Joe Milton III doesn’t seem bothered by draft positions or tanking strategies. The rookie QB stepped up in the Patriots’ season finale. And he led them to a 23-16 win over the Bills. Milton had a different perspective while fans mourned losing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Milton addressed the frustration head-on in his IG Live. “I ain’t played football since preseason. If y’all were in my shoes and y’all were given an opportunity to play, why would you go out there and not show up and show out? So y’all can talk about me if I lose?” His response resonated as a defiant stand against a culture that values draft capital over effort.

Milton’s first career NFL start was quite the statement. He completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards. The icing on the cake? His two touchdowns. Joe’s performance was a rare bright spot in a dim season despite the Patriots finishing 4-13 and sliding to the No. 4 pick. He proved his worth.

Milton’s approach highlights the disconnect between players and the franchise’s long-term goals for fans clamoring for a tank. As he said post-game, “I mean, we’ve got to handle how we handle our program as it is right now. We can’t think too far in the future. Can’t think too far in the past. We’re just being exactly where our feet are right now, as a program, as an organization. We’re just being here right now in the moment. Thinking about a pick right now is way out of our hands.” He was honest there.

The Patriots’ win has stirred debates. Should players prioritize effort or the organization’s future? Joe Milton’s stance brings into question the ethical and competitive dynamics of tanking.

Vrabel’s return: A fresh breeze for New England and Milton?

The drama doesn’t end with Milton. HC Jerod Mayo was shown the door hours after the game, signaling a change in Foxborough. This move has fueled speculation about former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel stepping in as the team’s next leader.

Vrabel embodies the grit and discipline that defined the Patriots’ dynasty years. He was leading the Titans before this (the same team that benefited from the Patriots’ last game performance as they clinched their first No. 1 overall pick since 2016). His potential return as head coach could rekindle the team’s competitive spirit.

A partnership between Mike Vrabel and Joe Milton III might redefine the franchise’s trajectory. Milton’s hunger for opportunities aligns with Vrabel’s emphasis on accountability and effort. Together, they could set a tone of resilience for the Patriots’ next chapter. The Patriots may not have the No. 1 pick, but sitting at No. 4 offers a chance to rebuild.

Prospects like Travis Hunter, a rookie cornerback who learned his skills with the Colorado Buffaloes, or Penn State’s defensive end, Abdul Carter, could bring versatility and strength to a roster in need of talent. Milton’s defiance and Vrabel’s potential return symbolize a shift. The Patriots aren’t just looking at the draft. They’re laying the groundwork for a cultural reset.

New England’s future might not hinge on a single draft pick… but on rebuilding a team that fights on every game day.