Wolf has made worse GM decisions than post Brady BB

[Force Zero Boomer]

There is no such record. You like to make stuff up?

Here's an article from someone who thinks along the same lines. I never said I was quoting BB directly. He did call him a "very talented kid" and noted a few positive attributes, but most of his comments on Maye were critical. It seemed clear to me if he had to pick there, Maye would not have been the selection, which I equated to "not liking the pick." If you want to call that "making stuff up", whatever man. I don't like you anyway, so don't bother replying. I won't read it.

Bill Belichick was pretty critical of Drake Maye after Patriots drafted quarterback third overall

In his new role as an NFL Draft analyst, former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wasted no time critiquing his old team's new quarterback, Drake Maye.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Here's an article from someone who thinks along the same lines. I never said I was quoting BB directly. He did call him a "very talented kid" and noted a few positive attributes, but most of his comments on Maye were critical. It seemed clear to me if he had to pick there, Maye would not have been the selection, which I equated to "not liking the pick." If you want to call that "making stuff up", whatever man. I don't like you anyway, so don't bother replying. I won't read it.

Bill Belichick was pretty critical of Drake Maye after Patriots drafted quarterback third overall

In his new role as an NFL Draft analyst, former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wasted no time critiquing his old team's new quarterback, Drake Maye.

www.cbsnews.com

BB is in the media. He is the grumpy old style hard-nosed personality. The networks are playing up that persona. It is the media. BB is playing a part. Like the movies are media. Extrapolating a rehearsed media comment into BB's actual draft thoughts is a significant stretch.

 

[lancerman]

BB is in the media. He is the grumpy old style hard-nosed personality. The networks are playing up that persona. It is the media. BB is playing a part. Like the movies are media. Extrapolating a rehearsed media comment into BB's actual draft thoughts is a significant stretch.

Ehhh to push back on this a little, Bill was very critical of Maye on draft night and the context was that he was on a laid back Pat McAfee show with a bunch of fratboy type personalities and he was sort of the odd man out being critical while everyone was hyping all the draft picks up. Tbh he was kind of being a debbie downer and you could tell everyone else didn't expect him to be so hard on some of these guys.

That said, I don't know if it's entirely fair to say Bill's misgivings towards Maye would mean he would pass him up outright if he was in the same position.

 

[sb1]

Ehhh to push back on this a little, Bill was very critical of Maye on draft night and the context was that he was on a laid back Pat McAfee show with a bunch of fratboy type personalities and he was sort of the odd man out being critical while everyone was hyping all the draft picks up. Tbh he was kind of being a debbie downer and you could tell everyone else didn't expect him to be so hard on some of these guys.

That said, I don't know if it's entirely fair to say Bill's misgivings towards Maye would mean he would pass him up outright if he was in the same position.

Also it’s fair to say Bill’s philosophy was to build and scheme a solid team around a QB so that QB can learn to manage a game well. Why? because that’s what he’s always done. Build from the outside in. There is no evidence that Bill would draft a kid to be the MAN and build a team around him from the inside out. That’s just not his MO.

There’s no question in my mind he passes on Maye regardless of the opinions of folks who for some reason desperately want that not to be so. Most likely trades down. Or maybe grabs Alt. That I can believe he would do.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Ehhh to push back on this a little, Bill was very critical of Maye on draft night and the context was that he was on a laid back Pat McAfee show with a bunch of fratboy type personalities and he was sort of the odd man out being critical while everyone was hyping all the draft picks up. Tbh he was kind of being a debbie downer and you could tell everyone else didn't expect him to be so hard on some of these guys.

That said, I don't know if it's entirely fair to say Bill's misgivings towards Maye would mean he would pass him up outright if he was in the same position.

That is a very reasonable post. I would be a bit more direct than you. Extrapolating a media appearance into BB's projected actions as a GM is a significant stretch. Categorically stating that BB would not have chosen Maye is ridiculous.

 

[PScottman]

...if they can sign Bolles then it gives them the freedom to go best player with their first pick,

This is the key aspect - free agency to solidify the secondary/middle class needs...I agree on OL (especially interior so you can get better talent with less cap space) especially - and MUST be dependable low injury history too. Same with DL - run stuffer, a pass rushing specialist DE (doesn't have to be a five tool star so less overall cost), a coverage LB, and a a free safety (bigger money here too). And then yes, a five tool stud at either WR or TE (doesn't matter which) for Maye.

Do that aggressively in FA then with the exception of best OT on the board, they have the freedom to draft BPA in the draft regardless of position and or use assets to even trade around for BPA at a desired position.

That said, odds of this approach (whether as stated or similar regardless of position using FA to position them to really use the draft strategically) being used given the recent history? About 5%.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I don't understand why we are discussing something that someone would have done for this team when they are no longer with this team. BB had some great qualities and some **** qualities, but discussing his tendencies and applying them to the 2024 draft is ridiculous.

Because some here are trying to claim that Belichick would have Drafted Maye when he clearly dumped on the pick as it was made. It’s as ludicrous as Bill Pollian claiming he had Brady as a 1st round pick on his board 20 years after Brady was picked.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I'm assuming he wouldn't have taken him. You're arguing why he would have - which means you think he might have. Which is fine. I don't think he would have. I'll take it a step further - he's never used a top-15 pick on an offensive player.

Ever. Until Mac Jones.

And you can argue, "Well, they never picked high that often." True, but when they did, they took guys like Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, Jerod Mayo, etc.

And as I said to @sb1, had it not been for Saban, maybe he wouldn't have taken Jones and would have done what he did with Garoppolo and others and targeted someone further down.

But I do think if he had the #3 pick and wasn't 100% head over heels for Maye, he absolutely would have traded down and potentially taken McCarthy or Nix, or whoever.

Belichick loves draft picks and he was coming off a season where they were embarrassed and had a lot of holes to fill. He would have done all he could to give them the best chance to do so. Especially if the guy sitting at #3 wasn't a "must-have" guy in his eyes.

Again, just my opinion, but previous history tells me that's what he would have done. Although, at the same time, McCarthy wasn't terrible and neither is Nix, and we won't know for a few years on Maye. Hopefully, he's "the guy" we all believe he might be. But I think Belichick would have played it the same way he always had. And yes, I'm being serious.

You don’t have to assume, Belichick’s comments when Wolf took Maye made it undeniably clear that Belichick never would have taken him.

 

[Patsgofor4]

Roses are red, violets are blue, Smith is always injured and that’s why the Pats were right to not pursue him in the offseason.

 

[Patsgofor4]

You don’t have to assume, Belichick’s comments when Wolf took Maye made it undeniably clear that Belichick never would have taken him.

I’m probably one of the top 5 Belichick devotees here and I totally agree. I miss him terribly as a coach but he would have ltaken that Giants offer or another offer and then would have taken Penix, McCarthy or Nix. The early returns on Maye would indicate that would have been a mistake. Yes, Nix has looked great and is now the frontrunner for ROY but Maye’s ceiling is significantly higher. The “it factor” is a cliche but there is some truth to it and Maye seems to have all of “it”….elite talent, toughness (mental and physical), leadership, likability (to teammates, most importantly).

Soooooo…..now that we have Maye, let’s bring that beautiful son-of-b*tch back as HC (without final personnel say), insert Steve as DC, say buh-bye to Mayo and Covington and have a real GM search.

 

[sb1]

I’m probably one of the top 5 Belichick devotees here and I totally agree. I miss him terribly as a coach but he would have ltaken that Giants offer or another offer and then would have taken Penix, McCarthy or Nix. The early returns on Maye would indicate that would have been a mistake. Yes, Nix has looked great and is now the frontrunner for ROY but Maye’s ceiling is significantly higher.

He takes Alt without a trade down. IMO. Or if he does it’s McCarthy or Nix. Two polished guys.

 

[Patsgofor4]

He takes Alt without a trade down. IMO. Or if he does it’s McCarthy or Nix. Two polished guys.

Alt is another possibility as a guy who looks to be a rock solid starting LT for the next decade+ but if they took Alt at 3, there would have been no possibility of taking a (potential) franchise QB this year and Bill would have been well aware that ‘25 QB crop is going to be weak.

I’m not sure that he would have taken McCarthy over Penix. He may have valued the fact that Penix was perhaps the most NFL ready QB with fewer unknowns than McCarthy. For selfish reasons, a head coach who is near the end of his career and so close to breaking the all-time record may have valued Penix for that reason. It is ironic that he is the only quarterback who doesn’t have the opportunity to start this year. I feel badly for Penix, because I do feel that he would have been successful as a rookie.

Going back to Alt, it is so unfortunate that there are no Alts, Sewells or Slaters in this year’s draft class…ie. guys who are near locks to have long careers as starting LTs.

 

[condon84]

From watching the draft BB would have taken Nabers based on his reaction to the picks. He had nothing but praise for Nabers and was critical of everyone else picked before him.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Roses are red, violets are blue, Smith is always injured and that’s why the Pats were right to not pursue him in the offseason.

They should look at him for RT next year with another old guy. 8 games each. Much much better than anything we have.

 

[BennyBledsoe]

I BEG whoever is evaluating WRs and TEs to put a greater emphasis on the parts of the scouting report that focus on GETTING OPEN.

Speed is NICE, but ultimately is useless if your route running is subpar and you have no feel for where the holes in coverage are.

I swear to all that is holy, if I see 'contested catch specialist' listed as a positive for a college prospect, I might lose my mind. So far, what that has translated to in the NFL is... "CAN'T GET OPEN, BECAUSE EVEN IN COLLEGE HE HAD TO FIGHT FOR THE BALL." Give me a choice between a guy running a 4.3 and a guy running a 4.6, as long as the 4.6 is making scouts write in their notes 'somehow gets open', I want the 4.6 guy.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

…..now that we have Maye, let’s bring that beautiful son-of-b*tch back as HC (without final personnel say), insert Steve as DC, say buh-bye to Mayo and Covington and have a real GM search.

Men can dream, can’t they? After seeing the Mayo/Wolf ****-show, I’d throw a party if they brought him back.

 

[Real fan 02]

Free Agency

The pats were DOA in 2024 FA. It was a weak class & they were arguably the most undesirable team in the NFL. Calvin Ridley will be 31 next year. There was no long-term solution at LT or WR available. I'd rather sign Higgins next FA anyway.

The pats overpaid some of their own FAs but they had to field a team. None of their own signigns will hinder future offseasons as they can ditch most of them by 2026. They have 130+ million to spend next year. Does Stevenson, Dugger & Onwenu being overpaid really matter? Hopefully these players rebound next year.

It's hard for me to criticize Wolf harshly for the last FA class. He signed players to mostly 1 year deals to fill out the roster. Obviously most of them weren't going to work out. This upcoming FA class is stronger offensively & the pats will be in a better spot to sign them.

The Draft

Maye was a no brainer. I wanted him since it became evident the pats had a chance at a top pick last season. They are lucky he was available at third overall. Polk was a reach and McConkey was the obvious choice at 34th overall. I wanted the pats to draft AJ Brown in 2019 & George Pickens in 2022. They clearly still can't evaluate the position. Rounds 3-7 are TBD as Wallace has barely played RT.

I don't think there is a lot of evidence of Wolf being incompetent other than continuing the 20 year pats tradition of whiffing at WR. Him aggressively targeting Ridley & Aiyuk is a good sign IMO. I'm more pessimistic on the coaching staff than the front office longterm.

Great points! Personally I've always felt the clock isn't starting on wolf, Mayo AVP until next season. As much as we all complain about the everything for good reasons.. the FA and draft for 2025 could not be more important. I do believe the team will correctly surround Drake with play makers and do the same on defense.

 

[Real fan 02]

Here's an article from someone who thinks along the same lines. I never said I was quoting BB directly. He did call him a "very talented kid" and noted a few positive attributes, but most of his comments on Maye were critical. It seemed clear to me if he had to pick there, Maye would not have been the selection, which I equated to "not liking the pick." If you want to call that "making stuff up", whatever man. I don't like you anyway, so don't bother replying. I won't read it.

Bill Belichick was pretty critical of Drake Maye after Patriots drafted quarterback third overall

In his new role as an NFL Draft analyst, former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wasted no time critiquing his old team's new quarterback, Drake Maye.

www.cbsnews.com

There is one obvious move wolf can do to salvage things. The Emmanuel Forbes who went before gonzo in the 2023 draft was just released. I believe he has everything you're looking for in young CB. Size, speed, ball skills, attitude. Reportedly he just isn't a fit in Washington's defense. He could help to sure up a big need at outside CB across from gonzo. Wolf go and get him!!!

 

[Stu Pidassle]

From watching the draft BB would have taken Nabers based on his reaction to the picks. He had nothing but praise for Nabers and was critical of everyone else picked before him.

So you are saying that BB has an eye for WR talent? LOL All kidding aside, BB the journalist is free to discuss a players talent with no position bias. BB the GM was all about position bias and which positions could be drafted in lower rounds and those positions that had to be top tier talent to be effective. Who knows what he would have done when push came to shove.

 

[Since1960]

I was looking forward to the off-season till I saw this list of draft picks and FA’s. Look at the sheer number of OT’s and WR’s from last tears draft and to think we “landed” a “legitimate” replacement for the almost irreplaceable T. Thornton, along with a “Diva” sans portfolio (J. Baker), and a “JAG” OT (step right up C. Wallace). Then we “burned some cash” on what could arguably be the worse group of free agents imaginable - out of 9 FA’s, only one was deserving of a “B” grade and he’s our #2 TE! Speaking of #2, didn’t we have the second highest amount of Cap Space n the league, and we “bought” a second string, 30 year old TE and he was FAR & AWAY our BEST FA pickup!! If I had any doubts about Eliot Wolf prior to his “de-facto” position being made permanent, I no longer have any doubts - we hired the wrong guy. Not to ruin your bowl of “Captain Crunch”, but if this year’s off-season has similar results we “Maye” nit see the calvary arrive till Drake’s next contract is upon us. And this year’s available talent where we need it most (OT & WR) is not as abundant as last year - the 2 best college OT’s may make better guards in the pros (another M. Onwenu anyone?), and the best WR is a CB (sounds more like a future best selling novel) “Our Best Wide Receiver was a Cornerback”….