FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are ushering in a new era under head coach Mike Vrabel, marked by significant roster changes, including the introduction of Julian Ashby as their new long-snapper. This offseason, the Patriots have undergone a nearly 50% turnover, and the decision to part ways with longtime snapper Joe Cardona is a notable part of this transformation.
Cardona, who became the highest-paid player at his position just a year ago, has signed with the Miami Dolphins. His departure paves the way for Ashby, a standout from Vanderbilt and the first snapper selected in the NFL draft since 2021, to take on this specialized role. The move signifies a shift towards a new generation of player leadership in Vrabel’s inaugural season.
The Rise of Julian Ashby
Julian Ashby, at 22 years old, is considered one of the most promising long-snapping prospects in recent years. His journey to the NFL has been remarkable, drawing attention from special teams coaches across the league. Vanderbilt’s special teams coach, Jeff LePak, highlighted Ashby’s unique skill set, which includes athleticism, consistent speed, and accuracy in snaps.
“When you’re working out for a third of the NFL [before the draft], you know you must be pretty good,” LePak told ESPN. “I knew that he was special and it was cool to see the guys in the NFL realize that as well.”
Ashby’s ability to deliver a “nice tight spiral” quickly to the punter reduces operation time, enhancing the efficiency of the team’s special teams unit. His precision not only benefits the punter but also aids the holder during field goal attempts, contributing to a successful kicking game.
Strategic Draft Decisions
The Patriots’ decision to draft Ashby in the seventh round (No. 251 overall) was influenced by concerns that they might not secure him post-draft. According to Eliot Wolf, the team’s executive vice president of player personnel, Ashby’s pre-draft visits and workouts with multiple teams, including a Patriots contingent led by Vrabel, underscored his value.
Ashby joins a unique trio of specialists for the Patriots, alongside rookie kicker Andy Borregales and punter/holder Bryce Baringer. It is uncommon for a team to have all specialists enter the NFL as draft picks, highlighting the Patriots’ investment in their special teams.
Background and Impact
Growing up in Georgia, Ashby began snapping in eighth grade, encouraged by his high school coach. His collegiate career started at Furman University before transferring to Vanderbilt as a graduate student in engineering. Despite spending only a year at Vanderbilt, Ashby left a lasting impact, earning accolades for his community service and leadership.
“He was only here for a year but had such an impact on our team,” LePak said. “He came in and got to know all the guys on the team and meshed really well with everyone based on his hard work and dedication to his craft.”
Looking Ahead
The Patriots’ strategic revamp extends beyond Ashby, as evidenced by their upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which has been categorized as an “elite” game due to high-profile roster additions and the induction of Julian Edelman and Bill Parcells into the team Hall of Fame.
As the Patriots navigate this transitional phase, their improved roster and favorable schedule position them as potential playoff contenders. According to ESPN Analytics, the team has a 32% chance of qualifying, ranking 12th in the AFC.
With Ashby now at the helm of the long-snapping duties, the Patriots hope to secure stability in this crucial position for the foreseeable future, marking a new chapter in their storied history.
