There were only "good things” to say about Bill Belichick’s performance on “The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular” that streamed Thursday night on ESPN platforms, according to Chris Bumbaca of USA TODAY. It quickly was clear how “natural Belichick looked and sounded behind the desk,” and he offered perspective “only someone who has his history of winning could.” Any fears that Belichick, who was “tight-lipped” as the coach of the Patriots, would be “reticent in front of the cameras can be forgotten.” He “wasn’t windy, but Belichick wasn’t shy.” It is possible the relaxed nature of McAfee’s show allowed Belichick to “feel at ease and calmly deliver his points.” Belichick "laughed along with the outbursts and antics from his fellow panelists." He also interjected without interrupting and “laid out when McAfee and his crew dialed up the bro levels.” Belichick’s points were “nearly always clear and concise” (USA TODAY, 4/26).
QUICK TO SHOW HIS KNOWLEDGE: THE RINGER’s Steven Ruiz writes Belichick is “pretty freaking good" at television. It would be easy to guess Belichick "would nail the film breakdowns,” but observers “couldn’t have predicted how open Belichick would be with his thoughts and opinions.” Ruiz: “This is everything you’d want out of Belichick as an analyst. He’s not just making a comment on a player’s strengths and weaknesses. He’s providing real analysis and gives viewers a peek at how he views the game” (THE RINGER, 4/26). The WALL STREET JOURNAL’s Jason Gay writes Belichick offered “genuine nuggets of wisdom amid delightfully candid critiques.” Belichick’s refreshing critiques made clear what a “positivity pageant the modern draft has become.” McAfee wisely knew his show “had a breakout star, and he cleared the deck for More Bill.” Within an hour, the rest of the panel “had all but evaporated” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 4/26).
TELLING IT LIKE IT IS: SI's Jimmy Traina writes Belichick provided "outstanding television," highlighted by the fact he "didn't genuflect at the feet of every pick." He praised the top three picks and "repeatedly talked about them being talented and highlighted their strengths." However, he also "spent as much time highlighting each of their weaknesses." Traina: "It was downright refreshing to see that during an NFL draft" (SI, 4/26). In N.Y., Matt Ehalt wrote Belichick “certainly differentiated himself with his critical assessments of the draft’s quarterbacks,” including a pointed critique of Patriots top pick Drake Maye’s footwork. Unlike other analysts who "may be worried how their comments can affect their next job," Belichick “seemingly did not hold back while pointing out where the newest Patriot can improve” (N.Y. POST, 4/25).
ENJOYING THE RIGHT SETTING: THE ATHLETIC’s Andrew Marchand writes with McAfee’s show, which was "a lot less serious" than traditional Draft coverage, Belichick “seemingly grew more comfortable as the show went on.” Belichick “played along with everything.” He “participated in a faux interview” with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in an opening setup then he "served as a booker, texting Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton to come on." Marchand writes he “looked as if he was enjoying himself” (THE ATHLETIC, 4/26). In Boston, Ben Volin wrote Belichick “enthusiastically worked” the draft board for McAfee and his crew around 6pm ET on Thursday, two hours before the start of the draft. The telecast has its own draft board with prospect rankings and team needs, and Belichick “was moving player tiles and explaining his philosophies with the energy of the 2001 version of himself” (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/25).
