FOXBOROUGH - Mike Vrabel’s hands-on approach with his Patriots team has gotten a lot of traction.
Asked Wednesday how that evolved, Vrabel drew back to his time working as a linebackers coach at Ohio State.
“When I got to Ohio State, they didn’t leave the manual underneath the desk,” Vrabel said prior to Wednesday’s OTA practice. “So I just kind of went with whatever I felt like was best for me and fit my style, and it’s kind of stuck.”
Safety Jabrill Peppers, who first met Vrabel during a visit to Ohio State more than a dozen years ago, says the players appreciate Vrabel’s approach and have bought in.
“I definitely think he knows how to get the best out of his players, and I think everyone has bought in,” Peppers said Wednesday.
Former Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane said players know exactly what they’re getting from Vrabel. It’s not an act. It’s who he is.
“He’s very transparent, intense, straight to the point,” Spillane said. “You know what to expect, which is something I love as a player. All you want is clarity, all you want is clear messaging, and that messaging stays true. That’s who he is. So he doesn’t have to fake it. He gets to be his true self every day.”
Vrabel was asked about all of his one-on-one work that seems to extend to every player on the roster.
“I think it’s important. I think, one, I enjoy it. I like it. I love it. I try to be as knowledgeable at every position as I possibly can,” he said. “Some more than others – we referenced the quarterback. But having something at each position group that can maybe translate from my perspective to help the player. But then I also think that where the head coach is, is probably what the players think are important. So, I try to be a little bit everywhere."