Mike Vrabel excited to be coaching "in full force" after missing end NFL Draft for counseling

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel met with the media Wednesday in Foxboro. It was his first news conference since missing the final day of the NFL Draft to seek counseling following the release of photos showing him with former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini.

"We all have to deal with things outside of here. My focus, and the excitement I have for coaching is what's important right now," Vrabel told reporters.

The Patriots are holding organized team activities at Gillette Stadium, the first offseason practice that will be open to members of the media. But before the session got underway, Vrabel spoke with the media for the first time since April 23.

Mike Vrabel coaching "in full force"

Vrabel has not directly addressed various photos that have been published, first by the New York Post, showing him with the NFL insider over the course of several years. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people.

Russini resigned from the Athletic and the publication said it's conducting an internal investigation. The NFL said that it is not investigating Vrabel under its personal conduct policy.

Leading up to the draft, Vrabel announced that he would seek counseling and would miss the third day in order to focus on his family. After stepping away that Saturday, he was back at Gillette Stadium the following Monday.

Vrabel was asked Wednesday if he anticipates missing any additional time.

"I can only tell you I'm going to be there today. I can't tell you anything other than I'm going to be out there today in full force, and I mean that, because who knows what's going to come up," Vrabel said. "I'm not even, you know, anything could happen, and so I'm going to focus on today and the excitement that we've had and built so far."

During media appearances in recent weeks, Patriots players have said they support their head coach. That includes quarterback Drake Maye, who is also scheduled to speak following practice on Wednesday.

Christian Gonzalez absent from OTAs

After Wednesday's OTA session, the Patriots are next scheduled to take the field on Friday. They'll have OTAs again June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, and finally on June 11.

Organized team activities are voluntary. Mandatory minicamp for the Patriots will take place June 15-17.

Vrabel said six players aren't at the voluntary sessions. Two were particularly noteworthy.

One was star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who is now eligible for a contract extension. Many expect him to become one of the highest paid defensive backs in the league.

The other was wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who is entering the final year of his contract and has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason.

Also missing are cornerback Carlton Davis, wide receiver Mack Hollins, rookie pass rusher Gabe Jacas, linebacker Harold Landry, and undrafted free agent wide receiver Kyle Dixon.

Vrabel stressed that all Patriots players not there have been in regular contact with the team, and highlighted that the OTAs are voluntary.

Where will Caleb Lomu play?

The head coach also talked about rookie Caleb Lomu, the offensive tackle who New England traded up to draft in the first round.

There have been questions over what the selection of Lomu could mean for left tackle Will Campbell, who struggled in the postseason after being drafted fourth overall last year.

Vrabel said that Lomu will spend most of Wednesday's practice at right tackle, though he may also take a few snaps on the left side.