You won't catch the New England Patriots sleeping on the 2016 season. Hours after hosting a press conference, head coach Bill Belichick was spotted at the Senior Bowl, scouting college prospects.
Here at the Senior Bowl Bill Belichick and Bill O'Brien chumming it up in the stands pic.twitter.com/ijCympnH2Y
— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) January 26, 2016
Here he is wearing a light blue shirt while speaking with former offensive coordinator and current Texans head coach Bill O'Brien. The person to the right of Belichick, with the shaved head on the same row of seats, is director of college scouting Monti Ossenfort.
Who else is with Belichick?
Patriot HC Bill Belichick in the stands during South practice at the Senior Bowl in Mobile .@WVTM13 @Patriots pic.twitter.com/qhgxMJeKQO
— Todd Eagle (@Todd_Eagle) January 26, 2016
This is one of the greatest pictures of Bill, ever. Total relaxation. With the picture zoomed in, we're better able to label the scouts around him:
Personally, I don't think that's Ernie but those closer with the scouts have said it is. I think it's Patrick Stewart, one of the Patriots area scouts.
Belichick gets a 10/10 for that baby blue hoodie, while his right hand Nick Caserio needs a heat check on those shoes. Please be Crocs. I need them to be Crocs.
Per NFL Draft Insider Tony Pauline, the Patriots spent considerable time with North Dakota's OT Joe Haeg. The 6'6, 307 lbs Haeg was a four year starter (two at right tackle, two at left tackle) and his team won the FCS Championship in all five years of his attendance. He has a massive wing span and is a second round prospect.
Pauline also noted that the Patriots were speaking with Stanford QB Kevin Hogan, who is a late round prospect.
And if you're interested in another Gronkowski...
Glenn Gronkowski/K State looking dominant in blocking/blitz pick up drills. Love him as an FB question his transition to tight end.
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) January 26, 2016
Perhaps he could be one of the team's 3rd round picks.
We'll provide more scouting updates when they become available.