Plenty to talk about in this week’s edition of the Patriots Journal so here goes.
Here are ten things we want to talk about that are Patriots related.
1.Mixed feelings on EDGE prospects?: I keep hearing that the Patriots like this EDGE class but the lack of height at the top is a bit of a concern. The explosiveness and get off is there but the belief is, it is not a slam dunk that they draft an EDGE at 31. They could go offensive line or entertain trade offers up or down depending on how the board shakes out. I think they draft an EDGE but it could be later than expected.
- Vrabel gets hands on: The media saw Vrabel work one on one with Arizona State offensive tackle prospect Max Iheanachor on Friday and immediately assumed the Patriots are going to go offensive tackle. I do not think that is the case but it is increasingly looking like they are going to explore the possibility now that it seems like they will see how the board shakes out before settling in on a tackle or edge rusher.
3. Maye’s Development and the Foundation: It’s been a busy week for Drake Maye off the field, announcing the launch of his “MayeDay Family Foundation” and a celebrity softball game at Polar Park. On the field, the focus remains on protection. After being sacked 21 times in the postseason, the front office is under immense pressure to ensure the 2026 draft yields more than just “developmental” depth for the O-line.
4. Pro Day Presence: Scouting the Backyard: Vrabel and a large contingent of Patriots scouts were spotted at Boston College’s Pro Day this week. Given the team’s need for versatile edge help and offensive line depth, keeping a close eye on local products like those coming out of Chestnut Hill remains a staple of the new regime’s willingness to turn every stone possible to find talent.
5. Linebacker Shuffle: The release of Jahlani Tavai and Anfernee Jennings caught some by surprise, but the signing of KJ Britt clarifies the vision. Britt is a downhill thumper who fits the mold of a specialized special teams ace with the ability to spell Robert Spillane. The Patriots are getting faster at the second level, even if it means moving on from reliable veterans.
6. Cornerback Turnover: Losing Alex Austin to the rival Dolphins hurts, but the addition of Kindle Vildor provides a low-risk veteran flyer. The Patriots are set at the top of the cornerback depth chart with Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones. Vildor provides a veteran forth corner that can play inside or outside. Now the Patriots can focus on developing some of their young corners.
7. The Moses Dilemma: Morgan Moses performed admirably at right tackle last year, but at 35, he’s a short-term solution. Word is that the Patriots are heavily eyeing the “second tier” of tackles in the upcoming draft. If they don’t find a successor now, Maye’s blindside (and his jersey) will continue to take hits.
8. Fullback Fraternity: In a classic New England touch, James Develin was seen welcoming Reggie Gilliam into the “Patriots Fullback Fraternity” this week. Vrabel’s insistence on keeping a lead blocker in the building shows that while the NFL goes smaller and faster, the Patriots are happy to keep a bit of old-school “three yards and a cloud of dust” in their DNA.
9. Draft Buzz: The 1st Round Pivot: With the league year officially underway, rumors are swirling that the Patriots might be looking to trade back from their current slot to recoup the mid-round capital lost in previous trades. They need quantity as much as quality to fill out a roster that felt a little “top-heavy” during the Super Bowl run.
10. The QB Room Post-Dobbs:?With Joshua Dobbs released, the backup spot behind Maye is officially an open competition. The team seems content to let a rookie or a late-wave veteran signing fill that void. The message is clear: this is Drake Maye’s franchise, and every move made this week was designed to either protect him or provide him with the ball back faster.