Vrabel Defends Patriots Depth Remark, Citing 3rd-Line Development as 2026 Priority
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 24
Vrabel Defends Patriots Depth Remark, Citing 3rd-Line Development as 2026 Priority
2 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 24
Summary
Monday on WEEI, Mike Vrabel said his "not a very deep team" comment was not a swipe at New England's front office, stressing that "we are the front office" and share roster decisions.
Vrabel said the point was why key starters have sat out preseason games: the Patriots need to evaluate and develop backups at spots like third linebacker, sixth offensive lineman and third safety.
He tied the issue to roster construction, saying New England must draft well and turn late-round picks and scheme-fit projects into usable depth for its 3-4 defense and special teams.
That emphasis reflects a broader concern that the Patriots will need cheap contributors behind top players as injuries hit during the season and future cap pressures build around stars like Christian Gonzalez and Drake Maye.