"The Patriots' new head coach and de facto personnel manager, Mike Vrabel, had a herculean personnel challenge. He inherited arguably the worst roster in the NFL, and two of his offensive units were near the bottom of the league, as well. The wide receiving corps was one of the NFL's weakest, with Demario Douglas leading them in catches with a paltry 66. That won't win you many games or get you anywhere but to the bottom of the AFC East for the second year in a row."
"Arguably even worse was the 2024 offensive line, almost certainly the NFL's worst. All things run through the offensive line, and so did every opposing defense. It allowed 52 sacks of the Patriots' quarterbacks, including that of rookie Drake Maye, who had to (and still will in 2025) use his running skills to stay on the field. Vrabel needed to upgrade that line, and he did. The Patriots' O-line is now solid but lacks depth."
Mike Vrabel inherited one of the NFL's worst rosters and prioritized upgrading weak offensive units. The receiving corps ranked among the league's weakest, led by Demario Douglas with only 66 catches, and only two 2024 receivers remain on the active roster for 2025. The 2024 offensive line allowed 52 sacks and hampered quarterback play, including rookie Drake Maye. Vrabel added veteran starters Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury and drafted first-round tackle Will Campbell and third-round lineman Jared Wilson. Mike Onwenu is the only returning starter but arrives out of shape, leaving the line improved but still thin on depth. Rob Gronkowski voiced concerns about the unit's remaining issues.
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