Since being named the Patriots' next head coach after Robert Kraft fired Jerod Mayo earlier this offseason, Mike Vrabel has made it clear what kind of players he wants for the team and the culture he hopes to establish. That has led him to sign some very on-brand talent, many of whom have a connection to him or others on the coaching staff, and the vibe in Foxboro has drastically shifted because of it.
It was something very much needed after the disaster that was the 2024 season. Although Mayo tried to make the team his own, things noticeably got out of hand early in his tenure, which is partly why it was cut short.
Now that Vrabel is in the building, the atmosphere is a bit similar to that of Bill Belichick's Patriots, and several of the players are exactly what you'd expect Vrabel to want on the team.
The latest of whom is rookie defensive tackle Eric Gregory, whom the Patriots picked up on the waiver wire after roster cutdowns last week. Because Kendrick Bourne and Jabrill Peppers were released, there was room on the final roster for another starter, and it's already clear why Gregory was one of the guys they chose.
Eric Gregory embodies the kind of attitude Mike Vrabel wants for his Patriots team
After the mostly adverse reaction to the news of Peppers' departure, many Patriots fans were quick to celebrate the potential of what Gregory could bring to this year's defense. He was a highly regarded player coming out of college, and the Bengals hoped to re-sign him to the practice squad after clearing waivers.
Fortunately for Vrabel and the Patriots, they were fourth in the waiver order and were able to snag Gregory before he remained in Cincinnati. Based on his interview with FOX 19, it's beyond apparent why the Bengals wanted him back and the Patriots wanted him in the building.
#Patriots rookie DT Eric Gregory on which of his skills translate to the NFL:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 29, 2025
“Physicality for sure… my mindset… I have a dog mindset in me. I’m not the most vocal person but I think my play speaks for itself.”
Cincy fans aren’t happy that he got claimed 👀
(🎥 @FOX19Jeremy) pic.twitter.com/zv57lEc6yf
With culture and brotherhood at the top of priorities for Vrabel since taking over the Patriots, it would be fair to say that Gregory was a perfect fit before he even signed with the team.
He is exactly what they're hoping to bring to the locker room for the 2025 season and beyond, and will be another great addition to the team as a valuable mind and athlete. Gregory has a solid role to fill and could become a pillar of the defense moving forward, which is another exciting element about his arrival.
We are yet to see what he can bring to the Patriots, since we haven't yet seen him practice with his new team. But based on Bengals fans' reactions to his departure, as they were more than upset he wasn't coming back, it's clear that the Patriots got a good one.