Mike Vrabel described what a ‘good day’ at Patriots OTAs appears to be like like

The Patriots are off and working within the subsequent section of the offseason program, with “Organized Crew Actions” (OTAs) taking heart stage in late Might.

New England has a number of practices scheduled throughout this section previous to the beginning of necessary minicamp in June. For brand new head coach Mike Vrabel, it’s the continuation of a course of that he’s already put into movement as he tries to get second-year quarterback Drake Maye and the remainder of the roster built-in into a brand new system.

“I believe everyone’s labored extraordinarily laborious, together with Drake, to choose up what we need to do offensively and defensively,” stated Vrabel to reporters on Tuesday. “Now that has to begin to translate onto the follow subject in a spring setting, with out pads, and I believe that we’re off to begin. We had a optimistic day. We had been in a position to combine some velocity stuff in and aggressive stuff to some extent.

Naturally, he understands the constraints of a non-contact setting. On the subject of physicality, Vrabel acknowledged it has restricted affect in OTAs.

“I don’t suppose you can,” he stated when requested if it’s potential to judge physicality on the classes in Might. “You possibly can concentrate on pad degree. You possibly can concentrate on hand placement, however physicality, that’s not one thing that’s going to be recognized over the course of the subsequent 4 weeks.”

Nonetheless, the Patriots have a lot to work on in the course of the present interval even when it doesn’t contain blocking and tackling within the conventional sense.

New England, coming off a second straight 4-13 season, has a plethora of recent gamers on the roster.

Requested what constituted day, and what would make him blissful on the finish of an OTA follow, Vrabel supplied a considerate reply.

“That we’re out and in of the huddle, that there are clear substitutions, that there’s communication,” he started. “You hear the protection making checks when someone on the offense strikes or motions. There’s coordination, and that the offense is shifting with urgency and that the play clock isn’t sitting at zero for 4 seconds. The entire operational issues.

“After which there’s clearly acquired to be a degree of execution after we’re within the velocity,” he added, “after which after we get to the jog-through, can we follow at a tempo that’s lower than 100-percent and nonetheless get one thing out of it.”

One participant Vrabel was questioned about particularly was working again Rhamondre Stevenson. The 27-year-old has handled tragedy within the final 12 months with the passing of his father in March and the dying of a childhood buddy in the course of the 2024 season.

“We’re extraordinarily excited to have him with us. I’ve been in fixed communication with him, and clearly our ideas and prayers are with him and his household as they heal and so they grieve, and I need to be part of that to assist him, and get to know him,” Vrabel stated of Stevenson, additionally praising his on-field effort and efficiency from final season.

“He’s going to be a big a part of what we do, and we’ll simply have to find out the place he’s at when he’s again right here,” Vrabel concluded of Stevenson

One noteworthy piece of knowledge that Vrabel confirmed on Tuesday was the joint-practice schedule for the upcoming coaching camp. The Patriots will maintain joint practices with each the Commanders and Vikings.

“For positive that the Washington Commanders will come right here,” stated Vrabel, “after which they’ll play us, and we’re excited to go to Minnesota. It’s setup that they’ve, and permits for excellent work. The Vikings have a wonderful soccer crew, and I’ve labored with them earlier than, so I’m excited to return up there.”