Eliot Wolf confirms who has final say on the Patriots’ draft
The New England Patriots have truly empowered Eliot Wolf.
There’s a new general manager in town. He’s just known as the director of scouting. That’s Wolf, who spoke to reporters for the first time this off-season at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Wolf confirmed prior reports that he’s running the show when it comes to personnel. And while he’ll be working closely with Head Coach Jerod Mayo and Director of Player Personnel Matt Groh, Wolf does indeed have final say on what the Pats do with the No. 3 pick in the draft.
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“It’s going to be a collaborative effort – coach Mayo, myself, Matt Groh, the whole staff,” Wolf said. “At the end of the day, someone has to make that pick, and that’ll be myself.”
Jan 19, 2017; Ashwaubenon, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers director of football operations Eliot Wolf during practice at the Don Hutson Center in preparation for the NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jim Matthews/Green Bay Press Gazette via USA TODAY Sports
Welp, that confirms a prior report by the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that Wolf will “will be in charge of the personnel department, with control of the 53-man roster.” Sure sounds like a GM to us. That corroborates Mike Reiss saying weeks back that Wolf is operating like a GM without the title.
It’s notable that we now have it straight from the horse’s wolf’s mouth. And especially because getting that kind of information would’ve proven impossible with Bill Belichick.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
NFL Combine schedule: When quarterbacks and more have their workouts
The 2024 NFL Combine schedule is officially out.
One of the league’s biggest off-season events, the annual scouting combine gathers the best, most athletic prospects in the NFL Draft for workouts, team interviews, and other obligations. The NFL Network is set to broadcast the workouts and other aspects of the combine as part of the TV schedule, which you can read below.
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Combine workouts are broken into four days with groups of positions. They’re all set to begin in the afternoon this year. Here’s the full position-by-position NFL Combine TV schedule, with some names to watch…
Thursday, Feb. 29: Defensive Line, Linebackers
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Dallas Turner #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The front-seven leads things off for the NFL Combine on Thursday. Between defensive ends & defensive tackles, and inside & outside linebackers, there will be a variety of young athletes on display to work out for NFL teams. For prospects, the combine is also their time to have pre-draft interviews with interested clubs and meet with reporters.
Among the top defensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft is Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner. He’s described as fast, strong, and versatile, making him arguably the best prospect at his position.
Friday, March 1: Tight Ends, Defensive Backs
AUBURN, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 30: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
On Friday, the NFL Combine will feature one position each for offense and defense. The tight ends, however, are likely to draw more fanfare than the defensive backs, as the offensive guys who will find themselves on fantasy teams across the country.
At the top of the heap among the tight ends is Georgia’s Brock Bowers. But if defensive backs are your thing, watch for Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins.
Saturday, March 2: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Running Backs
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 28: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The main event. Quarterback is the most important position in sports, wide receivers are more important in the NFL than ever, and elite running backs are staples of winning fantasy rosters. There will be more eyeballs on these players than any others in the combine.
At quarterback, top prospects Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are not expected to work out. That leaves UNC’s Drake Maye, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix, and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy as the top names to watch, if they choose to take the field.
As for the wide receivers, Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. is reportedly not expected to test at the combine. So, keep an eye on Washington’s Rome Odunze and LSU’s Malik Nabers.
Sunday, March 3: Offensive Line, Special Teams
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 16: Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish warms up before the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Notre Dame Stadium on September 16, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The NFL Combine schedule finishes off with the least sexy positions on the field. But offensive linemen have also never been more important, as their impact has risen with that of offenses across the NFL. So, top tackle prospect Joe Alt from Notre Dame is worth your attention. Offensive lineman workouts do have a chance at being a nice source of entertainment.
