Because the ongoing scandal involving head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini has dominated headlines around the New England Patriots for the past month, it was unsurprising that it was the main topic at hand, even leading into the draft.
Unfortunately, the situation only worsened, prompting Vrabel to call an unplanned press conference to address the media and announced that he would be away from the team for Day 3 of the draft to seek counseling with his family.
Vrabel, along with others on the staff, told the media and fans they would remain in contact with the coach throughout the day on Saturday, which seemed like a crucial detail, considering he was set to miss Rounds 4-7 of the draft.
However, the latest update from insider Peter Schrager says otherwise. In fact, he learned that Wolf and the team have not been communicating with Vrabel all day and instead, agreed that it was best he spend the day with his family.
Following up on the Vrabel report, it was my understanding that Coach Vrabel was going to be in contact with the staff via phone/text, but I've learned that in the end, both Vrabel and the team ultimately chose not to interrupt him and his family during Day 3 of the Draft.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 25, 2026
Mike Vrabel's absence from the Patriots' draft room was more than just not being physically present
On a human level that has a sliver of empathy, it's difficult to argue that this was a bad decision by Vrabel and the staff. Although his own behavior brought on the situation, his family deserves his full attention at this time.
But when looking at the team in the midst of a crucial part of the offseason, it's far from ideal to hear that the head coach wasn't heavily involved in the decision-making on Day 3, and that his input could have been significant when it was time to make tough choices.
Patriots fans unhappy with how the day went are already suggesting the picks weren't good enough because Vrabel wasn't around to help, and that's a disastrous assumption to make after what should feel like a successful weekend.
That shouldn't be the immediate takeaway, especially since this year's class wasn't that highly touted by analysts and experts, and the Patriots managed to come away with some impressive talent.
However, it's going to be what many detractors point to, as Vrabel's scandal continues to drag on.
UPDATE:
Eliot Wolf spoke to reporters once the draft concluded and confirmed Schrager's reporting.
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