Kicking off
The Patriots conducted their first of several open OTA practices on Wednesday ahead of June's mandatory minicamp.
It was the media's first chance to get a look at the 2026 team during what amounts to a passing camp, with players going through 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 team drills.
It also marked the first time Mike Vrabel had addressed the media since the first day of the NFL Draft in April.
With respect to the latter, Vrabel was once again asked about the possible impact on the football team in wake of the Page Six story in the New York Post last month, which suggested an inappropriate relationship with the Athletic's former NFL insider Dianna Russini.
Vrabel seemed ready to turn the page and forge ahead.
Asked about how the players have responded to his leadership, Vrabel didn't want to answer for them. But he said he felt great about what they were trying to accomplish.
"I feel like I'm trying to give them the information that is going to help them do their job," Vrabel said. "I've talked about this as far as the importance of the balance between their own success, which leads to great things for them and the people that they care about, but then also trying to manage that with the team.
"That's a fine balance of the dynamic that we wage in this business of professional sports. I try to do that each day."
Out at practice, it was business as usual for Vrabel, who was engaged and involved with every group.
As for the players, Drake Maye was front and center He had a bit of an up and down day. He and new receiver Romeo Doubs are working out some kinks, but the former Green Bay Packers should make an impact when September rolls around.
Rookie first-round pick Caleb Lomu rotated in at right tackle while Will Campbell, who is hoping to rebound after a rough Super Bowl, took most of the snaps at left tackle.
There were quite a few notable players on defense who were missing most notably Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III, the two starting outside corners, as well as defensive end Harold Landry.
At this point, it's nothing to get too alarmed about, although Gonzalez' absence could turn ugly given it's likely contract-related. The antennas will go up further if he misses mandatory minicamp and it turns into a full-fledged holdout.
Gonzalez is in the final year of his rookie deal, which is due to pay him $2.8 million. As one of the league's top corners, he's looking to be paid accordingly.
There have been talks, but the two sides haven't been able to lock in an extension. So this will be something to keep an eye on in the coming months.
There will be two more open OTA practices for the media before minicamp (June15-17).
Here are some clips from the week:
