Boston Journalist Labels 320 LB CFB Beast as Patriots’ Draft Cure After Mike Vrabel Urged to Pursue Super Bowl Stars

The Super Bowl may have crowned its champion, but for the rest of the NFL, the real work is just beginning. The offseason is a time for reflection, reassessment, and rebuilding—a chance to patch up the cracks and shore up the weaknesses exposed on the league’s biggest stage. Want to know how to build a winning team? Look at the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. They’re at the top for a reason. And the Patriots, though? They need a serious rethink. They seem to think a good QB is all you need, but the Super Bowl showed that’s just not true. It’s more of a ‘boost your defense’ kinda game that helps you have the edge. So, for now, Mike Vrabel’s Patriots must focus on a 320 lb college football beast who can be the cure to their problems.

Remember the time when the Patriots traded outside linebacker Matthew Judon to the Falcons in August? Back then, the then-HC Jerod Mayo noted the significance of the loss. But at the same time, he was optimistic about being able to handle things. “We’ve gone years without having a premier rusher, but we were able to manufacture pass rush through our stunts and games and our game-planning. I think we have a good group ready to go,” he said. Sadly, that didn’t come to fruition. Vrabel’s program wrapped up with a disappointing 3-13 season.

As per ESPN research, New England has been credited with contacting the quarterback 98 times this season. That’s what sports writer from Boston, Todd McShay, with guest Steve Muench, addressed on his podcast. They had a piece of advice for Vrabel to follow, as McShay suggested, “Let’s make it a great defense like the Chiefs have done with [Patrick] Mahomes… like the Eagles continue to do with once they got Jalen Hurts.” Philadelphia’s defense forced three turnovers and held Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense to 275 yards in Super Bowl LIX.

That’s how the defense turns the limelight towards themselves, snatching from the quarterbacks. As Muench noted, “That’s how you beat great quarterbacks too, though is with that pass rush…If you wanna make a superhuman quarterback look average, you have to have that great pass rusher.” Is it new for Vrabel’s program? Actually not. They did control Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner in the Super Bowl 36 loss.

So, that’s when McShay suggested, “Maybe we take Mason Graham here at 4 over an offensive lineman. Another premium position, but Mason Graham moves differently than just about any defensive tackle we’ve seen in a couple of years.” Landing the Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham would give Vrabel a “defensive cornerstone.” He finished his third season at Ann Arbor with 24 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks, causing consistent problems for opposing offenses with the pressure he brings on the interior.

So, he will be the best cure for the Patriots, who are now ranked 23rd in opposing rushing yards. While the analyst tries to help Vrabel, he is busy running after Super Bowl stars. 

Mike Vrabel’s vision for a stronger Patriots defense needs a slight change 

Moving into the offseason, the Patriots are armed with the most projected cap space in the NFL. Vrabel’s program thus holds the potential to make huge improvements with their new HC at the helm. There are multiple areas that need special focus. The Patriots have a lot of areas to address this offseason, including the pass rush, wide receiver, offensive line, linebacker, and secondary. And some Super Bowl stars are already emerging as prime targets.

Sean T. McGuire of NESN came up with three potential names: Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and Zack Baun. All three of those players were huge parts of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense. Forget three. If Vrabel gets lucky to land any one of them, it would be a big defensive win for the Patriots fam. However, amidst chasing his goals, Vrabel must keep in mind Matt Miller’s words.

The NFL draft expert said, “Graham, third-year defensive end Keion White, and standout interior lineman Christian Barmore (currently out because of blood clots) would be a nice starting point for Vrabel and his new defense.” Being a defensive-minded coach himself, it would be easier for Mike Vrabel to unleash their potential and gift the fans a huge comeback.