The New England Patriots are in a very important spot heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. And they aren't taking that lightly.
They have numerous needs on the team, and currently hold the No. 3 overall pick. But de facto general manager Eliot Wolf made it clear that the Patriots are still willing to take calls about potential trading the pick.
And there is one unusual source who is involved in these conversations.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini , Wolf is "running point" on the trade discussions, but Patriots' President Jonathan Kraft is "heavily involved in the decision making."
However, the interesting part of all of this is what owner Robert Kraft told reporters at the 2024 NFL Owners Meetings regarding this decision.
“I think Eliot has good training, good pedigree,” Kraft said. “And we actually have a good group of young people. We’re starting new chapters in our development as we evolve here. I like the young people we have doing this. We were in an environment where everything really funneled to the top. And maybe some of the young people that have worked real hard didn’t get a chance to have their position heard. Or maybe didn’t speak up as much. I’ve encouraged them to be collaborative and I think the combination of Jerod and Matt (Groh) and together with Eliot, I’m actually excited what I’ve seen.”
By putting Wolf in charge, he claimed that he was going with his "instincts," but it seems he is now contradicting that by having Jonathan Kraft involved to such a high level.
And as for Jerod Mayo, he was asked about what ownership's role will be in picking a quarterback for the upcoming season.
“Just how I hired Eliot, or we hired Eliot, it’s the same thing. They don’t want to be involved in football decisions," Mayo said. "But they have given us the tools to go out there and get the guys that we want. They’ve given us the backing or the confidence to go out there and be aggressive if we are convicted on a player. But, at the end of the day, they don’t want to be involved with football decisions.”
Plus, with the draft so close, he's not quite sure what the Kraft's role will be during that.
“Honestly I’m not sure. This is my first draft as the head coach. Seriously, I’m not sure," Mayo added. "But one thing I will say is Kraft family, the ownership has given us the ability to go out there and offer big contracts, to take a quarterback at No. 3, to move down. All of those things are up in the air. Once again, it’s their team but they have entrusted Eliot and myself to put this thing back together.”
They claim they don't want to be involved in football decisions, but then reports such as these come out completely disputing that. So it seems they might want to all get on the same page about this sooner rather than later.
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