With strong opinions and strong convictions, Vrabel will and expect others to follow, or he’ll run them over like he did during his 14 seasons as an edgy, intelligent linebacker.

The Pats were thought to be rebuilding a few years ago. Looking back on it, from Tom Brady's exit to Jerod Mayo's, they were falling apart.

Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker, brings a culture of accountability to the Patriots -- who finished 4-13 last season.