The Patriots' wide receiver room has undergone a major revision this offseason with Mike Vrabel as the new Head Coach. Vrabel added two solid veteran free agents in Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins. He also drafted Kyle Williams in the third round, and as an added bonus, undrafted free agent Efton Chism III was sensational and made the team.
That's a major transformation as only two receivers from 2024 are still on the 2025, 53-man roster: Pop Douglas and Kayshon Boutte. If all are healthy, it will provide a major upgrade over the lackluster 2024 group.
Former Patriot great Vince Wilfork, a big fan of Vrabel, thinks that he may still want to add a player even after cut-down day. One option being floated in the media is to trade for receiver Jakobi Meyers, who's in a contract squabble with the Raiders. Other options, of course, are also possible.
Former Patriots Vince Wilfork thinks Mike Vrabel has a deal brewing
Masslive's Karen Guregian quotes Patriots Hall of Famer Vince Wilfork, who thinks Mike Vrabel may have a big deal in mind for his 2025 Patriots. Wilfork thinks a wide receiver may be the position Vrabel could have in mind.
"Wilfork doesn’t necessarily get that vibe from player personnel head Eliot Wolf’s recent remarks about being willing to trade off top draft picks, or fellow personnel chief Ryan Cowden doubling down on those remarks. But he does get that feeling from Patriots coach Vrabel. 'Me knowing Vrabel, I feel he got something up his sleeve,' Wilfork told MassLive last week. 'I feel it. There’s something he got brewing.''
While Vince Wilfork is a great NFL observer, does it make sense for the Patriots to look around for another receiver at this point in the offseason with the regular season right around the corner? The idea is an interesting one, and if Vrabel can do anything to improve his team or its culture, anything is possible.
Mike Vrabel still could improve the 2025 roster
Vrabel's first offseason in charge of the Patriots' football operation has been a whirlwind of activity. He inherited arguably the worst roster in the NFL, and he has wasted no time in getting to work to improve it significantly.
Similar to the receivers, the offensive line has been almost completely redone, with four new starters expected. In addition, the defense has been transformed. Vrabel added starters and playmakers to all three levels. Where Vince Wilfork's idea comes into play, however, may be in the depth area. Vrabel has little quality to employ.
Ironically, the wide receiver room as currently constituted is arguably one of his best. Other units, such as the backup offensive line and the linebackers, may surprisingly need an infusion of talent more than the receivers at present. That alone is a statement about Vrabel's roster reconstruction ability.
Wherever he can improve, Patriot Nation should expect Vrabel to be aggressive in doing so. Rebuilding an entire NFL roster in one offseason is an almost impossible task; yet, he has done a brilliant job in improving at least his starting units. Whether he takes Wilfork up on his receiver thought or adds to any other position, more depth would be helpful. Don't be surprised if he adds it.