Bill Belichick talks up combine coverage, recalls pre-draft conversation with Deion Sanders

When it comes to Bill Belichick, offseason appearances are few and far between, but the Patriots coach took time out of his schedule on Monday, the last day of the combine, to connect with the NFL Network broadcast crew of Rich Eisen, Mike Mayock and Deion Sanders.

Belichick praised the work of the broadcast crew, saying the setup was “really impressive” on a number of levels. He praised Mayock as someone who was dedicated to his craft when it came to the pre-draft process.

“I just want to say on behalf of all of the football fans out there, you guys do a tremendous job. You really do. This is a tremendous production,” Belichick said. “You know, Mike. I know how hard it is to do a draft board for one team. And that’s hard. You’re doing it for 32 teams, as well as knowing what all the teams are looking for, and who there players are, and putting it all together for us. You guys do an awesome job. I can’t tell you how much information you guys put out there to fans and the league. I’d put me in that group too.

“There have been a couple of times this week where I haven’t been able to watch this, but I’ve been able to follow it on TV, and honestly, you don’t really feel you miss anything. There was a time where they’d be specials, and you’d cut away and you’d miss a whole drill or half the 40. Now, you virtually see every guy do everything. You guys do a great job.”

While he was in the booth, Belichick also confirmed the story of Sanders showing up at the combine when he was a collegian and running his 40-yard dash … and simply running right out of the building when he was done. Belichick had a Sanders story, addressing the former Pro Bowl corner and return man.

“I just remember when I interview you in the hotel,” Belichick said, addressing Sanders. “I said ‘You’re great player and you’re going to have a great impact on whatever team you go to. But with all due respect, if you come to the Giants, we have another guy who is a little bit bigger than you at this point. How would you handle that?’ Obviously referring to (Lawrence) Taylor. You said, ‘Well, I think the fans are just going to have to change and get used to me if I’m there.’”

Belichick, who also donated a check to Eisen’s favorite charity — St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital — gave his two cents on Matt Patricia’s move to Detroit, and what he’ll bring to the Lions.

“He’s gong to being a great work ethic. A lot of intelligence, a lot of thought into everything they do, from practice to strategy to situational football and they’ll work hard. I’ll guarantee you that,” Belichick said of his former defensive coordinator. “He’s smart too. He put together those rockets in college. I can’t even get my cell phone on.”