Why Robert Kraft Retaining Eliot Wolf, Patriots Executives
FOXBORO, Mass. — Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo entered as a tandem preaching collaboration, but they aren’t viewed that way anymore.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Monday confirmed Wolf will remain as the executive vice president of player personnel, despite the fact the franchise fired Mayo.
“We are looking for people working together, and they will be staying on,” Kraft said during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on Monday.
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Wolf’s personnel department came under intense scrutiny during the 2024 campaign with the roster void of talent. Drake Maye, selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, was a surefire home run, but other rookies and free agents either drafted or signed by Wolf did not have much success.
Regardless, Kraft believes Wolf and company deserve at least another year.
“I think the department evolved a lot, and a lot of things were changed,” Kraft said. “We changed our grading system this year and have done things — our drafts have not been good for a while. If you want to compete long-term and be good in this league, you got to have good drafts because those rookie contracts allow you to go out and get the people you need to surround (them).”
On the other hand, Kraft shouldered the blame for Mayo not being put in a position to succeed and referenced the regression he saw on the field. Those sentiments coupled with Kraft’s defense of Wolf indicate the organization feels as if coaching was the root of the problem as opposed to personnel.
“But, I think, we’ll hopefully see a big improvement this year,” Kraft said.
Wolf better hope so, or there’s reason to believe he’ll be the next one out of New England.