New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel continues to coach under a cloud. While NFL head coaches are used to being critiqued, the Patriots head coach is under different scrutiny.
Embroiled in a scandal involving former NFL insider Dianna Russini, the coach once again addressed the media, this time discussing his absence on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the team’s moves, and whether he regrets not being there.
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Opens Up About His Absence on Day 3 of NFL Draft
On Wednesday, Vrabel conducted his first press conference since the 2026 NFL Draft. He missed Day 3 of the event to attend counseling alongside his family.
He was asked if he regrets missing the third day of the draft and what he thought of the team’s moves while he was away.
Mike Vrabel shares thoughts on day three of the draft and if he regrets not being there:
“No.. They moved around, they made some trades. This draft was pretty unique… The volume of players in the draft wasn’t what it normally is.
“Excited about the players that we got.… pic.twitter.com/69RjdtJXy2
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) May 27, 2026
When asked if he regretted missing Day 3, Vrabel responded, “No.”
“They moved around; they made some trades. This draft was pretty unique,” he said. “I don’t know if it has been talked about, but the volume of players in the draft wasn’t what it normally is.”
With the rise NIL in college sports, more players are staying in school and delaying their professional career to earn a solid collegiate paycheck. Still, Vrabel seemed happy about the prospects New England drafted.
“Excited about the players we got. Studied most of them. They knew my affinity for some of the players we took,” Vrabel added. During his absence, the Patriots selected six players. Of those six, three will play along the line of scrimmage, and one is a running back.
The selections fit what Vrabel wants to accomplish: controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides and running the ball. As a disciple of Bill Belichick, the head coach wants a power running game at the heart of the offense and a physical defense.
PFSN’s NFL Draft HQ gave the Patriots a B+ grade for their draft haul.
It sounds like Vrabel made his preferences known ahead of Day 3 of the NFL Draft, so his opinions were taken into account even though he was absent. Now, it remains to be seen how many of New England’s draftees will make the final roster.
