Matt Groh Spoke To The Media And Said A Lot Without Saying Anything.

People have questions about the Patriots offseason approach this year and what to expect in the draft. Media members had the chance to ask Matt Groh, the director of players personnel for the Patriots on April 15th some of these questions in hopes of getting clarity.

Matt Groh said teams cannot rely on the draft get quality receivers. This was in reference to their offseason approach to acquiring a receiver. His response seemed like something that would be true for every position. However, receiver was an important need this season.

Groh admitted to relying on experience from other staff members including Matt Patricia and Elliot Wolf. The Patriots sent Wolf to scout record breaking prospects Jerreth Sterns and Bailey Zappe. Groh is still young and learning the ins and outs. Groh admits he's still learning his job. And how much he values the rest of the staff.

Matt Patricia who Groh mentioned, was the reason the Patriots traded for DeVante Parker. Groh said "Patricia was all in and on the trade early " Matt Patricia was a former head coach and just like there are still players that want to play for the Patriots. There were players who wanted to play for Patricia prior to losing the lions job.

As far as college scouting, Groh said they "do their best scouting with college teams that they're friendly with the staff of." Obviously he acknowledged they have an 'In' at Alabama but he implied that if the staff has connections at other schools, they would have an advantage in those locations also. Everyone knows about the Belichick Saben connection but has anyone really looked into any other possible connections between the Patriots and colleges?

Groh admitted that the college game was changing but also implied that at least when it comes to linebacker, that if college isn't producing the type of player they want, then they have to manufacture that player if need be. Talking about the bigger linebackers. Do not be surprised if they sign or draft a bigger athletic defensive linemen and convert them to linebacker 

Groh also said "guys have to fit schematically." That's should rule out the thought of BPA (best player available) for the most part. The Patriots are going to look for guys who fit what they do before looking at how good they are overall. This is basically how it seems they have always worked things but it had to be made clear, it was still the Patriots way.

When Groh talked about speed, he mentioned about how guys were used and how people define positions. Like a safety and a linebacker. "Guys can be put all over the place and that's a way to increase the speed of a defense."

With Groh's other comments about linebacker, expect the Patriots to possibly draft outside the box at the position. Keep an eye on Jordan Davis from Georgia, the defensive talked has linebacker speed and athletism and would be the type of player Ghor was referring to.

When asked about offensive line Groh stressed the importance of acquiring guys that can play multiple positions. Groh was mainly talking about the draft but it goes to show that guys who are not versatility with their position are going to have a harder time becoming a Patriots player.

After hearing Groh talk about linebacker and offensive line, it's clear that one trick ponys are not what the Patriots want. Even if the Patriots take a receiver, expect them to either be a returner, move tight end capable, or just a true receiver and not limited to just one role or package. It looks like Groh has a strong desire to acquire hybrid players. Typically prototype players may become a thing of the past under Groh.

Groh acknowledged that the team was going to build around Mac Jones's contract but also implied that quarterbacks were getting overpaid. Expect the Patriots to do their best to keep Mac Jones's contract as low as possible for as long as possible. Other teams are struggling because they're paying their quarterback around 25% of the team's salary cap.

The Patriots have a plan for this free agency, that's clear. The question which we won't know, is how well are they doing and executing their plan. People may not be happy with their approach but it's a calculated approach. That approach might not be the approach fans want but it may just be the approach the team needs.