Story perspectives

Patriots' Vrabel Skips Draft Day, Kraft Backs Him Amid Scandal

4/30/2026

Summary

Vrabel Skips Draft

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel missed Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft for counseling and family time amid a scandal with Dianna Russini.
Owner Robert Kraft said the team will not fire Vrabel and continues to back him.
The Daily Mail says the Patriots could consider Steelers coach Mike Tomlin or coordinator Josh McDaniels as replacements if Vrabel steps down.

Summary

Wolf Delegates Draft

Patriots executive Eliot Wolf said Day 3 of the NFL draft was “business as usual” after staff completed six of nine selections without Coach Vrabel’s direct involvement.
Team activities are set for May 27, May 29, June 1, 2, 4, 8, 9 and 11, followed by a mandatory minicamp June 15-17 and rookie camp the next month.
The team’s statement said Vrabel’s counseling decision reflects a mental-health priority and that delegating draft duties shows institutional resilience despite his personal issues.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 Robert Kraft bought the Patriots for $175 million, ending a period of unstable ownership. That stability helped the team rally after the September 11, 2001 attacks to win Super Bowl XXXVI under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. The pattern repeats in 2026, when coach Mike Vrabel stepped aside for counseling and executives including Kraft kept the franchise’s strategic course.

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Vrabel Skips Draft

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel missed Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft for counseling and family time amid a scandal with Dianna Russini.
Owner Robert Kraft said the team will not fire Vrabel and continues to back him.
The Daily Mail says the Patriots could consider Steelers coach Mike Tomlin or coordinator Josh McDaniels as replacements if Vrabel steps down.

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