“That’s the master link”: Julian Edelman reveals one player that will define Mike Vrabel’s era in New England

Mike Vrabel took over as the new coach of the New England Patriots in January. He was brought in as Jared Mayo's replacement following a disappointing 4-13 campaign. Vrabel is looking to take the Patriots back to their former glory days under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

On the latest episode of the Dudes on Dudes podcast, former Patriots stars Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski discussed Mike Vrabel's future with the New England Patriots. Gronkowski questioned which player would benefit the most in Mike Vrabel's regime.

Julian Edelman, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, pointed out that the focus will be on quarterback Drake Maye.

"It only matters about one," Edelman said. "How's Drake Maye gonna play? That's the only one that really, I mean everyone matter. The whole team matter. The whole link of the chain matters. ... But the master link, that's how we're all gonna judge them. How's Drake Maye gonna do?"

Rob Gronkowski had a different player in mind. He believes that outside linebacker Harold Landry could reap the most benefits under Mike Vrabel. In March, Landry joined the Patriots on a three-year deal worth $43.5 million.

"Harold Landry. He brought Harold Landry from the Tennessee Titans to the New England Patriots. And that's who's gonna benefit the most, bank account wise, having a job wise and scheme wise on the defensive side of the ball."

The Patriots drafted Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. After initially serving as the backup to Jacoby Brissett, Maye took over as the QB1. He finished with a total of 2,976 yards and 20 TDs while being honored as a Pro Bowler.

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Mike Vrabel shares his true feelings about the Patriots' disappointing 2024 campaign

On the franchise's show called Forged, the new coach shared his unfiltered take on the team's disappointing 4-13 campaign last year.

Vrabel said that he doesn't care about what happened last season under Jared Mayo. For him, his sole focus in helping the Patriots improve and work on making it right in the future.

"Why the f**k would I care about what happened last year?" Vrabel said. "I'm worried about what's going to go right today and tomorrow and the next day. We're not worried about what went wrong. We're focused on what's going to go right." (TS-1:50 onwards)

Rob Gronkowski believes that the Patriots could make a run for the playoffs this upcoming season. The last time they made the postseason was under Bill Belichick back in 2021. Unfortunately, they lost the Wild Card game against the Bills.