Because the Patriots are actually having a good season so far, there have been plenty of positive things to talk about, unlike in recent years. Just last season, it was difficult to go a whole day without some sort of new drama, and that hasn't been the case under Mike Vrabel, despite some offseason concerns that something would pop up.
That was particularly true regarding Stefon Diggs, as the veteran receiver had two headline-making fallouts during his time with the Vikings and the Bills. Given that the Patriots had become all too familiar with his attitude from the four years he was in the division, analysts and fans alike were on high alert heading into the season.
Fortunately, it continues to be smooth sailing for Diggs early in his New England tenure, and although some remain skeptical that things will eventually fall apart, he keeps showing a maturity never seen before.
And if that weren't enough of an example of how much he appears to have changed over the past year, the constant praise from Mike Vrabel might do the trick.
Stefon Diggs has already become one of the most important figures on the Patriots' 2025 roster
After another impressive performance from Diggs that was capped off with his first touchdown with the Patriots, Vrabel couldn't help but rave about the kind of player he has shown himself to be, and also the kind of man and teammate he is that has left a positive impact on the entire roster.
We've seen and heard from Diggs how important it is for him to be a leader in the locker room, and that was (once again) emphasized by Vrabel, which was on full display ahead of the team's Week 8 matchup against the Browns on Sunday.
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on WR Stefon Diggs:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) October 26, 2025
“Really enjoy being around him everyday... There’s been an energy... Highly competitive. He’s vocal, he cares, he’s a great teammate. He’s been really good for that position [group] and some of the younger guys’ development.” pic.twitter.com/jUF4W3XViz
Knowing that Vrabel came into the Patriots' head coaching gig wanting to build a solid culture that had seemingly been lost over the last few years, it's clear that Diggs has bought into that completely and is a shining example of just how close this team has become.
Despite concerns about his previous behavior, much of which led to his being traded by two teams, Diggs hasn't shown any signs of attitude or ego that would support those concerns. In fact, he's been the opposite and proven every skeptic wrong with just how good he has been.
Yes, he's a valuable asset on the field, as he's become one of Drake Maye's favorite targets. But he might even be better for what Vrabel hopes to establish behind the scenes. That might be the most exciting part of his tenure so far, and that's saying a lot considering how long the Patriots have been without a legitimate WR1.
Diggs is proving what Vrabel and Co. saw from him when he came to Gillette Stadium to work out in free agency and why they felt comfortable signing him, even after his fallout with the Bills and coming off an ACL injury.
He's become everything they could have asked for — and more —and it will be exciting to see how he continues to solidify himself as a pillar of this team.