It’s not usually Eliot Wolf meets with reporters for longer than a half-hour like he did Tuesday.
First, there was his 15-minute press convention on the NFL Scouting Mix, the place most GMs and head coaches stand yearly for what is definitely their favourite a part of the draft course of. Then got here a aspect session Wolf granted to native reporters.
Naturally, there was so much to cowl.
What are the Patriots’ plans free of charge company, the commerce market and draft?
How will he deal with Stefon Diggs’ contract? What in regards to the inner free brokers? Is Christian Gonzalez getting an extension any time quickly? After that disastrous Tremendous Bowl efficiency, can we circle again on Will Campbell’s arm size?
By now, Wolf is aware of tips on how to cliché his manner by means of subjects he desires to keep away from, and is prepared to close down particular questions which can be tougher to tiptoe round. No shock, Wolf hardly tipped his hand about something at first pay attention.
However should you run his feedback by means of the Herald’s Eliot Wolf Translator 5000, extra solutions are revealed.
Prepared?
Christian Gonzalez extension
Wolf: “Christian clearly was good earlier than, and made an much more vital soar this yr. And he’s somebody that we need to work with sooner or later, clearly. We’ll have these conversations on the applicable time.”
Herald translator: “We’re not in a rush. Christian will get his cash and turn into the highest-paid cornerback ever quickly. We all know it, his brokers realize it. For now, we’ve extra urgent issues that influence our quick cap and long-term spending. Higher to type by means of these first earlier than approaching his camp and at the least attempt to play it cool earlier than writing a big test.”
On the security place
Wolf: “Clearly, (Jaylinn) Hawkins is a free agent, and he’s earned the chance to see what’s on the market. However he’s definitely somebody that we’d welcome again.”
Herald translator: “Except his market explodes, we’ll re-sign him. He’s a flexible participant, sensible and a tradition driver. It’s no accident I’m volunteering his title and gained’t single anybody else out.”
Stefon Diggs’ return
Wolf: “I’m not going to get into any particular gamers at this time. There are particular conversations that we’re having, and we’ll see what occurs with everybody.”
Herald translator: “It’s no assure he’s again. All of us noticed him within the playoffs, and know he’s not getting any youthful. The actual fact he was spreading Mike Vrabel’s messaging and dwelling his tradition helps his probabilities, however a renegotiation should be on our phrases or near it.”
Commerce a first-round choose?
Wolf: “Yeah, we’re open to something if we predict it’s going to assist the staff each within the brief and long run. Then, it’s one thing we’ll take a look at.”
Herald translator: “Sure. Duh. Why would we rule this out?”
Free company strategy?
Wolf: “We’re going to discover each avenue to attempt to enhance the staff.”
Herald translator: “I’m not telling.”
Edge rushers within the draft
Wolf: “I believe this draft gives quite a lot of totally different depth at various areas, edge being certainly one of them. I believe it’s a reasonably deep class at that place that’s clearly an space of want for our staff, so it matches up properly.”
Herald translator: “We’ll draft one. Possibly even two. It was an space of want all season lengthy, and if Okay’Lavon Chaisson walks, we’re in a gap.”
Tremendous Bowl look change your timeline?
Wolf: “No. I’m actually pleased with our gamers. Once more, they purchased in shortly. They found out tips on how to win. However I believe everybody on the roster is conscious that we nonetheless want some items, and we’re going to create as a lot competitors as we presumably can.”
Herald translator: “No. We overachieved. We consider we’re shut, however not one or two items away from one other Tremendous Bowl. Sorry to interrupt it to you. Endurance.”
Will Campbell’s rookie season and future
Wolf: “When he got here again from that harm, I personally didn’t see the identical degree of decrease physique energy that you just noticed earlier than the harm. I believe the movie would attest to that. He most likely had three of his 4 worst video games within the playoffs. However earlier than that, I believed Will performed rather well all yr. I do know everybody talks in regards to the arm size, however he has a set of abilities that allow him to play with that arm size. … And once more, he’s 22 years previous and we anticipate some enchancment out of him as nicely.”
Herald translator: “Yeah, the Tremendous Bowl stunk. However depart Will alone. He’s our left deal with, and that’s that.”
Jared Wilson to heart?
Wolf: “I believe there’s openness to all the pieces with (Wilson). You understand, he had by no means performed guard earlier than. He had good moments and dangerous moments, however he definitely has the bodily means to play there, and he additionally has the intelligence and the vocal means to play heart. So I believe these are conversations we’re nonetheless having.”
Herald translator: “If we are able to land a great left guard in free company, Jared and Garrett Bradbury will compete for the beginning job in coaching camp. And that’s the plan. Similar to final offseason, we completely plan to discover the offensive guard market.”
Spending limits after breaking the financial institution final spring?
Wolf: “Robert (Kraft) and Jonathan have been nothing however supportive of no matter we’ve needed to do to attempt to enhance the staff. I believe, like myself and coach Vrabel being type of stewards of that and understanding what’s vital. We haven’t been advised no (by possession) fairly often, if in any respect. So, we’re excited to have their help and be capable of attempt to construct this factor, you understand, proceed to attempt to construct this factor.”
Herald translator: “We don’t need to ask them to know we aren’t spending practically the identical quantity this offseason. And did you actually suppose I used to be going to say something impartial, not to mention unfavourable, about my bosses in public? C’mon.”
