Mobile, Ala. – As the events slogan states, the draft starts in Mobile when teams such as the Patriots head to the Senior Bowl to ramp up their preparation for the NFL Draft.

After taking in two Senior Bowl practices while observing the Patriots reconstructed brain trust, my prevailing thought from two days in South Alabama is that this whole thing for the football team in Foxborough comes down to their new "big three" at the top of the decision-making ledger. There will be discussions about the pros and cons of the coaching staff when the entire staff is eventually announced, but the bottom line is that it comes down to players, not plays.

New England's roster needs a significant upgrade. If those roster improvements don't occur for whatever reason, it's unlikely that the Patriots will improve on the field. To that end, this whole reimagination of the Patriots football operations comes down to the three senior-most decision makers in the organization identifying talent to add to this roster: head coach Mike Vrabel, EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf, and VP of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden.

Earlier this week, we checked in with Vrabel, Wolf, and Cowden in Mobile. Right now, the trio, or "big three" as I'm coining it, is getting things going with boots on the ground at the Senior Bowl, which is a notable difference from this time last year. In the 2024 offseason, former coach Jerod Mayo and Wolf didn't make the trip to Mobile. In particular, this quote from Vrabel from my interviews with the Pats top brass stood out.

"We had some conversations this morning with the three of us, and it was what I envisioned it being: our shared vision, but also it brings three different ideas that have been different places and that have looked at it different ways," Vrabel said.

The shared vision piece is important with the scouting process for the draft and free agency in full swing. Although you don't want yes men in those positions, it appears that the Patriots are trying to build the roster in Vrabel's image, with the Pats head coach identifying the types of players he wants to run the schemes he intends to run in New England.

"It's very focused and intentional. [Coach Vrabel] knows exactly what he wants," Wolf said. "He's already detailed about what he's looking for, so that makes our jobs easier."

As we get into the individual prospects that flashed during Senior Bowl practices, it'll be interesting to see what types of players the Patriots target moving forward. There's an obvious conversation about new scheme fits under Vrabel. Another emphasis could be prioritizing the best overall player rather than the Belichickian style of targeting players to fill specific roles on the roster. For example, the Pats might've earmarked a player in the draft for their third-down running back role. Now, they might take the best overall running back on their board. To be clear, that's just a hypothetical scenario.

With that in mind, here are seven takeaways from a trip to Mobile for this year's Senior Bowl.

1. Stacking the Board at Offensive Tackle for the Patriots

During his introductory press conference, Vrabel emphasized the importance of rebuilding an offensive line that ranked 32nd in pass-blocking and run-blocking win rate in 2024.

It goes without saying that offensive line, particularly offensive tackle, is a top priority for New England. However, there's a debate about whether or not this tackle class has the talent at the top worthy of being selected No. 4 overall. From there, it becomes a game of finding the sweet spot of where to address tackle at some point in the top 100 picks.

National squad tackles Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) and Aireontae Ersery were considered the two best OT prospects in Mobile, with some viewing them as back-half of the first round targets. That, of course, would mean the Patriots would need to trade up from the No. 38 to secure Conerly or Ersery, who are considered in that next wave of offensive line prospects behind top tackles Will Campbell (LSU) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas). Ohio State's Josh Simmons, who was in Mobile meeting with teams, is also in the mix as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon he suffered last October.

Until we get measurements on Campbell at the combine, the consensus is that Campbell will be an immediate starter at tackle or guard but might need to move inside, while Banks is a little more of an unknown who could slide to the 10-20 range. It's also worth mentioning that Wyatt Milum (West Virginia) and Grey Zabel (North Dakota St.) practice exclusively on the interior at the Senior Bowl, which takes out two OT possibilities on day two of the draft. To put it simply, the group is on the thinner side in terms of day-one starters.

As for the two fringe first-round participants in Mobile, a clip of Conerly getting bull rushed by Marshall edge rusher Mike Grene is making the rounds. To be fair to Conerly, he was playing out of position at right tackle and also dropped anchor nicely in his first rep vs. Femi Oladejo (UCLA). His initial movements out of his stance and ability to protect his corner were also confirmed as plus traits for Conerly. However, size concerns for the 6-4, 313-pounder and playing with a soft inside shoulder were concerns in my tape evaluation of Conerly. Over the last two days, we saw some of that pop up on his practice film at the Senior Bowl.

Ersery similarly confirmed most of my priors in Mobile. He has great size (6-5, 339 lbs) and people-moving power in the run game while he won't give up much ground in pass protection. But he can get off-balance due to inconsistent pad level, a narrow base, and shaky hand placement.

My opinion of Conerly and Ersery was unchanged by what they did in the first two Senior Bowl practices, which isn't necessarily bad because it confirms their strengths and weaknesses. Both are late first, early-second round talents with starter upside but might not be ready to step in on day one as blindside protectors.

2. Examining the Day-Two Wide Receivers at the Senior Bowl

Like at offensive tackle, early first-round receivers such as Tet McMillan and Luther Burden didn't participate in the college All-Star circuit, but there were some intriguing day-two options.

New England remains in the market to find that No. 1, coverage dictating wide receiver this offseason. Unless they believe that's McMillan or Heisman winner Travis Hunter (more on that later), the splashy move for a top receiver will likely come in the veteran market. Still, it's worth throwing darts at a position that has become extremely deep in the draft.

There was a cluster of four day-two receivers competing in the Senior Bowl that are worth discussing for the Patriots: Xavier Restrepo (Miami), Jayden Higgins (Iowa State), Jalen Royals (Utah State), and Tez Johnson (Oregon). And all four had flashes of their particular skill sets.

Starting with Johnson, the Oregon product improved his draft stock the most this week. Johnson's separation ability is off the charts, ranking in the 98th percentile from an analytical perspective. He's a sudden mover with more wiggle through the break point than initially thought while supplementing that with great straight-line speed. However, Johnson is 5-9, 156 pounds, causing major durability and play strength concerns.

Based on his practice week, Johnson's game is reminiscent of Texans WR Tank Dell, who also had a monster showcase at the 2023 Senior Bowl, dazzling with his route-running just like Johnson. The plus-side to Dell is that he's been a very productive player when healthy, but he has ended his first two seasons on injured reserve. Will this year's Tank Dell, Johnson, be more durable? That's the question for the electric wideout.

Higgins was also very impressive. He's an incredibly smooth athlete for 6-4, 217 pounds with the fluidity to run routes like a smaller receiver both inside and outside. If we consider McMillan as the apex of this type of receiver in a Drake London mold, Higgins would be the day-two version, maybe comparable to Bengals wideout Andrei Iosivas.

To be honest, I was hoping to see more from Restrepo. He had moments in 1-on-1s during the first day, and his squatty RB-like build looks the part of a high-volume slot receiver. But he struggled to separate at times on routes at the second and third levels. Reynolds won with his physicality and quick feet, showing off a Jakobi Meyers-like skill set.

Ranking these receivers strictly on their Senior Bowl performances: Johnson, Higgins, Royals, Restrepo.

3. Defensive Line and Edge Rusher Class Doesn't Disappoint in Mobile

Based on the consensus, the strength of this year's draft is along the defensive front, whether that be the interior defensive line or edge rushers.

Even though the very top of the class, like Penn State's Abdul Carter, weren't at the Senior Bowl, this class was still incredibly impressive. From this perspective, Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) and Mike Green (Marshall) solidified themselves as first-round talents. Stewart was excellent over the two days, capping it off with a strip-sack in team drills on Wednesday, while Green was the best player on the field in National practices.

Along with those two, speed rushers Josiah Stewart (Michigan) and Kyle Kennard (South Carolina) are intriguing options for the Pats on day two. Stewart's first-step explosiveness and varied pass-rush moves caught the eye. He's undersized for teams looking for a stout edge-setter, but if the Pats are getting away from that, then he could fit the Harold Landry mold from Vrabel's days with the Titans. It was also an impressive day two for Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku, displaying great speed and bend to run the arc.

Barryn Sorrell (Texas) and Femi Oladejo (UCLA) had flashes if you want to go deeper down the board. The Pats top brass talked a lot about "effort and finish" as hallmarks of their program, and Oladejo's non-stop motor through the first two days was notable given that emphasis.

Along the interior defensive line, Kentucky nose tackle Deone Walker needs to play with more consistent pad level. However, he has space-eating size and pocket denting power at 6-7, 340 pounds. For more upfield rushers, Darius Alexander (Toledo) and Aeneas Peebles (Virginia Tech) were shooting gaps and winning in the pass rush.

The Patriots must upgrade a pass rush that ranked 30th in team pressure rate a year ago, but with their needs on offense, it might be a day two or three endeavor. Given the depth in the class, it might be a good year to find contributors on the defensive front later in the draft.

4. Breaking Down a Deep Group at Running Back and Tight End

Moving back over to the offense, it's also widely considered a deep class at running back and tight end, with multiple standouts during the practice week at the Senior Bowl.

Starting at tight end, Miami receiving TE Elijah Arroyo made himself the most money this week. Arroyo has some question marks as a blocker, but his change-of-direction ability and straight-line speed are apparent. It was also a solid week for LSU TE Mason Taylor, the son of Dolphins legend Jason Taylor, and Oregon TE Terrance Ferguson. Ferguson is their type with a well-proportioned frame and flashes of receiving upside.

At running back, Michigan's Donovan Edwards and Devin Neal (Kansas) were top performers. Edwards flashed an all-around game as both a runner and pass-catcher. He was a tough cover during drills for linebackers and safeties. Neal, on the other hand, showed a lot of juice for a 220-pound back. The Kansas product had the best run of the week by bursting to the edge to avoid an unblocked linebacker.

Although it might not seem like a pressing need, the Patriots might have to invest in a running back to push lead-back Rhamondre Stevenson after a down year for Stevenson in 2024. At tight end, Hunter Henry is under contract, but there's not much behind Henry, with Austin Hooper set to hit free agency, and Jaheim Bell is still considered a developmental asset. Depending on free agency, both positions could become needs.

5. Sleeper Offensive Line Prospects for the Patriots

Since we mentioned the top offensive tackles, let's also discuss the sleepers who made waves this week. First, it's worth mentioning Zabel again, who was the best blocker in Mobile. The North Dakota State product projects as a starter at any of the three interior spots, playing with a great base, footwork, and movement skills. He could be the next tackle convert to blossom in the league as an interior offensive lineman.

At offensive tackle, Anthony Belton (NC State) and Carson Vinson (Alabama A&M) were Senior Bowl week risers. Belton is a wide-bodied tackle who could stick outside in his 6-5, 345-pound frame. Belton's lateral mobility and body control in space could be concerns, but if you want a mauler at either tackle or guard, he's your guy. Vinson is a small-school prospect who showed out in Mobile, which is what the Senior Bowl is all about. His 1-on-1 rep to shut down Shemar Stewart was a highlight.

Although it feels like the Patriots should have enough guards, Zabel quickly became a draft crush of mine this week. One of those guys who should start for a decade at guard or center.

6. Discussing Other Needs for the Pats, Possibly at Cornerback

With second-team All-Pro Christian Gonzalez on one side, it's worth asking whether the Pats need to upgrade the CB2 spot opposite Gonzo.

Two players that fit that mold in Mobile were Azareye'h Thomas (Florida State) and Bilhal Kone (Western Michigan). Their physical coverage and length were on display in both practices. Although he doesn't have ideal size to play outside, my favorite corner to watch was Mac McWilliams from UCF. McWilliams was feisty, aggressive and in phase throughout the week. I loved how hard he competed, too.

If they were to target a corner from the Senior Bowl, my vote would be for McWilliams.

7. The Travis Hunter Question for the Patriots

My last takeaway from the Senior Bowl was that, although the majority says Hunter is a corner, there's a camp that believes he's a better wide receiver. In other words, I wouldn't say it's corner or bust for Hunter in the NFL. Personally, I've felt that Hunter was fully capable of developing into a No. 1 receiver. From a positional value standpoint, you could make a good case that an 'A-' receiver moves the needle more than an 'A+' corner. The Patriots might consider drafting Hunter as a wide receiver.

DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer