Patriots defensive end Keion White proved on Tuesday why he is one of the most honest players to talk to in the Patriots locker room. White delivered some notably candid remarks after the team’s second mini-camp practice.
The comments highlighted how a shift in coaching philosophy and atmosphere under new head coach Mike Vrabel has changed the organization in six short months. White’s comments also suggested a level of dissatisfaction with the previous coaching staff.
“I was training myself, I’m not going to lie,” White told reporters, reflecting on last season. “Now, I feel like I have a coach.”
White comments may seem a bit harsh but the reality is, the way he feels has been building since the end of last season.
White also praised new outside linebackers coach Mike Smith, crediting him with teaching him new techniques and ways to play the game.
“I also have a really good coach telling me — Coach Smith telling me steps, alignment, things like that that I haven’t traditionally heard, the next step of having that coach behind me has been good for me. “It slows it down for me.”
White also talked about how Smith emphasizes to his players the importance of having a plan and a process.
“This is what you did, This is your thought process was something I don’t think I had before and what I was missing.” said White.
White also praised Vrabel and his coaching style and even compared him to the coach who drafted him, Bill Belichick.
“I like Mike. He leads with work. I can respect that,” White said. “It’s similar to Bill (Belichick), just with a younger face. I think we all know how I feel about that; I liked him. So it’s comforting to know that you have a hard-ass at the helm who will not be afraid to fistfight with you in a back alley.”
The comments from White, a second-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, are particularly pointed as he had previously voiced frustration during the 2024 season under Mayo. At that time, White hinted at internal issues and a need for change, saying he would “figure it out after that, and see where the cards may lie for my future.”
With Vrabel at the helm, White’s comments suggest he has found the change he was looking for and that he is optimistic about his future with the Patriots.