Why is Mike Vrabel at the NFL Draft? Explaining Patriots coach's counseling timeline and pending Day 3 absence

Why is Mike Vrabel at the NFL Draft? Explaining Patriots coach's counseling timeline and pending Day 3 absence originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Patriots' front office will be without Mike Vrabel for Day 3 of the NFL Draft, as the head coach seeks counseling. This comes on the heels of photos obtained by Page Six of the New York Post of Vrabel at a resort with then-Athletic reporter Diana Russini, who has since resigned.AdvertisementThis moment necessitated a change for Vrabel, who hopes to lead by example with his team. As a result, his involvement with this year's draft will be more limited so that he can seek help during Saturday's selections.Here is everything to know about Vrabel's attendance at this year's NFL Draft.NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBsMost head coaches have significant involvement in NFL Draft picks, advising the front office on their playbooks and schemes for a roster. While Vrabel is not the one making a final choice, he plays a major role in who the Patriots draft, as he determines how a specific player may fit into his plans.AdvertisementVrabel will be in attendance for the first three rounds to advise the Patriots' front office, meaning he will be in the room for three of the Patriots' 11 draft picks.MORE 2026 NFL MOCK DRAFTS:When is Mike Vrabel leaving Patriots?Vrabel will not be in the draft room on Saturday, Day 3 of the draft, leaving it to the Patriots' front office to make decisions for Rounds 4-7.Although he won't be in the physical draft room, Vrabel is still expected to be in contact with the Patriots' decision makers on Saturday.This decision comes so that Vrabel can attend counseling over the weekend and be with his family.AdvertisementIn response to this, the New England Patriots released the following statement, per ESPN's Mike Reiss:"The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being. Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”Why is Mike Vrabel seeking counseling?Mike Vrabel is seeking counseling amid the ongoing reports and photos of him and former Athletic reporter Diana Russini, including the two sharing a kiss at a bar in 2020.Advertisement"I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I can possibly be." Vrabel said, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.Vrabel explained the importance of making "good decisions" for the important people in his life. Counseling, he believes, is a piece of this."I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend." Vrabel said according to ESPN.MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS: