The New England Patriots are fully embracing life after Bill Belichick. Jerod Mayo deliberately distanced himself from the Belichick era during his introductory news conference last month. And the Patriots’ recent treatment of local media offered another indication of the franchise looking to change its public perception.
And then there’s what Eliot Wolf said Tuesday at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Eliot Wolf Promises Change After Bill Belichick’s Exit
Wolf became the first high-ranking Patriots employee to conduct a news conference at the Combine since 2013. The son of legendary Green Bay Packers executive Ron Wolf, Eliot is listed as New England’s director of scouting but really is the franchise’s de facto general manager.
After touching on a variety of topics, including how the Patriots could address their quarterback situation, Wolf was asked how New England plans to change its culture post-Belichick.
“Less of a hard a– vibe,” he said, via MassLive’s Mark Daniels.
Eliot Wolf was asked about the Patriots change in culture. Said they’ll have “less of a hard ass vibe.”
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) February 27, 2024
That will be perceived as a shot at Belichick, whether Wolf meant it that way or not.
During his remarkable tenure in New England, Belichick developed a reputation as the NFL‘s preeminent curmudgeon. The legendary head coach was more engaging behind the scenes, but the reality is that Belichick’s demeanor during news conferences negatively impacted how the public views the Patriots.
Now, Wolf and company are working toward ensuring the Patriots are viewed in a different light.
Patriots Changing Talent Evaluation System
With the help of right-hand man Ernie Adams, Belichick implemented a strict talent grading scale that the Patriots adhered to during their draft process. Those days appear to be over.
“We changed the grading system,” said Wolf, who began his career with the Green Bay Packers. “It’s a little bit more similar to what we did in Green Bay. The previous Patriots system was more, ‘This is what the role is,’ — and this is kind of value-based.
“So, I think it makes it a lot easier for scouts to rate guys and put them in a stack — like, ‘This guy’s the best; this guy’s the worst; and everything in between falls into place’ — rather than, sort of, more nuanced approaches. I just think it accounts value better, and it also makes it easier for the scouts in the fall, as well as in the spring, to determine where guys will get drafted.”
Wolf added: “This process is a lot more collaborative.”
Wolf also confirmed that he has the final say on how the Patriots will use the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“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.”
Patriots Director of Scouting Eliot Wolf reveals he will have the final say in who the team drafts with the third overall pick pic.twitter.com/sGFwwqa5HQ
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) February 27, 2024
KEEP READING: New England Patriots 2024 Free Agents
It remains to be seen whether the Patriots are right to eliminate so many of Belichick’s methods and principles. But they clearly were itching to initiate change for a long time.
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