2026 NFL Draft: Amid off-field controversy, Patriots trade up for another left tackle
The Patriots traded up in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The New England Patriots had a hectic, busy first night of the NFL Draft. They also made a pick in the first round. The Patriots traded up from the 31st pick to 28th, dealing with the division rival Buffalo Bills, and took left tackle Caleb Lomu from Utah.
That will bring some questions about what happens to Will Campbell, last year’s fourth overall pick who started at left tackle all last season but struggled late and had a rough postseason. Most nights, that would be enough of a headline for one team. The talk of the NFL for most of Thursday wasn’t the upcoming draft, but the scandal surrounding Vrabel.
The New York Post published pictures of Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini reportedly at a New York City bar together in 2020. On Thursday afternoon the Patriots confirmed that Vrabel would miss the third day of the draft on Saturday to undergo counseling. Vrabel met with the media less than an hour before the draft started and said his family was his priority and he’d be with them this weekend.
Mike Vrabel met with the media less than an hour before the NFL Draft began. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Boston Globe via Getty Images There was still football business to attend to, especially as New England was coming off a Super Bowl appearance. They had needs on the offensive line and edge rusher, but didn’t pick until 31st overall.