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Mike Vrabel is enthralled in controversy due to a supposed relationship with reporter Dianna Russini. Leaked photos of the New England coach put the scandal under a spotlight ahead of the NFL Draft.
Vrabel has addressed the media publicly, but new information continues to come to light. The Patriots can protect him at the expense of a first-round pick, according to a recent report.
Pictures of Vrabel and Russini at a resort in Arizona surfaced on social media this April. Since, speculation of an inappropriate relationship has arisen.
Much of the discussion was pure conjecture in the early stages, though the optics were poor regardless.
Vrabel and Russini both denied rumors. The head coach described the photos as showing “a completely innocent interaction.” He added that “any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”
The feeling has shifted a bit of late. Russini left her job with The Athletic. While the NFL says it will not investigate or punish Vrabel, new photos were released showing the two allegedly kissing six years prior.
It’s gotten messy.
Vrabel skipped out on a pre-draft presser amid the scandal. He has spoken to the media once over the last few weeks. His next appearance could depend on the Patriots’ draft plan.
Will Mike Vrabel speak at the NFL Draft?
Mike Vrabel is scheduled to speak to the media tonight IF the Patriots make a pick.
In the event they trade out, Eliot Wolf is scheduled to talk Friday and then on Saturday with Ryan Cowden.
So, if the Patriots trade out, Vrabel isn’t on the media schedule until May 27
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) April 23, 2026
Mark Daniels of MassLive suggests that the team could trade out of its first-round draft slot to shield the head coach from the media.
New England holds the 31st pick after winning the AFC and appearing in a Super Bowl. Daniels says Vrabel is slated to appear in front of the media should that pick be made.
He reports that the Patriots could, however, trade back. If they find the right trade partner, that might only result in a slide of a few spots. There’s not much difference in late first-round and early second-round value. The damage would be minimal.
New England needs help on the offensive and defensive lines. It might also be in the market for a pass catcher. All will be available at No. 31. Most mock drafts foresee the organization taking an offensive tackle.
Those predictions may or may not change given the latest news.
Vrabel had already announced that he’d miss Day 3 of the draft due to a decision to seek counseling. He may not need to speak on Day 1, either.
With that in mind, the Patriots’ draft decision will be followed closely. If they do give up the 31st pick, questions linked to the protection of the head coach will be asked.