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Read the full transcript from Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf's press conference after the first pick.

The Patriots have ranked among the NFL's cheapest teams by cash spending over the last few seasons and rank dead last over the 10 years, per ESPN. Before adding outside talent, their front office must decide whether to retain top internal free agents in safety Kyle Dugger, offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and tight end Hunter Henry. Mayo will be working closely with new de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and executives Patrick Stewart, Matt Groh and Steve Cargile during this process.

It's been quite the informative week for Patriots fans, who've received a closer look to the franchise than perhaps ever before.

Bentley, a third-year captain, has played most of his career under Mayo. He entered the league as a fifth-round pick in 2018, a year before Mayo rejoined the organization as a position coach. Since then, Mayo has grown into the unofficial leader of the defense, often leading meetings and creating game plans with fellow linebackers coach Steve Belichick. Once news of Bill Belichick's departure made waves last Thursday, Bentley thought Mayo was the best and most obvious candidate to replace him.

The Patriots are taking their time in finding a front-office leader, which means these folks will be running things for the time being.