The New England Patriots have the 31st pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and Mike Vrabel was at Arizona State's pro day on Friday to scout some talent.
The Patriots could look to draft an offensive tackle in preparation for Morgan Moses leaving or retiring soon. Arizona State right tackle Max Iheanachor is projected to be a first-round pick, and Vrabel got some hands-on work with him on Friday.
When the offensive line drills started Mike Vrabel pretty much tossed everything in his pockets to the ground and started stretching.
Here is why. Vrabel vs. Iheanachor.@InfernoIntel pic.twitter.com/GOCJh6s7fy
— Colin Hogan (@_colinhogan) March 27, 2026
Mike Vrabel getting hands on during offensive line drills at pro day. The Patriots head coach is running drills with Max Iheanachor who has been one of the drafts biggest risers in the last several months.@CronkiteSports pic.twitter.com/YChNMxxDAs
— Easton Stockford (@Easton_Stock) March 27, 2026
Vrabel's hands-on approach is not surprising. It has become a staple of his coaching style, and it is something he has done regularly throughout his career. Iheanachor met with the Patriots after the NFL Combine and spoke on the experience he had working out with Vrabel after his Pro Day.
"It's a blessing for me to be able to learn from him and him being hands-on, telling me what I need to work on," Iheanachor said after the pro day when asked about working with Vrabel, per FOX 10 Phoenix's Blake Niemann. "After the combine, I went in for a visit with them. Very familiar with that coaching staff and everybody."
Moses is still under contract, but Iheanachor could learn as a backup and take over once Moses retires or leaves. He checks in at 6-foot-6 and 321 pounds. He could be a long-term piece for the Patriots, who have found their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye. He was named Second-Team All-Big 12 last season.
Drafting a tackle who may mnot start right away could be a tough pill to swallow for a fanbase salivating for a Super Bowl after falling one win short of a championship last season. However, drafting Iheanachor could extend the Patriots' championship window. He had the fifth-best athleticism score among tackles at the combine.
More NFL: What Mike Vrabel's Appearance At ASU's Pro Day Could Mean For Draft Plans