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Patriots scouting department sees more turnover after NFL Draft
TL;DR
The New England Patriots' scouting department is experiencing turnover following the 2026 NFL Draft, with director of scouting projects Marshall Oium leaving and Midwest area scout Justin Hickman joining the Atlanta Falcons. Robert Haines has been hired as Hickman's replacement.
Key points
- Patriots scouting department sees turnover after 2026 NFL Draft
- Marshall Oium left as director of scouting projects
- Justin Hickman joined the Atlanta Falcons as a national scout
- Robert Haines hired to replace Hickman
Mentioned in this story
New England PatriotsAtlanta FalconsMarshall OiumJustin HickmanRobert Haines
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: NFL Scouts view drills at Spaulding Field at the Wasserman Football Center on March 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New England Patriots scouting department is undergoing some changes with the 2026 NFL Draft over. After already parting ways with director of scouting projects Marshall Oium, the reigning AFC champions also had to make a change at their Midwest area scout position.
Justin Hickman, who had been with the organization since 2020, left to become a national scout with the Atlanta Falcons. To replace him, the Patriots hired long-time Panthers scout Robert Haines.
NFL insider Neil Stratton was first to report the moves.
Haines arrives in New England after a 22-year tenure in Carolina. He started out in the Panthersâ video department in 2002 and later went on to serve as college scouting assistant (2005-06) and pro scouting assistant (2007). Afters serving as a Combine scout in 2008 and 2009, he took. over as the teamâs Northeast area scout in 2010. In 2021, Haines took over the Southeast and was ultimately named a national scout in 2022.
Following the 2024 season, the Panthers parted was with the North Carolina native. A year later, he has now joined the Patriots and is returning to his roots as an area scout.
Q&A
Who left the Patriots scouting department after the 2026 NFL Draft?
Marshall Oium, the director of scouting projects, and Justin Hickman, the Midwest area scout, both left the Patriots after the draft.
What position did Justin Hickman take after leaving the Patriots?
Justin Hickman became a national scout with the Atlanta Falcons after leaving the Patriots.
Who has been hired to replace Justin Hickman in the Patriots scouting department?
Robert Haines, a long-time scout with the Panthers, has been hired to replace Justin Hickman.
