FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Graduating from Princeton University with a psychology degree, then earning a law degree from the University of Virginia, Matt Groh had no shortage of promising career options to consider.
But after practicing law for a few years, Groh called his father, Al, and said in 2011: “It’s time. I’m ready to make the move.”
The family business of football was calling.
Matt Groh has since ascended from an entry-level scouting assistant to the New England Patriots’ director of player personnel — a rapid rise that isn’t surprising to those closest to him.
• Ranks: Kiper » | McShay » | Positions »
• Mocks: Kiper » | McShay » | Reid »
• Stacking the QBs » | Intriguing teams »
• Full draft order » | First Draft podcast »
• More coverage » | Full rankings »
The Patriots officially appointed Groh to the new role, which is the highest position in the team’s personnel department, on Feb. 15. He fills the void created by Dave Ziegler’s departure to become Las Vegas Raiders general manager, and pairs with consultant Eliot Wolf as the two clear-cut leaders of the Patriots’ staff heading into this week’s NFL combine in Indianapolis.
Unlike those who filled the seat before him — from Scott Pioli, to Nick Caserio and Ziegler — the 41-year-old Groh is not as well known to Patriots fans because his work to this point has mostly been under the radar. That’s part of what makes his emergence so special to those who have watched it unfold.
“Being friends with Matt, and seeing the work he’s put in, any time you see good people who do it the right away have success and be rewarded, it gives you confidence that if you keep doing what you’re supposed to do, the system is working the right way,” said Minnesota Vikings national scout Chisom Opara, who was teammates with Groh on Princeton’s football team in the early 2000s.
“The way he’s gone about it, the humility with which he’s approached the job from day one, I’ve been watching from afar. He’s the guy picking…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at www.espn.com – AFC East…