It’s no secret the New England Patriots need to upgrade a talent-depleted roster that’s gone 4-13 in back-to-back seasons….

It’s also no secret that Mike Vrabel isn’t afraid to tell it how it is – and act accordingly.

That blunt honesty was on full display on Tuesday, Feb. 25, when the Patriots head coach made it abundantly clear that there will be plenty of roster turnover between now and the start of the season.

“I think what the roster looks like today is going to be vastly different than what it looks like in the end of August,” Vrabel told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Mike Vrabel says the Patriots roster will look “vastly different” than what it looks like right now Big changes coming for New England pic.twitter.com/mxoeW1AR5J — Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS)…

February 25, 2025 Of course, the Patriots have two new coordinators in Terrell Williams (defense) and Josh McDaniels (offense), both of whom need specific types of players to excel in their respective schemes.

While quarterback Drake Maye and cornerback Christian Gonzalez are obvious building blocks who should call New England home for a long time, Vrabel’s comments should put a few veterans on notice….

After all, just like his former boss shook things up when he took over a flailing Patriots team more than two decades ago, Vrabel could pull a page out of Bill Belichick’s playbook and move on from some highly-paid players who may not be long-term fits in Foxborough….

First and foremost:

What happens with Rhamondre Stevenson? Rhamondre Stevenson had the lowest rushing EPA last year in football amongst qualified rushers….

Per: @NextGenStats, @PhilAPerry -51.1 EPA. He was worst in the NFL among 44 rushers. Trade him if you can and draft a rookie….

Very deep class. pic.twitter.com/tTkJGYSkfk — Savage (@SavageSports_) February 20, 2025 Entering his fifth year in the league, the talented but inconsistent running back no longer seems like a surefire lock to share the backfield with Maye for a second season…

Fresh off signing a four-year, $36 million contract extension, Stevenson managed just 801 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 201 carries (3.9 yards per carry). He also averaged a career-low 5.1 yards per catch in his first and only season in Alex Van Pelt’s offense…

Do Vrabel and the rest of the Patriots’ decision-making contingent want to give Stevenson a shot at reminding everyone why he looked like a bonafide star just a few years ago?

Or will the 27-year-old running back’s $5.3 million cap hit convince the team to move in a different direction?

Sticking on that side of the ball, could Kendrick Bourne’s days be numbered?

On one hand, McDaniels’ return could be a big boon for Bourne’s chances of success, as the veteran wideout enjoyed his most productive campaign playing in McDaniels’ notoriously demanding scheme.

#Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne in 2021 with OC Josh McDaniels: 70 Targets 55 Receptions 800 Receiving Yards 14.5 Yards Per Reception 11.4 Yards Per Target 5 Touchdowns 12 Rushing Attempts 125 Rushing Yards New England had the 6th highest scoring offense in the league.

pic.twitter.com/2y7uNF7tuq — Carlos A.

Lopez (@LosTalksPats) January 11, 2025 On the other hand, Bourne has a $7.9 million cap hit coming off an underwhelming campaign in which he only caught 28 passes for 305 yards and a single touchdown.

Despite being undermanned at the position, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Bourne traded or released, especially if the Patriots aggressively pursue someone like Tee Higgins or Chris Godwin in free agency.

Moving to the other side of the line of scrimmage, will Davon Godchaux remain a fixture in the middle?

Or do Vrabel and his first-time defensive coordinator view the veteran defensive tackle as a poor scheme fit?

I asked Davon Godchaux about his thoughts on #Patriots DC Terrell Williams – here’s what he said: “Great leader and believes in what he does which is great! I think he’s a good coach but an even better person! Excited for him!!!

Can’t wait” Williams was Miami’s DL coach in 2017. pic.twitter.com/srL9bxddTN — Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) January 23, 2025 Godchaux is a run-stopper with limited pass-rush ability….

Plus, he also carries a hefty cap hit of $8.33 million.

Those two factors don’t exactly work in his favor to stick around for a fifth year in Foxborough. Finally, it will be interesting to see how the Patriots handle the safety position.

Both Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers failed to live up to expectations in 2024, making it tough to gauge what their respective futures look like….

Who are the foundational pieces on the #Patriots roster?

Drake Maye Christian Gonzalez Hunter Henry Christian Barmore, Kyle Dugger, Mike Owenu, Rhamondre Stevenson, Davon Godchaux We discussed with @tomecurranpic.twitter.com/57s1UEJepL — WEEI Afternoons (@WEEIAfternoons)…

February 13, 2025 Dugger has the second-highest cap hit on the team ($15.5 million), but moving on from him would result in a substantial dead-cap hit of $23.5 million…

Then again, Vrabel was around when Belichick shockingly released longtime safety Lawyer Milloy less than a week before the start of the 2003 season…

So, when the roster looks “vastly different” in August, it’s fair to wonder just how many familiar faces will remain.