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New England Patriots: Adding Eliiot Wolf to staff a good pre-draft move

By Michael DeVito

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: N'Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball as Germaine Pratt #57 of the Cincinnati Bengals is unable to make the tackle during the first half in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: N'Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball as Germaine Pratt #57 of the Cincinnati Bengals is unable to make the tackle during the first half in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots personnel department gets a boost, which is good news for Pats’ fans before the draft.

CBS Boston has reported that the New England Patriots have made a new personnel operation signing:

The team hired Eliot Wolf as a consultant, as first reported by SI’s Albert Breer.

This is a signing fans should like due to the timing of the hiring just over a month ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Eliot Wolf is not someone with whom I’m acquainted. But … the Patriots personnel operation has been less than stellar in recent seasons. They need infusions of talent there and new perspectives, even if he was a Browns guy!

Their personnel decision making last season ranging from the draft to free agency to undrafted free agency was to say the least, not good. Time for a change. Let’s look at their draft last season first.

The New England Patriots’ 2019 Draft

First Round: N’Keal Harry

Harry was injured much of the season and had a disappointing 2019 to say the least. Is he a lost cause? I’d say, not yet. But, I’d also say Harry is leaning in that direction. The first wide receiver drafted in the first round by Bill Belichick for the New England Patriots was not a success in his first season. Hopefully, he can reverse that in season 2. But, I’m from Missouri (not really), show me! Trending: down.

Second Round: Joejuan Williams

Williams was a non-factor for the New England Patriots in 2019. He basically could not get on the field. For a second round draft choice, that’s not a good sign. Trending: down.

Third Round: Chase Winovich

One of my favorite Patriots’ draft picks, EVAH! Really hoped they’d draft him. They did. He was very good. Expect BIG things in 2020. Trending: Way up.

Third Round: Damien Harris

Harris was the invisible man for the Patriots last season. Where was he? Over here? Over there? Basically, nowhere. Trending: down.

Third Round: Yodny Cajuste

Yodney did not see the field in 2019, at all. Cajuste had surgery on his quad in March, 2019 as reported by Ian Rappoport and cited on Boston.com.

The Patriots drafted him anyway in the third round. He didn’t see the field all season. Trending: Down.

Fourth Round: Hjalte Froholdt

Froholdt was injured in the preseason and didn’t see a snap during the regular season. Trending: down.

Round 5: Jake Bailey

Bailey was superb after beating out Josh Allen for the starting punter’s job. He was well worth the investment. Trending: Way up.

Round 7: Ken Webster

Webster had injury problems in New England and CBSSports.com cites ESPN’s Mike Reiss indicating Webster was placed on the PUP list.

"Webster (undisclosed) was placed on New England’s Physically Unable to Perform list Sunday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports."

Boston.com reported that Webster was later waived by New England:

"The Patriots waived cornerback Ken Webster, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Webster was drafted out of Ole Miss with the 252nd overall pick in April and is eligible for the practice squad."

According to Pro Football Reference Webster later played in 8 games for the Miami Dolphins.

Trending: Out.

Eliott Wolf’s Challenge

So that’s my 2029 New England Patriots draft evaluation. The draft delivered little performance from it’s top 5 picks between the first and third rounds. Only Chase Winovich really delivered anything.

That’s not a good result. Maybe the longer term results for these top picks will improve. But, Eliot Wolf has his work cut out for him in light of the dismal draft performance by the Patriots personnel group in 2019.

Next. New England Patriots 2020 Draft: Denzel Mims adds speed at receiver. dark

Hopefully, Wolf has what it takes to help deliver a superlative draft in 2020. The New England Patriots have 12 total picks in the 2020 NFL draft including a first and 3 third round picks along with 7 total picks in the sixth and seventh rounds according to Boston.com.

Time to start getting production out of their picks. Last year’s poor draft helped cost the New England Patriots a deep run in the playoffs.

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