Robert Kraft's Press Conference

[mgteich]

Did we ever actually get a clear title on what Highsmith's job even is?

Template:New England Patriots staff - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

He has had that job before. Job descriptions mean relatively little.

 

[mgteich]

It's just interesting that BB mentioned 3 people by name as the ones calling the shots, Bob, Jonathan, and Robyn. He doubled down and seemed to make it an emphasis.

Whatever was implied by that emphasis is beyond me but there's a story behind it.

Yes, the two owners and their legal/league/business advisor will make the decisions.

We can complain all we wish. There is NOTHING unusual about this structure.

 

[Headcase]

Highsmith didn't report to work until July. He was NOT responsible for the draft.

I never said he was responsible for the draft....I said he was hired in February (he was), and he was hired after BB was fired. .... countering the point in what I quoted.

 

[TommyD4207]

It was reported by some that Highsmith was brought in partly to head the 2025 draft process.

Add me to that pile.

 

[mgteich]

Thing is, there can only be one driver. Is it the HC?

Yup, if your name is Parcells or Belichick.

 

[RobertWeathers]

???

I think that Glaser's position has been clearly stated many, many times. She is an advisor and go-between with all things having to do with league rules and league matters. She may have to approve all contracts, certainly if she thinks that a contract is flawed, she can call in the Kraft's before there is a signature. Consider Robyn as the executive patriot VP for legal, PR and league matters.

Agree but it's notable Bill put her in the c-suite of decision making here. That is what I am referring to.

She has never been mentioned in that context

 

[mgteich]

i wanted to see what wolf could do, but after seeing that he only hit on One maybe Two (milton) picks even though he was picking high in each round. Then getting snookered by buffalo in the second rnd was the cherry on the cake of my dissatication. So agree, the need a real gm with experiance

so, Wolf should have made the draft decisions alone, ignoring all the scouting reports.

 

[Ross12]

Breer mentioned last night there was growing decencion between the coaching staff and the front office/scouting regarding the development of players.

Wolf even said himself that he felt the players weren't developing specifically the WRs..

I don't know what is "scummy" about that, I mean it's certainly plausible. The WR coach was an "offensive analyst" from Washington who used to work in NE years ago and didn't really have any business being a WR coach but Mayo hired him because... I don't know why. He was one of the few people he "knew" that was willing to come work for him.

 

[mgteich]

Picking out of any draft magazine would have been a more successful approach in 2024. Now our scouting and their insights are pivotal?

Yup, and we would have picked a DT or CB in the 2nd and Polk in the 3rd.

Yes, this would have been better.

 

[mgteich]

The scouts were still using the old grading system in the last draft because there wasn’t enough time…that was my understanding. Wolf’s grading system will be used for the 1st time in 2025 if he’s still around.

Yes, the Wolf/Highsmith grading system is being used for the 2025 draft. no matter who is hired or fired.

 

[mgteich]

Patriots announce Alonzo Highsmith as senior personnel executive, other moves in personnel department

Word that the Patriots were adding Alonzo Highsmith to their personnel department came in February, but the team didn't get around to officially announcing his title until Tuesday.

www.nbcsports.com

Ross just a question? Here is says Highsmith is the senior personnel executive. I noticed RK mentioned his name first regarding to the coaching search. Feels like he has the say over wolf?

ROFL
You believe that Robert's listing of Highsmith before Wolf means something? I guess it a good thing that he didn't leave out somebody's name. Kraft did his best at making a speech and responding to questions. Hanging on his every word seems wrong.

 

[TommyD4207]

ROFL
You believe that Robert's listing of Highsmith before Wolf means something? I guess it a good thing that he didn't leave out somebody's name. Kraft did his best at making a speech and responding to questions. Hanging on his every word seems wrong.

No one in the owner's suite has ever publicly mentioned his name before.
Yeah. Listing him first absolutely means something, especially since Wolf's been here half a decade already.

 

[Ross12]

Agree but it's notable Bill put her in the c-suite of decision making here. That is what I am referring to.

She has never been mentioned in that context

I take anything Bill says about the Patriots right now with a grain of salt, especially in regards to the organization itself. He is still looking to take digs at the org after Kraft dumped on him with "The Dynasty" and then saying he fired him back in October. I wouldn't be surprised if Bill knows people have their ears perked about Glaser and this is some kind of dog whistle.

 

[mgteich]

Who knows?? She was defending the organization during deflatgate. She is still their top attorney. But again who knows. So much is unknown in this organization lately. She was last slated as senior advisor to the HC when mayo was hired.

Do you think that Mayo didn't need an advisor from corporate on legal, league and contract matters?

Did the Kraft's NOT need their person within the organization to report directly to them?

 

[Real fan 02]

I don't know what is "scummy" about that, I mean it's certainly plausible. The WR coach was an "offensive analyst" from Washington who used to work in NE years ago and didn't really have any business being a WR coach but Mayo hired him because... I don't know why. He was one of the few people he "knew" that was willing to come work for him.

It's just a feeling I had on Wolf. He could be one of the nicest guys who knows??.. I was just a little interested in why he hasn't gotten his share of the blame..
He said he wanted to weaponize the offense. He said he felt he had enough on the OL to support a rookie QB. He then recently says the development of players didn't happen as he thought.. he says polk was considered a day 1 starting WR.

So is why I asked you what your assessment was on Wolf.

 

[Real fan 02]

ROFL
You believe that Robert's listing of Highsmith before Wolf means something? I guess it a good thing that he didn't leave out somebody's name. Kraft did his best at making a speech and responding to questions. Hanging on his every word seems wrong.

I feel like there has been a "reshuffling " of duties so to speak amongst the front office. How there isn't a 4-13 team that didn't.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

No idea why you guys think that. He comes off as very honest and grounded to me. A little meek, tbh.

I could have him all wrong, I admit

 

[mgteich]

Agree but it's notable Bill put her in the c-suite of decision making here. That is what I am referring to.

She has never been mentioned in that context

fair enough

 

[RobertWeathers]

I take anything Bill says about the Patriots right now with a grain of salt, especially in regards to the organization itself. He is still looking to take digs at the org after Kraft dumped on him with "The Dynasty" and then saying he fired him back in October. I wouldn't be surprised if Bill knows people have their ears perked about Glaser and this is some kind of dog whistle.

Thats actually a good point.

He may/may not have an issue with her but with Bob positioning her the way he has, Bill couches it as a, "look at all the non-football people making decisions".

 

[mgteich]

to be clear, I am fine with Wolf or Highsmith in whatever roles the Kraft's want them, including with Wolf being fired or moved to another job in the organization.
=====
Personally, I do not want another coach with the powers that Belichick had, or anywhere near that power.

I also think that Vrabel understands and will be able to negotiate his role before taking the job. Vrabel will have a seat at the table on free agency and the draft. The final decision will not be Vrabel's.