Mike Vrabel’s aggressive roster overhaul in his first year as Patriots head coach included a surprising but calculated move at the often-overlooked long snapper position. Longtime veteran and team captain Joe Cardona was released just a year after becoming the NFL’s highest-paid snapper.
In his place steps Vanderbilt’s Julian Ashby, the first long snapper drafted since 2021. This decision not only marked a symbolic shift toward Vrabel’s new team identity but also signaled confidence in a new generation of leadership.
Ashby has drawn significant attention across NFL special teams units, and with good reason. A combination of elite athleticism, pinpoint accuracy, quick operation times, and leadership qualities made him stand out during the pre-draft process.
Vanderbilt special teams coach Jeff LePak praised Ashby’s spiral consistency, timing, and mental focus. His quick snaps reduce punt-block risks and support more consistent field goal success, making him a strategic asset on game day.
Patriots Invest in Drafted Specialists, Emphasizing Precision, Character, and Long-Term Stability
Ashby’s arrival is part of a rare trio of drafted specialists on New England’s roster—joining kicker Andy Borregales and punter Bryce Baringer. This trio demonstrates the Patriots’ unusual emphasis on special teams reliability.
Given Ashby’s high demand—working out for a third of NFL teams before the draft—New England used a late pick to secure him, confident he wouldn’t be available afterward. The move points to long-term planning and a clear vision for this phase unit.
Julian Ashby (NFL)Ashby’s journey to the NFL is as inspiring as it is uncommon. Originally from Georgia, he began snapping in middle school, spent three years at Furman, and later transferred to Vanderbilt as a graduate engineering student.
Despite only spending one season there, he left a deep impact on teammates and coaches through his work ethic, community involvement, and leadership. This background gives the Patriots not only a skilled technician but also a player with maturity and character.
High-Stakes Matchup, Old Faces, and New Hopes Define Patriots’ 2025 Campaign Outlook
One of the Patriots’ most anticipated games in 2025 is their Week 3 matchup against the Steelers—now featuring Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnu Smith. This game, along with the home opener vs. the Raiders, received “elite” ticket pricing designation, reflecting high demand.
With the added context of Patriots Hall of Fame weekend (featuring Julian Edelman and Bill Parcells), this matchup may draw national broadcast attention from CBS’ top crew for the first time in years.
Jonnu Smith’s career resurgence since leaving New England underscores how mismanaged the Patriots’ offense had become under Bill Belichick’s final seasons. Smith, after two underwhelming years in Foxborough, flourished with the Falcons and then broke out in Miami with 884 yards and a Pro Bowl nod. His turnaround is both a credit to his skill and a cautionary tale about New England’s previous offensive inefficiencies.
Thanks to a favorable schedule—the NFL’s third easiest based on 2024 opponent win percentages—the Patriots could realistically push for a playoff spot in 2025. ESPN Analytics gives them a 32% chance, ranking 12th in the AFC. However, they’ll do so with a largely new roster: just 47 of 90 players were with the team last season. The high turnover rate (52%) reflects a franchise fully committed to change under Vrabel’s leadership.
