The NFL scouting combine is this week, giving the New England Patriots a glimpse at the plethora of prospects they could add to their rankings in April. The Patriots currently own nine 2025 draft picks with several holes that must be filled this offseason if they want Mike Vrabel to succeed in his first year as head coach.
Although there's time for plans to change, Vrabel just hinted at the Patriots' potential offseason mindset during his latest combine interview.
Patriots News: Mike Vrabel Hints at Improving Offensive, Defensive Lines
According to senior NFL writer Rob Maaddi, Vrabel made it clear that the Patriots must do a better job of protecting franchise quarterback Drake Maye going forward. The newly hired HC even gave a recent example to help support that sentiment.
"You don't have to look further than the Super Bowl," Vrabel said. "That game was clearly won at the line of scrimmage."
#Patriots coach Mike Vrabel on importance of protecting Drake Maye and building strong lines: “You don’t have to look further than the Super Bowl. That game was clearly won at the line of scrimmage.”
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) February 25, 2025
The Patriots owned one of the league's worst offenses in 2024 and a lot of that stemmed from disastrous offensive line play. New England struggled to protect Maye and create lanes for its running backs, finishing the campaign with the second-worst pass protection (52.3) and NFL-worst run blocking (45.6) grades on Pro Football Focus.
Making matters worse, the Pats were tied for allowing the fifth-most sacks (52). In other words, it's almost a miracle Maye had the success he saw.
The former UNC QB became the Patriots' No. 1 signal-caller as the season progressed, ending the year with 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns (to 10 interceptions), and an 88.1 passer rating in 13 games. He also converted 54 carries into 421 rushing yards and two TDs as the lackluster protection often forced him to use his feet.
The Patriots can also afford to improve defensively if they want to be well-rounded in the trenches. PFF ranked them inside the bottom 10 in terms of run defense (58.9, 25th) and pass rushing (62.1, T-28th), making it clear that Vrabel & Co. can't afford to ignore the defensive line either.
With the fourth overall pick in the 2025 draft, the Patriots could potentially address their D-line by targeting Michigan's Mason Graham or Georgia's Mykell Williams. They can also trade back to stockpile picks, giving them even more ammunition to bolster both offensive and defensive lines.
Throw in the fact that the franchise has the most cap space in the NFL this offseason ($125.5 million, per Spotac), and it's clear that Patriots fans are potentially in for an exciting next few months.
Look for more about the Patriots' offseason plans to be revealed before free agency begins on Wednesday, March 12.