NFL Exec Calls Out Patriots' Roster Depth After 'Shaky Drafts in Recent Years'

As the New England Patriots embark on the Mike Vrabel era, it is clear than infusion of talent will be needed as the organization looks to end a streak of three straight losing seasons.

According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, "One NFL front office source who has watched the Patriots this preseason described his view of them this way: Improving, playing hard, but thin in multiple spots beyond their starting lineup because of shaky drafts in recent years that have contributed to a roster that will require more than one year to replenish."

This wasn't necessarily a dig at former head coach Bill Belichick, but there's no doubt that the now-North Carolina head coach struggled with personnel decisions later in his tenure in New England while serving as the de facto general manager.

That left the Patriots devoid of talent, and it was painfully evident during Jerod Mayo's lone season as head coach in 2024, when the team went 4-13 for a second straight year.

The Vrabel hire, alongside the promising rookie season of quarterback Drake Maye, has inspired some optimism around New England. But this is still one of the more talent-starved rosters in football, and until that changes, struggles likely will follow.