety of topics, including the Patriots’ potential QB plans.
Eliot Wolf Dishes on 2024 QB Draft Class
Wolf confirmed the Patriots, who own the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will meet with top QB prospects Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels. We already know that Williams and Daniels won’t participate in any drills at the Combine, but Maye’s participation status remained unclear as of late Tuesday morning.
Wolf didn’t offer many specifics, but he shared one positive trait shared by all three players.
“One thing about the quarterbacks in this draft, specifically, that I’m excited about, is they all look like they’re really tough guys,” Wolf told reporters. “Which is obviously great at any position, but the quarterback position especially.”
Wolf likes what he’s seen from this year’s QB class, but he stressed the Patriots still have a lot of work to do before the NFL Draft starts in late April.
“I think it’s a really good year for quarterbacks,” he said. “It’s a really good year at a lot of positions. Like any position, we’re gonna evaluate their strengths and weaknesses to determine who fits for us.
“We’re pretty early in the process here. Like, I haven’t met any of these guys; Jerod [Mayo] hasn’t met any of these guys. So, as we continue through the process here, we’ll determine what’s best for the team.”
Ultimately, meeting with quarterbacks at the Combine is just one piece of the puzzle for New England.
“I don’t know how important this week is for (getting to know the players),” Wolf said. “But I think it’s about talking to the right people and asking the right questions. And when we meet with them, asking the right questions. And that may be here, in a formal interview, that may be at a later date at a pro day — or wherever that may be.
“But we have to determine who can handle being the quarterback of the New England Patriots.”
Will That QB Be Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe?
Neither Mac Jones nor Bailey Zappe look like franchise quarterbacks. Jones, especially, looks like a player in need of a fresh start elsewhere.
When asked what the future could hold for both quarterbacks, Wolf didn’t show his cards.
“I’d say there’s a lot of options on the table,” he said. “I’m glad you asked about Mac and Bailey. We’re not gonna be a program that’s talking about these guys through the media; we’re gonna do what’s best for the team behind the scenes.
“The strategy for that is gonna be myself, Jerod Mayo, Matt Groh — and we’re gonna try to do the right thing for the team.”
MORE: New Patriots OC Doesn’t Rule Out Mac Jones at QB
Wolf also insisted Patriots owner Robert Kraft won’t insert himself into the decision-making process at quarterback.
“They prefer to stay out of football,” Wolf said of the Kraft family. ” … I think they have opinions, which they’ll share, but ultimately, it’s down to Jerod and I.”
The Patriots Will Have Options With No. 3 Pick
New England could hold onto the pick to select Maye or Daniels, or use it to trade up to the No. 1 spot to select Williams. But the Patriots also could leverage the pick to acquire more assets.
The Minnesota Vikings reportedly gauged the Patriots’ interest in moving the pick while at the 2024 Senior Bowl. The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders also are potential suitors.
KEEP READING: What NFL Draft Expert Really Thinks Patriots Should Do With No. 3 Pick
All three teams would need to pay a premium to acquire the third overall pick. Will Wolf and company receive an offer too good to pass up? We’ll just have to wait and see.
If nothing else, Wolf on Tuesday sounded like someone ready to move the Patriots into a new era at quarterback — one way or another. He also confirmed that, when the time comes, he’ll decide on what to do with the third pick.
“It’s gonna be a collaborative effort,” Wolf said. “Coach Mayo, myself, Matt Groh — the whole staff.
“At the end of the day, somebody has to make that pick. And that’ll be myself.”
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