The Patriots will look a lot different under Mike Vrabel in 2025, and players will have to earn their roster spots in camp.
Quarterback (2)
Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs
New England traded Joe Milton III in favor of a veteran presence (Joshua Dobbs) behind Drake Maye, and undrafted free agent Ben Wooldridge is the only other quarterback on the roster right now.
Running back (4)
Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson (R), Antonio Gibson, Brock Lampe (R)
A committee approach is to be expected for the Patriots with Josh McDaniels back as offensive coordinator—but Antonio Gibson would seem to be a clear trade candidate as the clear No. 3 option behind Rhamondre Stevenson and well-rounded rookie TreVeyon Henderson. The return of the fullback in the form of undrafted rookie Brock Lampe isn’t a surprise under Vrabel and McDaniels.
Wide receiver (7)
Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams (R), Mack Hollins, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, Kayshon Boutte
Wide receiver will be the most heated competition of the summer for New England, and the only roster locks are Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, third-rounder Kyle Williams, and probably Mack Hollins. We would assume Kendrick Bourne makes it, too, but youngsters Ja’Lynn Polk, Kayshon Boutte, and Javon Baker could be anywhere from having a substantial role to getting cut. If all three of them have a good camp, Bourne could be left out, and the Pats will almost certainly keep at least six wideouts unless all the young guys were to disappoint.
Tight end (3)
Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell
The competition here is between Jaheim Bell, Jack Westover, and undrafted rookies CJ Dippre and Gee Scott Jr.—both of whom have a real shot coming from big-time college football programs (Alabama and Ohio State, respectively). We’d give the edge to Bell entering his second season.
Offensive tackle (4)
Will Campbell (R), Morgan Moses, Caedan Wallace, Vederian Lowe
New England hopes to have solved their issues at offensive tackle by drafting Will Campbell at No. 4 overall and signing veteran right tackle Morgan Moses. The backup situation appears straightforward with Caedan Wallace and Vederian Lowe, but perhaps seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant will crack the roster with a strong summer—and he was notably added this year under Vrabel.
Interior offensive line (6)
Cole Strange, Garrett Bradbury, Michael Onwenu, Jared Wilson (R), Layden Robinson, Wes Schweitzer
The interior of the offensive line is less settled with right guard Michael Onwenu being the only no-doubt starter, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if any of the other five options earned a role out of camp. Still, the expectation is that Cole Strange—now healthy—will start at left guard, and third-rounder Jared Wilson might be too raw to start immediately at center with Garrett Bradbury also brought in.
Interior defensive line (4)
Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Joshua Farmer (R), Khyiris Tonga
Milton Williams was the major add this offseason on a four-year, $104 million contract, and he’ll pair with Christian Barmore to form a disruptive duo on the interior. A multiple scheme could allow the Patriots to keep just four options here with rookie Joshua Farmer having versatility and Khyiris Tonga providing size as a nose tackle.
Edge defender (5)
Harold Landry III, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, Bradyn Swinson (R), K’Lavon Chaisson
Keion White is the edge defender that can shade inside when New England wants to have more juice up front, and in addition to Harold Landry III, the group added depth with Bradyn Swinson in the fifth round and K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency.
Linebacker (4)
Christian Elliss, Robert Spillane, Jahlani Tavai, Jack Gibbens
Jahlani Tavai was signed to a three-year deal last offseason, but he is a definite cut candidate—even though the team would take a larger cap hit by releasing him—after he criticized Patriots fans last year. Jack Gibbens and Monty Rice were both with Vrabel in Tennessee and could push Tavai out behind Christian Elliss and Robert Spillane.
Cornerback (5)
Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial Jr.
Depth at cornerback is a concern for the Patriots behind the starting trio of Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, and Marcus Jones—with the likely candidates for the final two spots being Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial Jr., Isaiah Bolden, and seventh-round rookie Kobee Minor. We’d guess the primary backup on the perimeter will be Austin, while Dial makes it for his value on special teams.
Safety (6)
Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger, Marcus Epps, Craig Woodson (R), Brenden Schooler, Marte Mapu
Craig Woodson was drafted in the fifth round last month and is a good bet to make the roster, and he might be the backup slot behind Marcus Jones. Everyone else other than Marte Mapu should be safe as well, and the former third-round pick might be competing with Jaylinn Hawkins for one spot. Brenden Schooler has only played 52 defensive snaps through three years and could probably be listed below on special teams.
Special teams (3)
Andres Borregales (R), Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby (R)
New England will have a new kicker and long snapper in 2025 with Andres Borregales and Julian Ashby both drafted late on Day 3—though Borregales will have to beat out John Parker Romo in camp.