Patriots have 16 full time scouts reporting to 2 directors -- one college, one pro, of football operations. They report to Pioli, and after the season, the coaching staff also helps review tape and conduct interviews, and Belichick then teams with Pioli to establish the final board.
The budget for college scouting is approximately $4 million. The scouts, directors, Pioli, Belichick and the rest of the coaching staff spend, literally, THOUSANDS of hours reviewing tape, interviewing not just the players but their coaches, etc., in connection with establishing the final board.
Belichick has spent 30 years, consecutive, coaching in the NFL, and his ability to break down tape is legendary. He has won 3 SBs in the last 5 years, and is the only coach in NFL history to win 3 in 4 years.
Felger and Rusillo don't like the draft.
All in all, I don't find it difficult to give the benefit of the doubt to the first group of guys over Felger and Rusillo...