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3h ago

Patriots Face Roster Crunch After Shaky Drafts as Vrabel Weighs QB3

An ESPN-sourced evaluation highlights thin depth tied to recent drafts that may take more than a year to replenish.

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: Layden Robinson #64 of the New England Patriots looks on prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.
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Aug 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during the third quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

Overview

  • An NFL front office source told ESPN’s Mike Reiss the Patriots are improving but thin beyond their starters due to recent draft misses, projecting a multi-year restock.
  • There is a real possibility Drake Maye will be the only 2024 draftee to stick, with several classmates injured, waived, traded, or stuck on the bubble.
  • Reported examples include Ja’Lynn Polk expected to go to injured reserve after shoulder surgery, Marcellas Dial Jr. already on IR with a torn ACL, Joe Milton III traded, and Jaheim Bell waived.
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel said the team is “far from where we need to be” and is deciding whether to carry a third quarterback on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
  • Roster concerns extend to wide receiver and the offensive line, with Stefon Diggs working back from an Achilles tear and one rookie tackle unlikely to solve protection issues immediately.