The New England Patriots surprised many by selecting long snapper Julian Ashby from Vanderbilt in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft. This move illustrated their intent to secure a player they perceived as a valuable asset, especially with multiple teams reportedly interested in Ashby. The Patriots, having amassed numerous draft picks, opted to invest in Ashby rather than risk losing him as an undrafted free agent.

Ashby had workouts with nine teams before the draft, with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer present at one of these sessions. The decision to draft Ashby also suggests the Patriots are looking to move on from veteran long snapper Joe Cardona, whose ten-year tenure with the team is coming to an end. While saying goodbye to a long-time player is difficult, the Patriots see promise in Ashby’s future.

With the NFL Draft concluded, the New England Patriots made headlines by trading quarterback Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-round pick. This strategic move allowed the Patriots to pick up multiple late-round draft choices. They converted the initial fifth-round pick into three additional selections, ultimately bolstering their roster with players like kicker Andres Borregales from Miami and long-snapper Julian Ashby from Vanderbilt.

To fill the backup quarterback role after Milton's departure, the Patriots signed Ben Wooldridge, a standout from Louisiana. This acquisition adds depth to the quarterback position as the team looks to strengthen its overall performance in the upcoming season.

The New England Patriots have made significant moves this offseason to strengthen their special teams unit, highlighted by the drafting of kicker Andres Borregales and long snapper Julian Ashby. Ashby, selected in the seventh round, will compete with veteran Joe Cardona, the longest-tenured member of the team. Ashby expressed excitement about joining a franchise with a winning legacy and aims to learn from Cardona, a two-time Super Bowl champion. The addition of Ashby marks the first time the Patriots have drafted a long snapper since 2015 and indicates their commitment to enhancing their special teams performance.

In an unexpected move, the New England Patriots drafted long snapper Julian Ashby from Vanderbilt in the seventh round, despite having veteran Joe Cardona on the roster. Cardona, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has been a reliable asset since 2015. Patriots vice president Eliot Wolf justified the decision by stating they viewed Ashby as the top long snapper available and wanted to foster competition. Notably, Cardona, now 32, has been a staple in the position, raising questions about the team’s long-term strategy. With Cardona having no established backup after Tucker Addington's departure, the Patriots are clearly prioritizing depth and competition in a critical role often overlooked in the draft.

The Cleveland Browns have made headlines by selecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders from Colorado in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, a move that signals their intention to bolster their quarterback room. After trading up to No. 144 overall, the Browns secured a player who has generated buzz for his arm talent and competitive spirit, despite facing scrutiny over his performance consistency.

In other draft news, the New England Patriots made waves by selecting Julian Ashby, a long snapper from Vanderbilt, at pick No. 251, marking the first long snapper drafted since 2021. The Pittsburgh Steelers also made history by choosing six players from the Big Ten Conference within their first six picks, showcasing a strategic alignment with established college talent.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added an intriguing slot receiver in Tez Johnson at No. 235, noted for his speed and explosive capabilities. The Miami Dolphins picked quarterback Quinn Ewers at No. 231, adding him to a competitive QB lineup. Meanwhile, other teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks also made notable selections, aiming to enhance their rosters with prospects who can make an immediate impact.