So where do the Pats and the other teams go to scout all these players for this years draft? I know they had a college senior game but what about the rest of the time.
Well, first off, the Pats scout these players throughout their college careers. They have position scouts, regional scouts, and national scouts out there doing the legwork. In addition to the in-season games, prospects are evaluated at the all-star games (the best being the Senior Bowl), the NFL Combine, and college Pro Days.
Are there combines that they hold in certain cities? I read where so and so was speaking with this player.
There's just the NFL Combine (which is coming up shortly). You may be referring to Senior Bowl week, when teams are seen speaking to individual prospects and during the interview process.
If the Pats are interested in a player do we go see him or does he come see us?
Both. All NFL teams have a certain amount of allowable 'prospect visits'. Some just visit, while others may work out. In addition, and perhaps the biggest clue as to who we're interested in, are the private workouts that take place on the players home turf. Those are not always reported like the prospect visits are. Pats position coaches, coordinators, and BB himself may be involved in these private workouts.
BB, Pioli, scouts, and coaches have gone through a ton of film study. Yet to follow will be having team reps at the Combine and Pro Days, prospect visits and workouts, and more film study...then a finalization of their draft board, which of course makes one want to be a fly on the wall in their war room.
A very lengthy and serious process.
