Image courtesy of Sports Business Journal
The draft week rumor mill is pumping out some good stuff already.
On Monday afternoon just before 2:00, Dianna Russini reported that the Patriots were taking calls on the No. 3 pick and while Eliot Wolf was ‘running point,’ Jonathan Kraft is ‘heavily involved’ in deciding the future of New England’s highest draft choice since 1993.
Should he be?
Of course, to a certain extent.
Kraft is (presumably) taking over for his father in the not-so-distant future and after years and years being frozen out by Bill Belichick, he wants to know exactly what’s going on with what’s going to be his franchise seemingly anytime now. Not to mention, if you’re Robert or Jonathan Kraft, how can you not at least be in on all the conversations regarding arguably the most valuable chip the team has ever had? This really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to fans. Is he the one turning in the draft card or calling in the trade on Thursday night? No, but he should at least have some input in what the team ultimately decides.
This nugget also leads me to believe Jonathan and Robert been in all these 30 visits with the top QB’s too. That way, if the team does end up taking one, they can help guide the decision that best suits the franchise for the next decade, particularly by getting to know these players off the field. Again, if you own a multi billion dollar company, you should probably get to know some of the guys that could be your money maker of the future.
When it comes to trading the pick, it feels like the Krafts should be slightly less involved there. Wolf has done this long enough where if you’re going to give him the job (for now), you’ve got to trust that he will only trade the pick if it’s a ridiculous offer that immediately allows the team to fill multiple holes at once.
A proven veteran receiver, two firsts and a either a future first or second this weekend should be the bar. If you’re able to get a veteran under contract (insert any of the rumored names here), fill two needs (WR and QB or tackle) in the first round and either get a future first or a second rounder this year and everyone in the building isn’t sold that one of these QB’s can truly change your future, how do you pass it up? Your rebuild could go from multiple years to one-or two years until you’re right back in playoff contention.
It’s only Monday. Things are only going to get weirder for the next three days. Buckle up, Pats fans.