Bedard: Reacting to all Eliot Wolf's comments on the Patriots at the NFL Scouting Combine (updated)

Here are Eliot Wolf's podium comments from Tuesday morning at the NFL Combine (Mike Vrabel will speak at 1 p.m. on Wednesday), and then our reaction to some of his more interesting comments:

Opening statement

Good morning, everyone. I just want to get started out by just acknowledging everyone in New England is affected by the blizzard. A lot of people with no power, and we're thinking about you. You know, my wife's going through it right now as well. Dog, dog got stuck in the snow this morning. So just kind of acknowledging that, you know, it's it's tough out there, and hoping that everyone's staying safe. 

Piggybacking off of that, just want to thank Nancy Meier, the logistical gymnastics that went into sending so many people from our organization here to the combine, pretty remarkable what she was able to do. We actually ended up flying out a day and a half early to Detroit, drove down, but we're here, we're able to knock out some of the meetings that we had early. So it ended up being a good thing, but, you know, just wanted to open it up for any questions at this time.

Patriots' 2025 draft class

It was tremendously important. We're very excited about the draft class, and they're just getting started. They're still young. We were able to get some good minutes out of those guys, and that's a credit to coach Vrabel and his staff getting those guys ready to play. And I think it's a tribute to them buying into the culture so quickly and understanding that you know that what it means to be a Patriot, and we're excited about the progress that they've made moving forward.

Safety position in today's NFL

Yeah, I mean the safety position, you know, like you said, they have to be able to do everything. They have to be be able to play down in the box, man cover, tackle in space. And, you know, having guys that are interchangeable just kind of opens up a lot of different things for the defense that Zak Kuhr and Terrell Williams can kind of employ. So we're excited about those guys. Obviously, Hawkins is a free agent, and, you know, he's earned the opportunity to see what's out there, but he's certainly someone that we would welcome back.

Safety traits

Yeah, first thing you have to look at is, you know, communication is so underrated at that position, I think maybe a lot of fans don't understand that being able to communicate, set the defense, that's something that, you know, we talked to the coaching staffs in college about, and just making sure that, you know, anyone that comes in has to be able to communicate and be smart. But on the field, it's, it's the athleticism, it's the change of direction, it's the speed and range, the anticipation that these guys play with, are very important traits that we look for. 

NIL impact

Yeah, you know, I think you can look at, look at that in two different ways. You know, on one hand, you know, maybe they're coming in a little bit more entitled, but on the other hand, they're coming in more prepared, from a business standpoint, like they've had money, they know what it's like, they know, you know, some financial literacy and understanding the trials and tribulations that come with that. So I think it's a double-edged sword. It's like anything, you just have to be able to adjust. And, you know, every person can be different.

Does it change the way you ask questions?

No, not really. I mean, we're we have a standard set of questions that we ask, and, you know, each formal interview that we have, we sort of tailor to the player that's in there. So each interview is not exactly the same, but if there's some questions and concerns that are raised about different things, we'll, we'll kind of press on that.

Rookie offensive linemen

I don't know if I'd look at it as risky. I think you have to do what's best for the football team. And you know, with our best five out there, I think, you know, we won a lot of games, obviously, you know, the last game was not very productive, you know, in a lot of areas on offense. And we're just excited that that Will and Jared are made of the right stuff, and we're excited about what they're going to do moving forward.

How's the dog? 

The dog is okay, yeah, thank you. Yeah, yeah, he's good. 

How would you describe the upcoming offseason for the Patriots?

We're going to explore every avenue to try to improve the team. We filled a lot of needs last year, and we're still building. We have areas that maybe we feel good about the starters, but maybe the depth is not where we want it to be. We have areas where, you know, we maybe need to add a starter. So I think it's going to be sort of a holistic approach, and working together with Coach Vrabel and his staff and the scouting staff, and Richard Miller and Matt Groh on the contract side, and we're going to try to build this thing, you know, to improve the team as best we can.

QBs on rookie contract

Again, I think we're going to try to do whats best. It doesn't necessarily mean that we have to spend because Drake's on a rookie contract, we're going to again make decisions both for the short and long term that we see as best moving forward,

Still rebuilding, or one or two players away?

Yeah, I don't know that I'd call it a rebuild. I think we have a nice core of players, whether that's the core of veteran players that we that we rely on, or, you know, some of the younger, up and coming players like the rookies that were mentioned earlier. So again, I just think every year is an opportunity every year is different, every year is different, every year is an opportunity, and free agency in the draft to improve the roster. And, you know, it's not just free agency in the draft, it's trades, it's waiver claims, it's restricted free agency, all those things, we're gonna explore everything that we can.

Any conversations to change (inaudible)

No, you know, I'm really proud of our players. Again, they bought in quickly, they figured out how to win, but I think everyone on the roster is aware that we still need some pieces, and we're gonna create as much competition as we possibly can.

Have you had any conversations with your internal free agents?

Yeah, I'm not going to get into any specific details on any free agents for our team and obviously for other teams, but we have had conversations, and, you know, we had good exit meetings with those guys, and I think they understand where we're at.

Mock drafts

I do. I wouldn't say I wouldn't say I spent a ton of time on that. Richard Miller, who works in our research department, he puts together some pretty comprehensive mock draft analysis stuff that's that's really helpful, and it just kind of gives you an idea of, maybe where the league sees a player.

How satisfied with Drake Maye

I mean, satisfied is a tremendous understatement. Drake made a ton of progress in a lot of areas. Not only at the start of the season, but throughout the season. And, you know, I think people forget that he's 23 years old, and, you know, there's been a lot on his shoulders, and there will continue to be, with the expectation that it has being a quarterback for the New England Patriots. But I'm just really excited about him, his toughness, his competitiveness, he's always the same guy. And, you know, there's obviously areas on the field that he's going to improve, and he's going to work with Coach McDaniels and Coach Grant and get those things taken care of. 

2026 NFL Draft

You know, I feel like every year, for the last five years, everyone said, Oh, it's not a good draft. It's not a good draft. Like, I don't, I don't really buy that. I feel like, I feel like, if you're doing your job, you're going to be able to find players, you know, rounds one through seven, that that can help your team. Obviously, you know, there's varying levels of that, but you know, we still feel like we have enough team needs where we're going to be able to get good players that are going to help our team moving forward.

Drake was under pressure a lot, how do you balance developing your young guys and fixing that issue?

I think there's a couple of different points in there. I mean, continuity is tremendously important. We were actually, you know, fairly healthy on the offensive line this year, and I felt like those guys were able to gel and play well. When Will specifically, when he came back from that injury, I personally didn't see the same level of lower body strength that you saw before the injury, and I think you know, the film would attest to that. Like he probably had three of his four worst games in the playoffs. But before that, I thought Will played really well all year. I know everyone talks about the arm length, but he has a set of skills that enable him to play with that arm length. He's really quick out of his stance. He's technically sound. He's adding more and more different pass sets to his tool bag that he can use to combat different rushes. And again, he's 22 years old, and we expect some improvement out of him as well. 

Anticipate Stef Diggs back?

I'm not going to get into any specific players today. You know, there are certain conversations that we're having, and you know, we'll see what happens with everyone.

Drake's shoulder affect him in Super Bowl?

I think that's probably a question better asked to him. I didn't feel that way. I just felt like, you know, we just couldn't get into rhythm offensively.

Projecting college QBs

I know you're talking about college offenses, but I still think it's understanding what's inside of a person and trying to get to know them. The quarterback position is so difficult to play, you know, not only in college, but at our level as well. And you know, when you when you're trying to, trying to identify, you know, what makes a guy tick. What kind of leader is he going to be? How tough is he? How is he going to react in adverse situations? I still think that's the hardest thing to evaluate, college to pro.

Transfer portal

I think you just have to make sure the information is consistent. Like, like, if a player is at school a, and you get certain information on them that's totally different from where he's at at school, B, then you really have to spend if the information is consistent throughout. Then, I think, and you talk to him, and it's the same thing, then you have a pretty good idea of what it's going to be.

Affecting the QB - Milton Williams, Christian Barmore

I think just being able to affect the quarterback is tremendously important, whether that's from the interior on the exterior. I know a lot of quarterbacks, you know, talking to people throughout the league, a lot of quarterbacks, actually, are more worried about the interior pressure because he can't step up. We're excited to have those guys, and not only them, but you know, Khyiris Tonga, who's a free agent, Corey Durden, and some of the other guys that we had that were playing in there that were able to provide that push.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

Yeah, John-Eric Sullivan, he and I started with the Packers the same year in 2004, have stayed close with him. Just really, really excited for his opportunity. Little bit disappointed that it's in our division. But I know he's excited for the opportunity, and I'm excited to try to be able to beat him twice a year.

His dad on coming back from Super Bowl loss

Yeah, I mean, he was there, so that was a really cool experience, you know, other than the outcome of the game, but you know, I think he was very frustrated with the outcome of the game, but you know, just kind of understanding you got to get up the next day and keep working, and we're all aware that we have a lot of work to do, so that was helpful.

Playing demeanor and finishing

I think if it's in there, you can teach that. I think there's plenty of players, you know, some that I can think of off top of my head that kind of flash that, but they don't play that way all the time. And I just think that's a mindset. And I think you can get a little bit better with that, with coaching. If the guy's soft and passive, like, maybe not. But you know, we're always looking for guys that play hard and try to finish.

RB traits

I'm a big fan of guys that run hard, guys that can really hit the hole with force and burst through. I know there's a lot of different running styles, a lot of people that have different varying levels of success, but to me, the guys that can really attack the hole and put pressure on the defense are valuable.

Vrabel and coaching staff

Well, I mean, that's, that's a good question. I would just say too, our coaching staff is pretty special, like they're going to work with everyone. So whether it's the try hard guy that has the great play demeanor or or a guy that maybe we need a little bit more out of coach Vrabel and the staff do a tremendous job working with all those people. There's no one that's get pushed to the side, like everyone gets coached the same. And I think, you know, the level of improvement we saw with a lot of different players on our roster this year is indicative of that.

Culture guys

Very confident. Again, I've said it before, like in free agency last year, and with some of the guys that were previously on the team, having the right mindset and having the real culture guys that carried coach Vrabel's message is very important.

Draft edge class

Yeah, I mean, I think, I think this draft offers a lot of different depth at varying areas edge being one of them, and I think it's, I think it's a fairly deep class at that position. Obviously an area of need for our team. So it matches up nicely.

Zak Kuhr

Yeah. I mean, you know, it's a, it's a credit to Zak, you know, how well the defense played, but, but also Terrell Williams was still, was still there, and Vrabel obviously has some influence on that. But really, you know, the whole defensive staff work collaboratively together. And came up with these game plans. I know Coach Booker in particular with the coverage plans and things like that. But I think it was really cool how the staff kind of rallied together when, when Terrell had to leave for a little bit. And I thought it was a really cool show of, like, loyalty to the group that that we were able to have the level of success that we have.

Kuhr having more prep time now

Yeah, definitely. Zak didn't know he was going to be the play caller until, you know, really, the season started. So I think having more preparation time, and maybe, you know, having lived through a season doing it, and understanding what worked and what didn't work, and when to, you know, spin the wheel with the blitz or play coverage. I think just with experience, those things will improve.

Rewarding to get to Super Bowl?

Personally, I mean, it's great, but personally, you know, I when we have, when the team has success, I often find myself being a lot more excited for the other people that are my teammates and the people that I work with, and, you know, to have played in that game and tasted it and not come out on the winning side of that, I think just motivates everybody to try to get back there and try to finish the job. 

BEDARD'S THOUGHTS (UPDATED WITH OFF-PODIUM COMMENTS BELOW)

• We will also bring you Wolf's more interesting comments with New England reporters off the podium when we get them, but we'll start with this one from Doug Kyed, related to a report that the Patriots had interest in Packers free-agent LT Rasheed Walker. If signed, the Patriots would move Will Campbell to right tackle.

That's pretty strong from Wolf. If there's no truth to something, he's usually pretty direct.

• Wolf also said the team expects Harold Landry back, according to Kyed.

• Also, seems like retaining Jaylinn Hawkins is a priority.

• As far as the offseason plan for the Patriots, it sure sounds like the Patriots are going with the