Mike Vrabel is instituting his own systems into the 2025 New England Patriots. While Josh McDaniels will be running the offense under Vrabel's direction, Vrabel has already put his imprint on the defense, his forte as a long-time top NFL linebacker.
Established starters like defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., and even former captain, linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, have all been shown the door. Those players didn't meet the specifications of a Vrabel defense, and others are expected to follow.
Another major emphasis in the new Vrabel-led Patriots is the much-ballyhooed "culture change". While that concept can be hyperbolized at times, it matters when the Head Coach expects his players to act in a certain manner, and most importantly, is ready and willing to enforce it. An aspect of that culture under Vrabel is team-first. And it's no joke.
Mike Vrabel's culture expects team above the individual, or else
Vrabel is, to some extent, old school in valuing the common good over individual accolades. While salary, or contract status, is crucial, the parameters set for the team remain as relevant today as they were years ago, although they are less enforceable under free agency. Regardless, me-first players will find themselves on the outside looking in under Vrabel.
A recent example of the type of team-first attitude that has to warm Vrabel's heart occurred in the recent dust-up between the Patriots and the Commanders in their first joint practice in Foxborough. Patriots' explosive rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson took exception to an action of a Commander's linebacker, and some "extracurricular activities" ensued. As expected, the second-round pick responded.
Yet, it was the action of one of his teammates that was even more significant. Patriots first-round, fourth-overall draft pick, left tackle Will Campbell, was one of the first guys in to defend his smaller teammate against a larger Commander. As a top-four NFL draft pick, Campbell is, by definition, an Alpha dog. At the same time, some players in that position may feel entitled. Campbell doesn't.
Will Campbell's selfless team-first attitude is captain material already
Campbell made it crystal clear he is ready to let fly whenever one of his teammates needs help. A smaller back can be in that situation, as Henderson was against the Commanders. Campbell's stepping up and stepping in sends a clear message to any NFL opponents: step out of line and you'll deal with the Patriots' 6'6", 320-pound left tackle. That's future captain material.
Vrabel wants to see his team held in greater importance than any individual. Campbell, in his NFL infancy, has already made a declaration that he does. Vrabel had to leave that practice knowing that he has his left tackle and another future leader.
The Patriots performed well against a good Commanders team in their joint practice, but there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. NFL teams aren't built in a day, and neither will the next Patriots dynasty. But they have their quarterback, Drake Maye, and now they have their left tackle, Will Campbell.
The indomitable Maye and the fearless Campbell are the cornerstones of the next Patriots Super Bowl-contending team. Both will be dominant NFL players. Along with one of the best NFL coaches and personnel guys in the league, Mike Vrabel, expect them to make the playoffs in 2025.