The New England Patriots are putting in the necessary legwork at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine, just a couple of weeks after their crushing Super Bowl defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. Both general manager Eliot Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel are present in Indianapolis for the combine as they attempt to get an idea of which prospects they would like to target in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

While Wolf has been attending the combine since he was 11 years old, Vrabel got to participate in the combine back in 1997, with a strong performance helping him get picked in the third round of the draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Simply put, Vrabel knows what it takes to succeed at the combine, and of the coaches on his staff, he believes offensive assistant Chuckie Keeton would be capable of putting together a strong performance.

“Chuckie Keeton,” Vrabel said when asked which coach on his staff with the Patriots would put together the best performance at the combine. “Whenever you watch the one-on-ones from Friday practice, they can’t cover him.”

Keeton played quarterback in college for the Utah State Aggies, but he ultimately never made it to the NFL, instead opting to transition into coaching fresh out of college. After working as an offensive assistant for the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, Keeton took on the same role on Vrabel’s staff.

According to Vrabel, Keeton has shown off his athleticism during the team’s practices over the past season, and while not many fans may know he is, it’s clear he’s made his mark on the Pats. After a successful first year with the team, Keeton seems primed to remain a key member of Vrabel’s staff in 2026 and beyond.

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