Andrew Callahan: Patriots Rebuild Will be a Slow Burn Rather Then a Quick Fix
On Wednesday’s edition of Toucher & Hardy, Andrew Callahan who covers the Patriots for the Boston Herald, joined the show and discussed Eliot Wolf and his vision for the new look Patriots.
This is Going to Take Some Time…
Fred Toucher: Based on his comments, did you feel like he tipped his hand that they’re taking a quarterback at three?
Andrew Callahan: I don’t. But I think him saying that obviously they like the quarterback class. First of all, I think you’d have a hard time finding someone who did not. But him saying repeatedly, we’ll keep all options on the table, franchise tag, trading down, whatever it might be. I think we could read the tea leaves without those comments to say they’re probably going to do what you just said. Take a quarterback at three.
Jon Wallach: Based on his comments, do you think this time around there will be an actual rebuild and not an attempt at a quick fix?
Andrew Callahan: Yes, and you know, again, you look through his history, where has he been most often? In Green Bay, is the answer. Right. That’s where he grew up, literally as a kid, grew up as a scout, as an executive, 16 out of his 20 years in the NFL. He summarized their philosophy with the Packers very simply, draft and develop, then extend your core performers from within. So this is a slow burn. This is a slow build, and I think when you have guys who have newly been put in place with him and Jerod(Mayo) and the guys who are in those positions typically get 4 or 5 six-year contracts, like they’re empowered now to make change and they’re going to make it clear to the krafts, “Hey, we’re not going to be back in the Super Bowl next year.” This is going to take some time.
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How will Eliot Wolf 'weaponize the offense' in New England?
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)
“I think it’s a really good year for quarterbacks,” Wolf said when asked about this class. “Like any position, we’re going to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and determine who fits for us.”
Wolf added that an important part of making that determination will be getting to know the quarterbacks as players. The Patriots are expected to meet with all three top quarterbacks in the draft – USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels – and Wolf added they could have additional pre-draft meetings as well.
Despite having not met any of the top quarterbacks in person though, Wolf said part of the reason he likes this class is what he sees in their mental makeup. “One thing about the quarterbacks in this draft specifically that I’m excited about – they all look like they’re really tough guys,” Wolf explained.
Does this all point to the Patriots taking a quarterback in the first round to being the “weaponization” of the Patriots’ offense? Wolf highlighted the value of taking a quarterback with the team’s first pick league-wide.
“When you look throughout the league, most of the quarterbacks are first-rounders,” Wolf noted. “I think the league-wide understanding of how important that position is and how important it is to have somebody there that can help you win games and get over the hump has changed league-wide.”
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 23: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 23, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Wolf didn’t just talk about the quarterbacks at the top of the draft though. He was also asked about Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is also projected to be a top five pick.
“He’s a good player. There’s obviously a lot of strengths to his game” Wolf replied. “He can translate to any offense in the NFL.”
The one position of need Wolf wasn’t asked about – as it relates to the draft – was offensive tackle. However he did address the position internally, calling pending free agent Michael Onwenu a “cornerstone” and adding that “it’s no secret we want to keep him.”
Talking about “weaponizing” the offense is one thing, but doing it is another. Patriots fans won’t have to wait long to start seeing Wolf’s vision take shape. The Combine usually marks the start of regular free agency rumors, leading up to the start of the legal tampering period on March 11. From there, it’s about another month and a half until the NFL Draft.
