Julian Ashby enters a high-stakes Patriots camp in a rare position battle after being drafted in the seventh round and replacing Joe Cardona. The long snapper’s job is under constant scrutiny—one miscue can cost a roster spot, and Ashby has already shown progress with a preseason tackle and solid camp reps, though no snap is perfect. The role has evolved: athletes must snap cleanly, block, and cover, all while fighting for job security in a league where longevity comes from consistency and rebound ability.

Historically, long snappers have been scarce in the draft and even rarer in sustaining long NFL careers. The article traces the path from Mannelly’s 16-year run to today’s market, where veterans earn minimums or multi-year deals and a standout snapper can become a cornerstone. Ashby’s early signs in New England—private workouts, team praise, and a positive preseason footprint—place him on a delicate, demanding, and potentially rewarding path.

Ultimately, the story underscores how fragile the role is yet how rewarding it can be when a rookie carves out security. The Patriots’ move to slate Ashby as Cardona’s successor highlights the blend of precision, athleticism, and mental resilience that defines modern long snapping, with the best performers commanding steady contracts after proving they can rebound from the inevitable hiccups.

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.