2013 NFL Draft: New England Patriots War Room

The 2013 NFL Draft is finally here! I’ve been looking forward to this moment since the agonizing New England Patriots 28-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship. The Draft is like a reset bottom or a blank canvas in which allows a team the opportunity to create a whole new season with new hopes and excitement with only one goal – to win the Super Bowl.

Sep 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots helmet during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

While the fans are prepping for a draft party extravaganza with lots of food and plenty of beer and other fun drinks, the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick are making other arrangements for a successful “draft party”. And yes, he puts on his best business suit! Bill Belichick is a football genius and he loves every aspect of football. The draft is an opportunity to test and to show how organized he is and how he envisions the team’s destiny.

The New England Patriots war room is not an ordinary one. As a matter of fact, it is the league’s smallest draft room. That is, only the most important people are the war room, but only one person has the final say in the matter – Bill Belichick.

Bill Belichick is the decision-maker after all is said and done. At this point, the scouting department job is practically done and the sight of a scout in the war is non-existent. Belichick might come up with a question, actually a clarification, and contact the scout, but that’s about it.

Another person present in the war room is Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio. Caserio occupies the chair of Scott Pioli and his analysis of a particular football player towards the Patriots system is very reliable and influential in Belichick’s final decision.

Also, Director of College Scouting Jon Robinson is another important presence in the war room. He started with the Patriots as an area scout in 2002, climbing up the latter in 2006, 2008 and 2009 as director of college scouting.

Last and not least, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has the privilege of adding his 10 cents should there be any need. His knowledge is well appreciated as he analyses the incorporation of any offensive player to be draft and already draft into the team. I just wished we had McDaniels when he drafted wide receivers Eric Decker and Demariyus Thomas.

And of course, Mr. Robert Kraft and Mr. Jonathan Kraft wouldn’t be left out.

Here’s a pick of last year’s draft room via Patriots Today on Patriots.com

Follow Celia Westbrook on Twitter @celiawestbrook