New England Patriots
The first round of the draft is here. So is an update from Mike Vrabel.
The 2026 NFL Draft stage prior to the first round in Pittsburgh. Erin Ninehouser/AP
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Patriots release statement in support of Mike Vrabel after release of new photos with Dianna Russini
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WEEI yet again shaking up its lineup for afternoon drive
PITTSBURGH –
7:20: League commissioner Roger Goodell tells ESPN that Vrabel’s situation is not a personal conduct policy matter.
“It’s a personal matter, and we’ll leave it at that,” said Goodell.
It’s a matter for the Patriots to deal with, he said.
7:00: A quick look at the Pats’ rumor mill before we get started. NFL Media’s Tom Pellissero reported that the Patriots have already received calls about potentially trading down from No. 31.
Teams holding the No. 31 pick have traded it nine times in the last 14 years. The Patriots also have a history of trading down during the Bill Belichick era, though they’ve been less inclined to do so lately.
Also, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports that wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is a name to watch for a potential trade as he enters a contract year. He hauled in 76 catches for 1,140 yards and nine touchdowns over the last two years. His one-handed touchdown grab against the Texans helped vault the Patriots into the AFC title game.
6:45: Hello from Acrisure Stadium, where Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin tonight.
The Patriots hold the No. 31 overall pick, putting their selection near the end of the night unless they trade up.
If you’re watching from afar, the draft can be found on ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, and ESPN2.
Stay tuned for all the updates throughout what could be an eventful Day 1 of the draft:
6:45: First up, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is expected to address the media back home in Foxborough. ESPN reported early Thursday morning that Vrabel will step away from the team during Day 3 on Saturday to attend counseling.
Vrabel had been photographed at a resort holding hands and sitting in a hot tub with NFL reporter Dianna Russini. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people.
Russini has stepped down from her senior insider position at The Athletic. Vrabel acknowledged having tough conversations with those close to him during a press conference earlier this week. The NFL has said that it is not investigating Vrabel.
The Patriots released a statement Thursday in support of Vrabel’s decision to step away. New England will make the bulk of its picks on Saturday.
“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” the statement reads. “Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.
“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”
Khari A. Thompson
Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
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