Patriots' Mayo Attending NFL Scouting Combine?
A recent trend across the NFL has found that some coaches have declined to attend the NFL's scouting combine in Indianapolis in favor of their organization's general manager.
Jerod Mayo, in his first offseason as New England Patriots head coach, might be another to add to the list of non-attendees.
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo addresses media at a press conference announcing his hiring as the team's head coach at a press conference at Gillette Stadium.
Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier last week, Mayo hinted that he would not attend the combine in Indianapolis but said "We'll have great representation there," to Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sportshub.
"I have the ultimate faith in Eliot [Wolf] and his staff, and the coaches we'll have there."
Reporters, however, are now indicating that Mayo will be in Indy, but likely will not speak to the media.
Wolf has become the de facto general manager of the Patriots and will be in charge of constructing the roster for the team in 2024. Coming off a three-win season in 2023, there's plenty for the son of former Packers GM Ron Wolf to accomplish.
He will be the first Patriots executive to take interviews at the Combine since 2013.
Patriots fans should not be concerned with Mayo's absence from Indy, either. Coaches have begun to ignore the week-long scouting hub entirely in favor of personal visits and Pro days from each of the universities.
Most coaches would be willing to sacrifice a week in scouting (and let the organization's scouting departments do their job) to better prepare the current roster or hit the ground running in free agency.
Although he hasn't officially said he wouldn't show up, it sounds like Mayo will be added to the list of coaches who decline the week to watch the next batch of NFL rookies.
