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.

FOXBOROUGH - Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick used to wait until the last minute to let players know he was doing away with the final day of three-day minicamp. Ditto Jerod Mayo. He was also inclined to wait.

While noting that this portion of the workout program can be a challenge for defensive linemen because there’s no contact, Vrabel sounded an optimistic note.