NFL, Patriots and mock draft
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Could Vrabel reconnect with wide receiver A.J. Brown in New England? The Patriots do need help at the position this offseason.
The Patriots could benefit from adding an edge to their roster — regardless if K’Lavon Chaisson returns — and that could happen in the 2026 NFL Draft. In The Athletic’s latest mock draft, Dane Brugler has New England taking T.
INDIANAPOLIS — It was Mike Vrabel’s turn to address the media Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, and we learned a lot about the Patriots’ approach to the offseason from the head coach. Vrabel first held a press conference at a podium inside the Indiana Convention Center before breaking off into a less formal side session with local reporters later.
Mike Vrabel acknowledged that future financial commitments, including a potential extension for Drake Maye, will factor into how New England approaches roster building this offseason.
We answer all your Pats-related questions and discuss a big swing for a star pass rusher as the NFL combine kicks off this week.
Vrabel, for example, said, "The draft has to be the cornerstone of the team" as the Patriots currently own 11 selections. He also repeated the importance of developing younger players already on the roster, with receiver Kyle Williams (2025 third-round pick) one example of someone he's excited to watch grow.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has hired a familiar face to join him on the team's offensive coaching staff.
Mike Vrabel made it clear at the NFL Combine that free agency won't solve New England's receiver needs, pointing instead to the draft