Patriots' Robert Kraft Reveals Thoughts on Eliot Wolf, NFL Draft Decision

While speaking with reporters at the NFL annual meetings, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft provided his thoughts on the direction of the front office and the upcoming draft.

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft answers questions. / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots president and CEO Robert Kraft has long been known as an owner who lets “football people” make “football decisions.”

Following the dissolution of a 24-year working relationship with former head coach Bill Belichick — one with which he provided the legendary coach with full team control — Kraft is looking to the future under new coach Jerod Mayo and a yet-to-be named front office executive. 

While meeting with reporters on Tuesday morning from the NFL annual meetings in Orlando, the 82-year-old offered his thoughts on the direction of the franchise. Most notably, he appears to be a fan of Patriots dictator of scouting Eliot Wolf. 

"The major decisions in my life, I've gone with my instincts,” Kraft said. “ I think Eliot has good training, good pedigree. We have a good group of young people."

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Since 2022, Wolf has served as the Patriots director of scouting — becoming the first to hold the title in the organization. He originally joined the team prior to the 2020 season, where he worked alongside Belichick in the team’s front office. He has handled scouting duties, as well as holding the role of player personnel consultant.

The 41-year old has plenty of pedigree for the role. He is the son of Hall of Fame executive Ron Wolf, who built a Super Bowl champion for the Green Bay Packers and contributed to others with the Raiders organization. Eliot has also spent time with both the Packers and Cleveland Browns, holding executive titles in both scouting and assistant general manager. Since Mayo’s hiring, Wolf has been intricately involved in the interview process for his assistants. New Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, offensive assistant Ben McAdoo and defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery have all worked with Wolf during their mutual time with either (or both) the Packers and the Browns. 

Wolf has also played a key role in New England’s free agent strategy. Since the start of the new league year, the Pats have retained the services of several internal free agents such as offensive lineman Mike Onwenu and linebacker Josh Uche, while adding valuable depth players such as running back Antonio Gibson and receiver K.J. Osborn.

Accordingly, the Patriots appear to be turning their attention to the NFL Draft. Multiple reports have indicated New England narrowing its focus to drafting a young quarterback prospect. Wolf, per his comments earlier this month, is seemingly looking for a franchise fit, who is not only capable of playing the game at a high-level, but also handling the additional pressures which are certain to arise as an NFL quarterback.

“I think it’s a really good year for quarterbacks,” Wolf said. "We have to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and determine what’s best for the team. We have to determine who can handle being the quarterback of the New England Patriots.”

As a result, New England continues to remain linked to top positional options such as USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels. The team is also reported to have interest in Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.

However, Mayo appeared to be a bit less-committal when revealing his intentions to reporters on Monday. 

"We sit at a very enviable spot at No. 3 where we can take someone at three, or, if someone offers a 'bag,' as we would say, a lot of first-round picks,” Mayo said. “We're open to trading the pick, we're open to taking a guy there. We definitely have to talk about those things as we continue to put together this team."

Ultimately, Kraft remains content to let his front office handle the football decisions. However, the lifetime Pats fan clearly has his opinion on the matter, as well. 

In short, the Pats owner is hoping to see a fresh face under center this season. 

"As a fan, I’d like to see a quarterback,” Kraft said with a grin. “But, we're going to be open to whatever can come our way. I'll let the team make the decision what they think is best. One way or another, I'd like to see us get a top-rate quarterback."