Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf addresses the media on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Oh man, I didn't know I was gonna have to
go right off the bat. But anyways, Elliott, I guess
sort of big picture and similar to the question I
asked you last night. I mean, you're done with the
bulk of the of the off season. How much do
you think you've improved this roster and do you think
it's in a position now to compete this year for
(00:23):
you know, a postseason spot.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
That's a good question. I think we'll be much more
competitive this year. I don't like to put expectations on it,
but I think we did a lot of things of
this offseason that were advantageous to us moving forward, and
you know, we continue to improve the depth of the
team and and ignite competition here today.
Speaker 3 (00:42):
Thanks next question, so if you Willa, Hi, Elliott, thank
you again for speaking with us.
Speaker 4 (00:50):
I'm just curious.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Obviously a lot of picks today, but there's two I
want to focus on with Joshua Farmer and Braden Swinson.
Were those two players you were kind of surprised possibly
that they fell and were available when you guys were
up some you know, it's been some of the chatter
that they were steals. They were expected to go higher
so I'm just kind of curious your thoughts on those
two and when you were able to get them.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
In the draft.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
I think anytime you can get some depth on the
defensive line, whether it's inside or outside. With both these guys,
you know, swiinsonness and pass rush farmer, can you know,
rush the passer and play the run. We were excited
that those guys are still available, and we just kind
of trusted the board. And you know, that's kind of
nothing you asked this, but kind of part of the
reason for all the trades, just you know, kind of
moving up and down the board as we saw fit
(01:36):
where the value was.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
I didn't ask it, but I would have asked it,
how I know.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
Next question, Mark Daniels.
Speaker 5 (01:46):
Hey, thanks for doing this.
Speaker 6 (01:49):
What would you say the ultimate goal was here in
this year's draft, and just how happy are you with
the process and how it played out.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
I'll answer the second part of that. First, I thought
the process was phenomenal. All you know, the collaboration with
the scouting staff and the coaching staff, you know, nutrition, training,
football ops, just everyone. Everything was great. The thirty visits
were organized, you know, Nancy from the travel on, like,
everything was really good. And then you know, I think
it all came to fruition this weekend, and I think
(02:18):
we were really able to you know, help the team out.
As far as what we tried to accomplish, it was
just you know, filling some of the holes that we
had and increasing the depth and competition on the roster
with the right type of people.
Speaker 7 (02:28):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (02:30):
Next question and Steele.
Speaker 8 (02:34):
Hey, Elliott, I'm curious in your opinion, how did you
guys do things better this year than you did last
year or in years past.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
I just think the whole vision for the team was
really good. Not that we didn't have that last year,
you know, or with Bill previously, but there was a
lot of clear communication between Rabel and our and our staff.
He was around a lot in our meetings. It was
it was just a really good process. And then I
would say, you know, as the guys are still working
on it right now, hopefully they're closing some of these
undrafted free agent deals out. And this is on me
(03:07):
from last year, you know, we just didn't have an
organized enough process. And Ryan Cowden and coach Rabel and
Stretch really came in and you know, helped me organize
this and and I think We're gonna have a productive group.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
Next question, Mike Giotti.
Speaker 9 (03:25):
Good evening, Elliott. In Brayden Swinson's report in the Beast,
there was a conversation and weaknesses that he butted heads
with the coaching staff at various points. I'm curious and
you don't have to say specifically with him or you
ken if you want, but like, do you ask the
player directly about that or is that something you investigate
with the coaching staff first and if you feel comfortable
(03:45):
with it, you're good. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
I think we talked to a lot of different sources
at these colleges, and we talked to the player. We
need to be the player, so when there's a situation
like that, if it is a red flag, it's something
that will bring up and just try to see how
they answer those things with Braiden. You know, I had
the opportunity, as everyone knows, when I went to practice
at LSU this year. As we mentioned with Will Campbell,
you know, Brayden was really impressive in practice. I mean
(04:09):
he was really getting after it and that was a
good thing, you know, because there were some of those
questions perhaps about him. But I left out of there
like feeling really comfortable with him.
Speaker 9 (04:19):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (04:21):
Next question, Nico Maleley.
Speaker 6 (04:29):
He's working to Elliott. I was looking at prospect rankings
and looking at Kobe Minor and the close best I
could see was Dan Briggler had him as the one
hundred and twenty seventh best cornerback in the draft. What
kind of stood out for you for about him and
why do you think this was sort of disconnect between
(04:50):
your value and maybe the outside value on him.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Yeah, Kobe's a guy that our scouts that went into
Memphis this year got on early, and I think to
answer your question, you know, he he was a double
transfer guy, started his career at Texas Tech and then
played one year at Indiana and then actually transferred to
Memphis this year, and he transferred kind of late, so
I don't know that he was necessarily on the radar
early in the season for some people. And then he
had a hamstring so you know, he came back from
(05:14):
it and played well. But the movement skills at practice,
the ability to play the football in the air, his competitiveness.
You know, we brought him in for a pre draft visit,
thirty visit and he did a really nice job on that,
and so he was just kind of a guy that
we had some affinity for and you know, mister irrelevant
a pretty cool experience for him, but we were excited
(05:36):
to be able to add him.
Speaker 8 (05:38):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
Next question, Mike RaSE Willy.
Speaker 7 (05:42):
And I'm the quarterback position.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Obviously.
Speaker 5 (05:44):
You hear people say most important in the sport. You
get the I think just two on the roster right now.
What are your thoughts on the third guy? And might
you be able to share a commitment you might have
from someone at this point undrafted maybe if that's in
the cards.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Yeah, we're working on some undrafted situations at a lot
of different positions right now, and quarterback will be part
of that. And so I'm not my phone's buzzing down here.
I think we're getting some texts. I'm assuming that that's
what it is. But uh, you know, we're we're definitely
expecting to add another quarterback.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
Next question, Greg Bedad.
Speaker 9 (06:22):
Elliott.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
You guys obviously did what you did in free agency
in the draft. Do you think you have the do
you think you have your team right now or do
you think you do? You have flexibility financially, especially if
somebody shakes loose at some point, like a major piece
that you could add to this team.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I think we have some flexibility. Richard Miller might tell
me differently, but that's his job. But yeah, well we'll
definitely look at it different ways to improve the team,
you know, whether that's trade or or someone that might
become available later.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
And next question back to Nicko Mallley.
Speaker 6 (07:01):
A bit unusual seeing a long snapper as part of
the draft class. Patriots have a guy that's been here
for a long time, Joe Cardona. Is there a question
about Joe Cardona's long term future with the team went
into the decision to draft a long snapper.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Julian Ashby was a player that we liked. We felt
like he was the best long snapper in the draft,
and you know, through some of the some of the
conversations that we had, we felt like he might not
be someone that would be available post draft, and just
again wanting to add some competition to the roster, we
decided to pull the trigger there late.
Speaker 5 (07:36):
Thank you. And next question, Mike maybe just similar Elliott
on the kicker. Is there a strategy on when to
go in there, like looking at maybe other teams that
possibly have a similar need there.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Yeah, there was, you know, I feel like the special
teams community always thinks like ten kickers are going to
get drafted every year, and that's not the case. So
it's the kind of key of of balancing, you know,
your value for the player, and you know, we decided
to jump in there with Andres when we did, and
feel pretty comfortable with that. Another kicker went shortly thereafter,
(08:11):
but we felt like Andres was good value there and
he was a player that was ranked high on our board.
Speaker 4 (08:19):
Next question, Taylor Kyles.
Speaker 7 (08:23):
Eliott, thank you so much for your time. I was
curious what your outlook is at the nickel cornerback spot
with Marcus Jones obviously in the last year of his deal.
Do you see Kobe Bryant maybe factoring in there, and
what is your perspective on the long term out look
at that spot.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Kobe Minor, Yeah, yeah, so yeah, Kobe Minor is the
guy we feel like can play outside and inside, and
I feel like we have some other players on the
roster that have that flexibility with dial Isaiah Bolden, and
you know, in a certain matchups, certainly Gonzales can go
in there. And then you know, as you I'm sure
aware of like the big nickel position on early downs
(08:59):
is something that we'll see from this defense.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
Thank you, all right, with no more hands raised, Elliott
will let you get back to work. Thank you so
much for joining us, and good luck with the rest
of the night.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
All right, Thanks a lot, everyone,
Oh man, I didn't know I was gonna have to
go right off the bat. But anyways, Elliott, I guess
sort of big picture and similar to the question I
asked you last night. I mean, you're done with the
bulk of the of the off season. How much do
you think you've improved this roster and do you think
it's in a position now to compete this year for
(00:23):
you know, a postseason spot.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
That's a good question. I think we'll be much more
competitive this year. I don't like to put expectations on it,
but I think we did a lot of things of
this offseason that were advantageous to us moving forward, and
you know, we continue to improve the depth of the
team and and ignite competition here today.
Speaker 3 (00:42):
Thanks next question, so if you Willa, Hi, Elliott, thank
you again for speaking with us.
Speaker 4 (00:50):
I'm just curious.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Obviously a lot of picks today, but there's two I
want to focus on with Joshua Farmer and Braden Swinson.
Were those two players you were kind of surprised possibly
that they fell and were available when you guys were
up some you know, it's been some of the chatter
that they were steals. They were expected to go higher
so I'm just kind of curious your thoughts on those
two and when you were able to get them.
Speaker 4 (01:13):
In the draft.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
I think anytime you can get some depth on the
defensive line, whether it's inside or outside. With both these guys,
you know, swiinsonness and pass rush farmer, can you know,
rush the passer and play the run. We were excited
that those guys are still available, and we just kind
of trusted the board. And you know, that's kind of
nothing you asked this, but kind of part of the
reason for all the trades, just you know, kind of
moving up and down the board as we saw fit
(01:36):
where the value was.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
I didn't ask it, but I would have asked it,
how I know.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
Next question, Mark Daniels.
Speaker 5 (01:46):
Hey, thanks for doing this.
Speaker 6 (01:49):
What would you say the ultimate goal was here in
this year's draft, and just how happy are you with
the process and how it played out.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
I'll answer the second part of that. First, I thought
the process was phenomenal. All you know, the collaboration with
the scouting staff and the coaching staff, you know, nutrition, training,
football ops, just everyone. Everything was great. The thirty visits
were organized, you know, Nancy from the travel on, like,
everything was really good. And then you know, I think
it all came to fruition this weekend, and I think
(02:18):
we were really able to you know, help the team out.
As far as what we tried to accomplish, it was
just you know, filling some of the holes that we
had and increasing the depth and competition on the roster
with the right type of people.
Speaker 7 (02:28):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (02:30):
Next question and Steele.
Speaker 8 (02:34):
Hey, Elliott, I'm curious in your opinion, how did you
guys do things better this year than you did last
year or in years past.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
I just think the whole vision for the team was
really good. Not that we didn't have that last year,
you know, or with Bill previously, but there was a
lot of clear communication between Rabel and our and our staff.
He was around a lot in our meetings. It was
it was just a really good process. And then I
would say, you know, as the guys are still working
on it right now, hopefully they're closing some of these
undrafted free agent deals out. And this is on me
(03:07):
from last year, you know, we just didn't have an
organized enough process. And Ryan Cowden and coach Rabel and
Stretch really came in and you know, helped me organize
this and and I think We're gonna have a productive group.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
Next question, Mike Giotti.
Speaker 9 (03:25):
Good evening, Elliott. In Brayden Swinson's report in the Beast,
there was a conversation and weaknesses that he butted heads
with the coaching staff at various points. I'm curious and
you don't have to say specifically with him or you
ken if you want, but like, do you ask the
player directly about that or is that something you investigate
with the coaching staff first and if you feel comfortable
(03:45):
with it, you're good. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
I think we talked to a lot of different sources
at these colleges, and we talked to the player. We
need to be the player, so when there's a situation
like that, if it is a red flag, it's something
that will bring up and just try to see how
they answer those things with Braiden. You know, I had
the opportunity, as everyone knows, when I went to practice
at LSU this year. As we mentioned with Will Campbell,
you know, Brayden was really impressive in practice. I mean
(04:09):
he was really getting after it and that was a
good thing, you know, because there were some of those
questions perhaps about him. But I left out of there
like feeling really comfortable with him.
Speaker 9 (04:19):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (04:21):
Next question, Nico Maleley.
Speaker 6 (04:29):
He's working to Elliott. I was looking at prospect rankings
and looking at Kobe Minor and the close best I
could see was Dan Briggler had him as the one
hundred and twenty seventh best cornerback in the draft. What
kind of stood out for you for about him and
why do you think this was sort of disconnect between
(04:50):
your value and maybe the outside value on him.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Yeah, Kobe's a guy that our scouts that went into
Memphis this year got on early, and I think to
answer your question, you know, he he was a double
transfer guy, started his career at Texas Tech and then
played one year at Indiana and then actually transferred to
Memphis this year, and he transferred kind of late, so
I don't know that he was necessarily on the radar
early in the season for some people. And then he
had a hamstring so you know, he came back from
(05:14):
it and played well. But the movement skills at practice,
the ability to play the football in the air, his competitiveness.
You know, we brought him in for a pre draft visit,
thirty visit and he did a really nice job on that,
and so he was just kind of a guy that
we had some affinity for and you know, mister irrelevant
a pretty cool experience for him, but we were excited
(05:36):
to be able to add him.
Speaker 8 (05:38):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
Next question, Mike RaSE Willy.
Speaker 7 (05:42):
And I'm the quarterback position.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Obviously.
Speaker 5 (05:44):
You hear people say most important in the sport. You
get the I think just two on the roster right now.
What are your thoughts on the third guy? And might
you be able to share a commitment you might have
from someone at this point undrafted maybe if that's in
the cards.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Yeah, we're working on some undrafted situations at a lot
of different positions right now, and quarterback will be part
of that. And so I'm not my phone's buzzing down here.
I think we're getting some texts. I'm assuming that that's
what it is. But uh, you know, we're we're definitely
expecting to add another quarterback.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
Next question, Greg Bedad.
Speaker 9 (06:22):
Elliott.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
You guys obviously did what you did in free agency
in the draft. Do you think you have the do
you think you have your team right now or do
you think you do? You have flexibility financially, especially if
somebody shakes loose at some point, like a major piece
that you could add to this team.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I think we have some flexibility. Richard Miller might tell
me differently, but that's his job. But yeah, well we'll
definitely look at it different ways to improve the team,
you know, whether that's trade or or someone that might
become available later.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
And next question back to Nicko Mallley.
Speaker 6 (07:01):
A bit unusual seeing a long snapper as part of
the draft class. Patriots have a guy that's been here
for a long time, Joe Cardona. Is there a question
about Joe Cardona's long term future with the team went
into the decision to draft a long snapper.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Julian Ashby was a player that we liked. We felt
like he was the best long snapper in the draft,
and you know, through some of the some of the
conversations that we had, we felt like he might not
be someone that would be available post draft, and just
again wanting to add some competition to the roster, we
decided to pull the trigger there late.
Speaker 5 (07:36):
Thank you. And next question, Mike maybe just similar Elliott
on the kicker. Is there a strategy on when to
go in there, like looking at maybe other teams that
possibly have a similar need there.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Yeah, there was, you know, I feel like the special
teams community always thinks like ten kickers are going to
get drafted every year, and that's not the case. So
it's the kind of key of of balancing, you know,
your value for the player, and you know, we decided
to jump in there with Andres when we did, and
feel pretty comfortable with that. Another kicker went shortly thereafter,
(08:11):
but we felt like Andres was good value there and
he was a player that was ranked high on our board.
Speaker 4 (08:19):
Next question, Taylor Kyles.
Speaker 7 (08:23):
Eliott, thank you so much for your time. I was
curious what your outlook is at the nickel cornerback spot
with Marcus Jones obviously in the last year of his deal.
Do you see Kobe Bryant maybe factoring in there, and
what is your perspective on the long term out look
at that spot.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Kobe Minor, Yeah, yeah, so yeah, Kobe Minor is the
guy we feel like can play outside and inside, and
I feel like we have some other players on the
roster that have that flexibility with dial Isaiah Bolden, and
you know, in a certain matchups, certainly Gonzales can go
in there. And then you know, as you I'm sure
aware of like the big nickel position on early downs
(08:59):
is something that we'll see from this defense.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
Thank you, all right, with no more hands raised, Elliott
will let you get back to work. Thank you so
much for joining us, and good luck with the rest
of the night.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
All right, Thanks a lot, everyone,
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com