The New England Patriots selection of Vanderbilt long snapper Julian Ashby with pick 251 in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft certainly raised some eyebrows within Pats Nation.
Not only was he the first snapper selected in the NFL draft since 2021, Ashby also appeared to be the heir-apparent to longtime team captain Joe Cardona. With Cardona’s eventual release from the team in late April, the 22-year-old became the de-factor starter at a position which is typically not known for turnover — especially in Foxborough.
Still, the appeal of securing a potentially-generational talent in the game’s third phase seemingly carried as much appeal for the Patriots as the chance to get younger and more athletic.