Let’s get a quick recap of last year’s NFL draft. The New England Patriots had No.3 overall, which they used to draft North Carolina freshman Drake Maye. Starting as a backup to Jacoby Brissett, Maye didn’t win the starting role until the Patriots were already 1-4. He may not give the Patriots the lift they thought he would, with them finishing 4-13 once again.

At least Maye went to the Pro Bowl, although as an alternate to Josh Allen. One thing became clear: the Patriots may have found their new Tom Brady. And this year, with them holding yet another high pick in No.4, this time, the expectation is the Pats may look to draft someone on the other side of the ball.

See, two defensive powerhouses are almost certain to be picked before the Pats could blink. Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter could go 1st overall if the Titans do decide not to draft a QB. Then there’s two-way superstar Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who could play in the Big Apple with the Giants having No.3 overall. This led ESPN’s reporter Mike Reiss to believe Mike Vrabel’s focus could be on drafting Michigan’s defensive tackle Mason Graham. 

Graham is coming off three wonderful years playing for the Wolverines, amassing 108 total tackles and 9 sacks in just 27 starts. Out of those 108 tackles, 46 of those came in 2024, with Graham also winning Rose Bowl MVP. So, clearly, the talent is there, and a little nurture from 3-time Super Bowl Champion LB Vrabel could make Graham an instant hit on the Pats D-line.

And there’s also the hope he could replace fifth-year defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who continues to struggle with illness. Barmore missed New England’s first 10 games last season after getting diagnosed with blood clots. However, he did recover and came back to play 4 games. But again, he went back on the non-football injury reserves because of those symptoms reemerging.

As for the Patriots, they had some major struggles defending the opponent’s run game last year. They ended up ranking 23rd in opposing rushing yards and 4th in allowing most carries. And that’s not the recipe Vrabel would want in his first year as the Pats head coach. So, with Graham coming in, he could contain the opposing rushers. Because you know what they say: defense wins championships. Maybe a defensive-minded coach knows what he needs to do to turn the Pats’ fortunes around.

Actually, it seems like the organization also knows what they need to do aside from signing players to kickstart this rebuild. Bring back a uniform from the ’90s era where it all began—maybe that can also assist Maye.

Drake Maye teases the return of royal blue uniforms

You might be wondering, didn’t the Patriots era start with Tom Brady at the helm? Well, not exactly. The seeds of success were already sown by Brady’s predecessor, Drew Bledsoe. He spearheaded the Pats’ resurgence, from bottom dwellers to Super Bowl contenders wearing the royal blues.

Maybe that’s why the Patriots are yet again going back to royal blues. Drake Maye dropped a hint on the Green Light podcast, claiming, “I think they’re maybe coming out with a maybe the fans are waiting some blues, some throwback blues.” And why wouldn’t they, considering it was clearly a part of a successful rebuild? Yes, they ditched it at the turn of the century, sticking to their navy blue uniforms thereafter.

But it seems the Pats are a bit superstitious. They are probably wondering, what if we bring those royal blue uniforms back?

And suddenly, the Pats are again on a Super Bowl trip. Surely, it won’t be a coincidence, right? Maye—spearheading another rebuild while wearing those exact ‘Bledsoe Blues.’ If it does happen, there will be a lot more people talking about it, not just the Patriots. And who knows once the Patriots find their mojo back. 31 other franchises could also go back to their retro uniforms in hopes of getting to the Super Bowl.

Maybe, the NFL would do one thing: ditch the Super Bowl and start calling it the Superstitious Bowl!!!