New England Patriots: Facts say club have right personnel man in Dave Ziegler

The New England Patriots may very well have their man at the top of the personnel operation in new de facto chief, Dave Ziegler.

So, why would a persistent and outspoken critic of New England’s personnel operation over the years (centering especially on the draft) be so upbeat about the prospects for this operation now?

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It’s been written before that Ziegler has his work cut out for him. This team has drafted poorly for years (more than widely known, actually). That’s why Ziegler (with a little encouragement from Bob Kraft, the owner) has to up the Patriot’s game.

A great draft would be a significant complement to the Patriots’ very busy and ostensibly productive (yet to be seen) free agency period.

If Ziegler wants to make a mark, his upfront mark on the team for once, a top to bottom masterful draft would be a really nice touch.

Ok, before the hammers start to fall, it’s quite clear that no team hits on all or even most of their draft choices. Understood.

But for once, how about hitting on say three or four players in one draft, players who actually produce in their first year?

Also, it looks like Ziegler’s fingerprints are likely all over the most recent free agency signings. Here’s why that’s presages well for New England in 2021.

Why New England Patriots Dave Ziegler could be the key to future success

Doug Kyed briefly outlined Ziegler’s progression on the Patriot’s personnel staff. He provided the kernel for this optimism.

"Ziegler first joined the Patriots in 2013 and worked in pro scouting, not college scouting, until the 2020 season. The Patriots brought in veteran players like Brandon LaFell, Chris Hogan, Brandin Cooks, Martellus Bennett, Alan Branch, Darrelle Revis, Akiem Hicks, Jabaal Sheard, Dion Lewis, Chris Long, Kyle Van Noy, Rex Burkhead, Cordarrelle Patterson, Trent Brown, Lawrence Guy, Danny Shelton, Stephon Gilmore and Jason McCourty, among others that helped New England win three Super Bowls since Ziegler joined the organization."

The key is at the end. “… helped New England win three Super Bowls…”. Take a close look at that list and you see absolutely essential personnel to those victories.

And, of course, they were also key elements of the massively successful seasonal winning records which gained things like byes and home-field advantages throughout the playoffs.

Ziegler, as the pro scouting guy, had to have been an, if not the central guy in those pre-decisions, and that is a plethora of top-quality contributors to that great Patriots second run of Super Bowls.

So there it is the single reason for optimism for a standout total offseason for the Patriots. To date, it has been one already of aggressive pursuit and compensation for players they feel are top-shelf in free agency.

If Ziegler comes anywhere close to the success of that list above in free agency, this team will be miles ahead of 2020.

If he can work his magic in the draft, as well, and get some immediate performers for a change (like Michael Onwenu), this could be the re-start (again) of something big.

The heat is definitely on Dave Ziegler. But if his amazing track record at the pro level can be translated to the draft, be ready. We could be looking at the playoffs or more in 2021.