FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Ashby's niche: The depths of Mike Vrabel's roster overhaul to build a Patriots team in his image, with nearly 50% turnover this offseason, extended to one of football's most often overlooked positions.
Longtime long-snapper Joe Cardona, one year after becoming the league's highest-paid player at the position, is out.
Vanderbilt's Julian Ashby, the first snapper selected in the NFL draft since 2021, is in.
Moving on from Cardona further cleared a path for a new era of player leaders to emerge in Vrabel's first season as head coach.