The Patriots often called off the final day of minicamp during Bill Belichick’s head-coaching tenure, choosing to hold just two mandatory spring practices after initially scheduling three. Outside of minicamp, the rest of the offseason program, including organized team activities (OTAs), is voluntary for players.

I think that there is a lot of room to grow. I think there’s a lot of natural leadership qualities. I think I have to encourage him, continue to encourage him," Vrabel said of his quarterback.