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.