Mike Vrabel is right about the Patriots’ lack of depth. So how can they fix it? FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots’ 2025 season was defined by consistency, with the same starting offensive linemen, quarterback, running backs, and wide receivers from the season opener still in place by the Super Bowl. The team’s success was bolstered by remarkable health, as their depth was rarely tested throughout the year. However, coach Mike Vrabel’s blunt assessment of the roster’s limitations has reignited discussions about the Patriots’ long-term challenges. After the team’s second preseason game, Vrabel admitted, “I do not think we have a very deep team.” This statement, initially perceived as a critique of the front office, was clarified as a straightforward acknowledgment of the roster’s shortcomings. The lack of depth stems from years of poor draft performances. The 2022 draft class, which included 10 selections, has only Marcus Jones remaining on the active roster. Of the seven players drafted in the first five rounds of the 2023 draft, only Christian Gonzalez is still with the team. The 2024 class, which included high-profile picks like Drake Maye, is expected to contribute minimally, with Maye likely being the sole addition to the roster. Vrabel emphasized the need for continued strong drafting, stating, “We have to continue to draft very well” to address the issue. This lack of depth has influenced the coaching staff’s approach to the preseason. Vrabel has been hesitant to play starters in exhibition games, prioritizing their health over competitive matchups. This strategy aligns with a broader league trend of valuing joint practices over exhibition games, as teams increasingly focus on preparing for the regular season.#new_england_patriots #mike_vrabel #drake_maye #eliot_wolf #foxborough_mass
