Patriots come out of NFL Draft shining amid Mike Vrabel drama

For the New England Patriots, the 2026 NFL Draft was a chance to step away from the Mike Vrabel drama, even if it was for just a few days.

Vrabel, of course, has been in the news since photos of him hugging and holding hands with reporter Dianna Russini surfaced in the New York Post. He even stepped away from the third day of the draft to seek counseling.

"As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said in a statement, according to ESPN.

He added, "This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them."

But, following the draft weekend, the Patriots are getting props for their moves in the draft with the Vrabel playing second fiddle.

Patriots receive praise for moves in NFL Draft

Eric Edholm of NFL.com ranked the Patriots at No. 9 after the draft in his power rankings. 

"The Pats are stronger on the lines of scrimmage, which is important, and they still have some firepower on offense, although I think more is needed," he wrote of their choices. I don't view them as prime Super Bowl contenders again, but they're not far off of that, either."

The Patriots also got a glowing "B+" grade from Chad Reuter of NFL.com in his post-draft grades, especially their first-round selection of offensive tackle Caleb Lomu out of Utah.

"The Patriots addressed the offensive line for a second straight year in the first round, picking Lomu to play across from 2025 top-five pick Will Campbell," he noted in the piece.

So, for a moment, the Patriots are getting press for the right reason: football.