Area scout Josh Hinch has been with the Patriots since 2021.
With the NFL Draft in the rear-view mirror, the time for personnel changes on the scouting side has arrived. For the New England Patriots, area scout Josh Hinch is the first domino to fall: Hinch will not be back with the team next season, as first reported by NFL insider Neil Stratton.
A former running back at South Carolina, Hinch arrived in New England in 2021. Originally serving as a pro scout, he became an area scout responsible for the southeast region in 2023.
Before joining the Patriots, Hinch worked as a player personnel director in the XFL and the AAF. He also spent time in various roles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as at SUNY Maritime College, South Carolina and Northwestern.
The Patriots’ scouting department already underwent some changes earlier in the offseason. In January, after the team hired Mike Vrabel as its new head coach, Ryan Cowden was brought aboard to serve as vice president of player personnel. The belief is that more moves will follow in the coming weeks.
Who the Patriots might target, both as departures and as additions, will be seen. Three outside names to keep an eye on, however, are Mical Johnson, Corey Cooper and A.J. Highsmith. All three were recently let go by the Titans, and have previous working experience with Vrabel and Cowden; in addition, A.J. Highsmith is the son of Patriots executive Alonzo Highsmith.
New England is currently in the second phase of its offseason workout program.