Chapter 9 Summary

Scott Pioli, the head of Player Personnel, is intimate with Bill Belichick and has known him a long time. He is responsible for working closely with talent scouts and reviewing early draft information. He is also Bill Parcell's son-in-law. Pioli finds men who will fit the Patriots and replenish the system. Mistakes can be costly; low character / high maintenance players take a toll on the team. A low performing team creates job security worries and hostility.

Scouts must have a clear opinion, especially if they disagree with the coach. They discuss all aspects of potential drafts: diet, lifestyle, character, and communication skills. Scouts also must have sources and know who to talk to. A Patriot candidate must be able to be quantified in a uniform grading system. They use general groupings with grades such as 8-starter, 5-backup only, and 1-reject. Player dimensions are...