Breaking: Mike Vrabel Headed To Counseling | Missing Day 3 of NFL Draft

The Locked On Patriots podcast breaks down the shocking news that head coach Mike Vrabel will be absent during day three of the 2026 NFL Draft due to attending counseling, a move that has sent shockwaves through the Patriots organization and fanbase. Host Nick Cattles leads a critical analysis of the PR fallout, questioning why the news was delayed until a midnight press dump after Vrabel’s Tuesday press conference—where he apologized for a past decision without addressing counseling. The timing and handling of the story, including Vrabel’s initial dismissal of the Diana Russini scandal as 'laughable,' have fueled speculation about a deeper narrative, with some suggesting the counseling move may be a strategic PR effort rather than a genuine personal step. The absence of the head coach and final personnel decision-maker during the critical third day of the draft raises serious concerns about the team’s ability to make key selections, especially with eight of their 11 picks coming on day three. While the front office—Elliot Wolfe, John Stretch Stryker, and Ryan Cowden—are expected to lead the draft, the lack of real-time input from Vrabel could impact trade decisions and player evaluations. The episode also covers draft buzz, including potential moves down from pick 31, rumors about players like Malachi Lawrence and Cassius Howell, and the possibility of drafting interior defensive lineman Caden McDonald if top-tier positions are filled. Despite the chaos, the team is expected to survive, but the incident has overshadowed the draft itself.