Hard Knocks scene reveals key information about Patriots’ biggest decision in years
The New England Patriots found themselves in a position that they had not been in for years. Six Super Bowl championships during Bill Belichick's 24 year tenure as head coach in New England meant that the team was always towards the back of the pack during the draft. But after Tom Brady left, and numerous […]
The New England Patriots found themselves in a position that they had not been in for years.
Six Super Bowl championships during Bill Belichick's 24 year tenure as head coach in New England meant that the team was always towards the back of the pack during the draft.
But after Tom Brady left, and numerous of his key receivers retired or left, the Patriots found themselves in a new spot. They struggled, and Belichick's controversial draft picks didn't always work out how the team would have hoped. So ultimately the future Hall of Fame head coach and the Patriots mutually parted ways.
Now, it was up to the new Patriots' leadership team to make the decision for what to do with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
And the biggest need on the team was clear: quarterback.
However, it was no secret that they were entertaining some trade talks. One of the teams that was interested were the New York Giants.
Drake Maye really impressed Giants head coach Brian Daboll during his pre-draft visit and so general manager Joe Schoen wanted to make it clear to New England that they were interested.
“I’m just gonna go down there and say ‘hey, before you do anything at three, just make sure you let us know,'” Schoen says to assistant general manager Brandon Brown in episode 2 of HBO's "Hard Knocks". “Just plant the seed that if you are going to move the pick, don’t do it without at least giving us a call. We’re interested in it. … I’ll go plant the seed.”
Schoen then walked over to speak with Patriots vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, and there we got to hear the duo's discussion.
Schoen: “Do this for me: If you guys are gonna do anything at 3, like move out at all, you don’t have to tell me your plan or anything, but if you have any inkling, just call me.
Wolf: “We’ve had a couple of teams call, and it’s kind of been this conversation. … where are you guys? Six?”
Schoen: “We’re six, yeah.”
Wolf: “Good spot.”
Schoen: “It might not be until draft day. Who knows? Just keep me in the back of your mind.”
Wolf: “Sure.”
Here is the full clip:
However, the Patriots ultimately stayed at No. 3 and drafted Maye. The Giants on the other hand, used their No. 6 overall pick to select LSU receiver Malik Nabers.
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