Mike Vrabel leading high-profile Patriots contingent at the Senior Bowl

The new head coach is among several high-ranking Patriots staffers making the trip to Mobile.

Tuesday saw the start of player practices and drills at the Senior Bowl, and a high-profile group of New England Patriots staffers was on hand to follow the action. The biggest names among them were Mike Vrabel, the team’s recently-hired head coach, as well as executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf.

“We want to see it through the same lens, and sometimes what we see is slightly different,” Vrabel said in a video provided by the team.

“Having conversations is important. But we have to make sure we’re bringing in great people, that we believe in the people, that we trust in the people, and that the ability also matches the level of trust that we have in the players and people that we have in.”

“For somebody in my position, it’s good to put a face with a name, put a face with the tape,” said Wolf about the benefits of attending the all-star game. “Trying to see what these guys are all about. Trying to see if they fit our culture and what Coach Vrabel is trying to build.”

In addition to Vrabel and Wolf, the Patriots’ contingent also featured director of player personnel Matt Groh and Ryan Cowden, who joined the team as vice president of player personnel shortly after the new head coach was hired. Vice president of football operations and strategy John Streicher, another offseason addition, also made the trip to Mobile, AL, as did college scouting director Camren Williams and national scout Tony Kinkela.

Omar Young, who served as a coaching assistant for the Patriots in 2024 and whose future remains undetermined at this point, is also at hand. He has been chosen to work with the running backs.

The Senior Bowl presents one of several pre-draft showcases alongside, among others, the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Scouting Combine. Besides Tuesday’s practice, players will also work out on Wednesday and Thursday — giving the Patriots an extended look at potential draft targets.

The game itself will be played on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile.