The New England Patriots are ranked third in next week’s NFL Draft. That spot will have a top-rated quarterback available for selection, but will scouting director and de-factor general manager Eliot Wolf go that route?
During a pre-draft press conference on Thursday, Wolf sounded like he’s not 100 percent committed to taking a quarterback with the team’s first pick.
“We’re open to anything,” Wolf said. “Up, down. We are open for business in the first round and in every round. We have some holes that we feel we need to fill in the draft. We are a draft and development team. The more choices we make But If there is an opportunity to move up and strike as the board recommends, then we will not be afraid to pull the trigger.”
Wolf said something similar during the NFL Combine in February, but a week after the first round he may just be trying to drum up interest in the pick in hopes of getting an at-large offer from a team that really wants to move up.
There have been discussions with other teams, Wolf added, but nothing has come his way that would make a deal.
Wolf also said he doesn’t think the Patriots should take a quarterback in the first round. But if he leaves the draft with a rookie signal caller, he’s confident the current roster can support a first-year player under center.
“We have a solid offensive line. We re-signed Mike Onwenu, David Andrews is coming back, we have three rookies that we drafted last year that are developing. [Chukwuma] Okarafor of the Steelers. Hunter Hendrik, [we have a] good running game. A solid foundation and a solid system [quarterbacks coach Alex] VanPelt. I definitely feel like we can be supportive [a rookie quarterback].”
The Patriots are looking for their next “quarterback of the future” after trading Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars after three seasons. Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke are the quarterbacks currently under contract on the roster.
Could the pick be Jayden Daniels? JJ McCarthy? Or will Wolf go down for a capital flight? Patriots fans will get their answer within a week.
