News Patriots Team Notes

New England Patriots links 5/30/25 - Drake Maye steady amid OTA learning period

New England Patriots OTAs

Drake Maye at OTAs | Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Daily news and links for Friday

TEAM TALK

  • Evan Lazar shares 17 thoughts through two open OTA sessions. ‘The development of Drake Maye under the guidance of Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels is the team’s biggest storyline. ... From this perspective, Maye is exhibiting some expected indecisiveness in the early stages of installing a new offense.’
  • Patriots Unfiltered: OTA observations, Stand out players, music. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

  • Justin Leger relays Phil Perry on Drake Maye’s demeanor so far at Patriots OTAs [It’s good]. Perry also compares Maye to Mac Jones at OTAs.
  • Matthew Schmidt notes it appears that TE Hunter Henry is Drake Maye’s favorite target.
  • Alex Barth looks at where things stand with New England’s top safeties during spring practices.
  • Conor Ryan highlights NFL analyst Nick Baumgardner on why he believes 5th-round rookie edge Bradyn Swinson could be a ‘real steal’. “The former LSU edge was a Day 2-level talent who fell to the fifth round mainly because of concerns over his coachability.”
  • Karen Guregian highlights Jabrill Peppers on the flip to Mike Vrabel, his third coach in three years. “I definitely think he knows how to get the best out of his players, and I definitely think that everyone has bought in.”
  • Conor Ryan notes Jabrill Peppers says he’s ready for a clean slate after a difficult 2024 season, “I think every year in the league is a fresh start.”
  • Justin Trombino explains why the Patriots can’t afford to cut on-the-bubble safety Marte Mapu despite disappointing OTAs.
  • Seth Quinn says WR Ja’Lynn Polk must show growth during OTAs if he wants to earn a roster spot.
  • Matthew Schmidt identifies three very clear breakout candidates on the Patriots.
  • Matthew Schmidt relays Adam Pellerin who points to Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker as two players on the hot seat.
  • Sara Marshall thinks Mike Vrabel could soon regret taking a chance with signing Stefon Diggs.
  • Efstathios Savvidis explains why LB Anfernee Jennings won’t make the 53-man roster.
  • Jovan Alford makes the case that undrafted rookie RB Lan Larison is quickly becoming a threat to steal Antonio Gibson’s RB3 spot.
  • Matthew Schmidt details why RB Antonio Gibson is the Patriots’ top trade candidate ahead of training camp.
  • Nick Goss tells us what history says about the Patriots’ playoff chances after the team’s last-place finish. Could the Pats make a last-place-to-playoffs jump like the 2024 Commanders and Chargers? Here’s why it’s possible.
  • Ryan McLaughlin notes the Pats are more likely to exceed their projected win total in 2025 than to fall short of it.
  • Jarrett Bailey reports the Patriots have been given a nationally televised pre-season game.
  • Justin Trombino notes Jerod Mayo is still catching strays from Patriots players.
  • Next Pats podcast: Phil Perry tackles all your mailbag questions: Drake Maye’s demeanor at OTAs, the Stefon Diggs situation, will the Pats’ growing pains linger into the season, his latest QB rankings breakdown; More! (1 hour video)
  • Travis Thomas and Adam Pellerin go player-by-player on the Patriots offense and they both want to see more from Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker next season. (8 min. video)

NATIONAL NEWS

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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/5/3...25-drake-maye-steady-amid-ota-learning-period
 
Sunday Patriots Notes: ‘Passionate’ Jabrill Peppers is back in his element

Safety Jabrill Peppers, back with Patriots at OTAs, calls domestic violence acquittal ‘a learning experience’

Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Notes and thoughts on the Patriots’ one-time captain, defensive line investments, trade speculation, and more.

With the second week of organized team activities in the rear-view mirror, the New England Patriots’ offseason keeps rolling along. And even though we find ourselves in what is often referred to as a quiet time on the NFL calendar, there is still plenty going on around One Patriot Place.

With that in mind, let’s clean out the notebook on the week that was. Welcome to the latest edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.

Passionate Jabrill Peppers is back in his element​


One of Mike Vrabel’s main goals in his first offseason as Patriots head coach was rebuilding the locker room after some cultural erosion in 2024. A part in that was replacing the previous leadership: of the six original captains from last season, five will not be back in New England this year.

The lone exception is safety Jabrill Peppers. And while his long-term future also is uncertain given his age and lack of previous ties to Vrabel and his staff, it seems the 29-year-old is picking up right where he left off: he remains a tone-setter on the defensive side of the ball, something his new head coach is pleased to see.

“I love Jabrill’s energy,” Vrabel told reporters earlier this week. “I like his passion for the game. I like his energy when he comes in the building. Those things are all very positive.”

Peppers entered the first offseason under Vrabel coming off what might have been the most difficult season of his career. While he was voted a first-time captain and his usual productive self on the field, he also dealt with some off-field issues after an arrest in October and subsequent stint on the NFL’s commissioner’s exempt list.

He did eventually return to the active roster, but had his captain’s status removed. To make matters even worse, Peppers was done for the year after just two more games; a hamstring injury forced him out of the Patriots’ final three contests.

With the injury and his legal uncertainty both behind him, Peppers is now full-steam ahead toward the 2025 season — and back in his element.

“I love this game, it’s a big passion for me, and I just show that,” he explained. “Trying to lead by example, be a guy. Do what the coaches say every time that I’m supposed to do it, so that the young guys have something to follow and keep the standard. That’s never going to change no matter who comes in here. The standard’s the standard.”

Rookie Craig Woodson already leaving an impression​


Safety Craig Woodson expressed confidence in his ability to transition from college to the NFL after getting selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of this year’s draft. So far, it seems that his optimism was not misplaced.

With projected starting safety Kyle Dugger limited, Woodson has been actively involved in the two organized team activities open to the media so far. The rookie managed to leave a positive impression so far.

“I like him,” said Jabrill Peppers. “Smart. Savvy. He’s done a great job soaking up what the coaches want him to do. Different techniques. College ball is a little different than the league, especially the Pac-12. He’s definitely doing a good job, though.”

Patriots need bang for their buck along D-line​


In hopes of fixing what was an underwhelming performance in 2024, the Patriots made some big investments along their defensive line. Besides signing Milton Williams to a massive four-year, $104 million contract, they also added Harold Landry on a three-year, $43.5 million deal. Add Christian Barmore’s 2024 contract extension — $84 million over four years — and you get a group that is well compensated, particularly at the top.

In fact, the Patriots’ defensive line is the second most expensive in the entire NFL in terms of combined cap impact. The group is taking up 37.9 percent of New England’s cap at the moment, according to a recent analysis, trailing only the Cleveland Browns’ 39.2 percent.

Eagles Xs and Os

Given the resources used along the D-line, there is a clear expectation heading into 2025: the unit needs to not just bounce back from a subpar season, but become a cornerstone upon which the Patriots are building their team heading into the future.

Kayshon Boutte not worried about trade talk​


Leading up to the NFL Draft, Kayshon Boutte — the Patriots’ most productive pass catcher down the stretch in 2024 — was rumored as a potential trade candidate. No move eventually transpired, but there are still question about the third-year wide receiver’s future in a crowded position room.

Boutte himself, meanwhile, is not worried about any rumblings.

“I heard about it, but I try not to put too much time into that,” he said this week. “There are just a lot of people sitting behind phones just typing. That has nothing really to do with me.”

A sixth-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2023, Boutte finished his sophomore campaign with 43 catches for 589 yards and three touchdowns.

Patriots hire a new scouting intern​


The Patriots have made some major changes in their personnel department so far this offseason, and their latest hire does not fall in the same category. Still, it is worth noting: Trei Close, a former scouting assistant at the College Gridiron Showcase and at Rice University will spend time with the club in the same role this summer.

Finding and developing young talent is a big reason for success in the NFL — something that is true on the field just as well as off it. In that sense, Close might be a name to keep a, well, close eye on in the future.

Offseason of change continues for Drake Maye​


It has been a spring of change for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, in more ways than one. Not only is the sophomore working with a new coaching staff and rebuilt supporting cast, he also has made an equipment change: Maye is using a new helmet and facemask this coming season, as noted by Twitter/X account @HelmetStalker.


Patriots QB Drake Maye is using a Schutt F7 Pro with an F7X-ROPO-SW facemask and a SportStar Victory chinstrap; he used a Schutt F7 UR1 with an F7-ROPO-SW-NB-VC facemask in 2024. pic.twitter.com/WLd2SQfLWe

— Helmet Stalker (@HelmetStalker) May 26, 2025​
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Patriots spending to the UDFA cap​


NFL rookie free agency is not the free-for-all it appears to be. Teams, after all, are only allowed to spend a certain amount on fully-guaranteed signing bonuses on its UDFA class. This year, that number was set at $206,144 per team — one the Patriots came close to.

According to salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, New England handed out a total of $203,000 in signing bonuses.

Upgrade coming to Foxborough train station​


With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Gillette Stadium will see quite a bit of action as well. A total of seven games are scheduled to take place in the Patriots’ home arena, including one of the quarterfinals.

In order to accommodate what will be a fairly large and international crowd, the MBTA is planning to upgrade the Foxborough train station right behind the stadium. According to Christian MilNeil of Streets Blog Mass, “the T is aiming to complete construction in time for the first World Cup match on June 13, 2026.”

During Patriots game days, the T carries about 7 percent of the 65,000 spectators. The expectation is that this number will increase sharply during the World Cup.

“The stadium has been designed such that predominantly it is accessed by cars,” Brittany Gesner of engineering firm VHB said. “With this international fanbase, we do expect a much higher attendance by public transportation.”

The clock starts ticking for David Andrews​


With longtime Patriots starting center David Andrews announcing his retirement earlier this week, the clock for him for induction into the team’s Hall of Fame has started. He will become eligible in four years, and under normal circumstances should be a strong candidate.

The problem for him and a lot of other deserving candidates is a serious backlog of players. Time will tell whether or not Andrews will make it in on first ballot. For projections, please head down to the comment section.

Setting up the week ahead​


The Patriots will hold their final three organized team activities of the spring this coming week. Barring any late changes, they will be on the practice fields Monday (6/2), Tuesday (6/3) and Thursday (6/5), with the first of those sessions open to the media.

As part of that third and final open OTA, the Patriots’ assistant coaches — led by Josh McDaniels, Zak Kuhr and Jeremy Springer — will be made available. The same is true for a group of players after practice.

In addition, the Patriots will celebrate the career of the aforementioned David Andrews on Monday afternoon. The 32-year-old, who was released by the club earlier this offseason, will hold a retirement ceremony at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/1...tes-jabrill-peppers-drake-maye-kayshon-boutte
 
Full press conference: David Andrews announces his retirement from pro football

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The Patriots’ longtime starting center is stepping away from the game after 26 years.

David Andrews announced his retirement from pro football last week. On Monday, the longtime New England Patriots starting center, team captain and two-time Super Bowl champion discussed his decision at a press conference at Gillette Stadium.

Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Andrews made the Patriots’ roster right out of his rookie training camp and saw considerable action from the get-go. He won the center job the following year, and never looked back: over the course of his 10-year career, he started a combined 131 regular season and playoff games for the organization.

However, coming off a season-ending shoulder injury and turning 33 in July, the new-look Patriots decided to release Andrews earlier this offseason. There were initial considerations about continuing his career elsewhere, but ultimately he decided to step away from the game.

You can rewatch the full press conference above or via this link.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/2/24441808/patriots-david-andrews-retirement-press-conference
 
#PostPulpit Mailbag: Submit your questions for this week

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Submit your questions down below.

The New England Patriots will check off another box of the offseason program as they wrap up organized team activities this week. Things will then conclude next week with a three-day mandatory minicamp — with all practices open to the media — beginning Monday, June 9.

So, submit any questions — or whatever else is on your mind — down in the comments below or on Twitter using #PostPulpit.

Stay tuned for Friday’s updated mailbag.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/3/24442483/patriots-mailbag-submit-questions
 
‘Professional’ Will Campbell showing progress in Patriots spring practices

NFL: MAY 20 New England Patriots OTA

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The first-round rookie has been a mainstay at left tackle this spring.

The lack of pads or contact throughout organized team activities led to relatively quiet times for the New England Patriots’ offensive lineman. But that does not mean this time of the year is not important — especially with Mike Vrabel leaning heavy into 11-on-11 work.

That rings particularly true for rookie Will Campbell, who has been a mainstay at left tackle throughout OTAs.

“It’s been good,” Marrone said of the rookie’s spring. “We’re working really a ton on the details and fundamentals. Every rep — he’s gotten a lot of reps — the way Coach Vrabel has the practices set up, we’ve gotten a lot of great work against our defense. All those things are going to help him. I think he’s progressing towards when we get to training camp. So, it’s been great from that standpoint.”

Campbell has often been matched up against third-year defensive lineman Keion White, a strong challenger for the rookie due to his size and explosiveness which again puts Campbell’s well-discussed pre-draft measurements into the discussion.

“[Arm length is] something that you look at and you look to see if it affects the way the player plays,” Marrone said. “We’re just working basically fundamentally, and the details, and seeing all the different looks you can see, and he’s been doing a great job of that.

“He’s continuing work hard every day. He’s been out here. He goes to work every day. Every day you’re learning something, and you’re getting better, and you’re not trying to make the same mistake twice, and that’s how he’s gone about it. He’s gone about his business very professional and that’s a great start.”

White is just one member of what New England is hoping to be a disruptive pass rush this season. Campbell has also seen talented pass rushers Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson along the edge while Milton Williams and Christian Barmore have set the stage to be one of the best interior duos in football.

Working against that unit this spring and summer should only make Campbell and the Patriots offensive line better entering the season.

“I think Will, and the entire group, has really done a nice job of trying to deal with a difficult front,” offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said. “We’re getting a bunch of different looks — this time of the year is so great for that. You just put all those reps on the film, and then we have them to teach off of as we go into training camp in July and August. So he’s really grinding away. He’s getting a lot of looks against a lot of good players, a lot of high-tempo reps.”
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/5/24443770/will-campbell-progress-patriots-spring-practices
 
The Top 10 Patriots Moments of 2024: No. 4

Syndication: The Enquirer

Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Our offseason countdown continues with the No. 4 Best Patriots Moment of 2024.

Time to keep cranking these out. If I can go at my current pace, I’ll have the full Top 10 Best New England Patriots Moments of 2024 done before the 4th of July hits.

Which is fitting, because I personally can’t think of a better way to celebrate American Independence than being free from this list.

The list so far:

10. Jerod Mayo out, Mike Vrabel in.
9. Drake Maye hits Austin Hooper for a 38-yard TD on 4th-and-15 against the Miami Dolphins.
8. Joey Slye nails a 63-yard field goal to close out the half against the San Francisco 49ers.
7. A free play gets DeMario Douglas into the end zone vs. the Los Angeles Chargers.
6. A nine-sack day helps list the Patriots over the Chicago Bears.
5. A late 70-yard touchdown drive hands the Jets their fifth consecutive loss, and the Patriots their second win.

Our Number 4 moment should probably be higher, as in retrospect it was the high point of the entire season, but I wanted to save all three of my top spots for the only genuine positive to come out of last year. So here it is in the 4 slot.

4. The Patriots stun the Bengals on opening weekend​


2024 was set to be a rebuilding year for the Patriots. Everyone was on the same page there. Rookie QB, rookie head coach, a tough schedule, and one of the best teams in the league in the same division. The primary goal of the 2024 league year was to get young Drake Maye some reps, figure out who was part of the long-term plans, maybe win a few games, and look to 2025 and beyond.

There were a few folks who weren’t happy with Jacoby Brissett getting the start over Maye in Week 1 against the Bengals, particularly since Maye outplayed Brissett in camp, but if nothig else the thought process was clear: give Maye a little more time to adjust to the speed of the game, let him master the playbook, and maybe trot him out in a few weeks for a more winnable game. After all, the Cincinnati Bengals were more than one pundit’s pick to represent the AFC in the 2024 Super Bowl. No need to throw Maye to the wolves just yet.

As it would turn out, though, the wolves all lived in New England on September 8th of last year, because the Patriots would eliminate about half of the world from knockout pools everywhere with a 16-10 victory that saw an efficient passing attack, a punishing ground game, and an opportunistic defense that both forced and capitalized on Bengals mistakes. Brissett went 15 of 24 for 121 yards and no picks, while Rhamondre Stevenson racked up a whopping 120 yards on the ground on 25 carries, good for almost five yards a clip. Joey Slye was perfect on his three field goal attempts, and Kyle dugger forced a goal-line Bengals fumble just before halftime that the Patriots would convert into points, representing a 10-point swing in the game. Other than Jamar Chase, who had a 62-yard day, no Bengals receiver had more than 26 yards through the air, and the entire Cincy team combined for only 70 yards rushing.

This was a Patriots team that ran the ball well, was smart in the passing game, and made the opponent earn every single inch on defense. And as Brissett went into victory formation after New England was able to successfully kill the clock, we all had the same thought:

Maybe the Patriots can actually make some noise this year.

They weren’t going to win the Super Bowl. They weren’t going to make the AFC Championship game. But if they could run the ball like this, stay efficient with the QB play, and stiff teams on defense, there was a shot that the 2024 Patriots could sneak into the playoffs. This rebuild could very well be on the fast track.

Yeah, about that. Exactly none of that happened.

It was all downhill from here. New England would lose its next six straight, looking worse and worse each week, and the season was more or less over by the end of September. From coaching to playing to play-calling to basic fundamentals, the 2024 Patriots fell apart.

But we’ll always have that Week 1 victory against the Bengals. It’s easy to forget now in the wake of all the misery that followed, but the feelings of optimism. excitement, and possibility that came after this win is the exact reason why we all love sports.

It’s pretty wild that this game, all the way back in September, ended up completely changing the landscape of the NFL. The win would end up costing the Patriots the Number One overall pick in the 2025 Draft, and it would end up keeping the Bengals out of the playoffs. Who knows what kind of reality we would be living in today if things had gone the way they were supposed to and Cincy had beat the brakes off the Patriots. Would Maye have started earlier? Would the Bengals have made a deep playoff run? Would New England still have secured the first overall draft pick? We’ll never know, so no point speculating. But this was a rare moment of real, genuine joy in an objectively brutal season, so it’s nice to recap it here at Number 4.

Game highlights here.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/6/24443309/the-top-10-patriots-moments-of-2024-no-4
 
New England Patriots links 6/06/25 - Milton-Spillane-Gonzalez have boss potential on defense

Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs attends voluntary practice, and other observations from Gillette Stadium

LB Robert Spillane at OTAs | Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Daily news and links for Friday

TEAM TALK

  • Highlights: Equipment staff gears up for Media Day. (2 min. video)
  • Patriots Unfiltered: Minicamp preview, roster building, offseason topics. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

  • Mark Daniels emphasizes how defensive linemen Milton Williams and Christian Barmore have impressed this offseason and sees this defensive line with potential to dominate.
  • Karen Guregian looks at what Aaron Rodgers signing with the Steelers will mean for the Patriots.
  • Nick Goss says the Patriots’ Week 3 matchup just got a little harder with QB Aaron Rodgers signing in Pittsburgh.
  • Greg Bedard talks about why undrafted rookie WR Efton Chism III could be a real contender for the 53-man roster and how he is taking Chism seriously.
  • Nick Goss relays NFL analyst Chris Simms detailing where Drake Maye can improve in 2025. Simms is confident that an improved coaching staff led by Vrabel and McDaniels will help Maye fix his remaining weaknesses and take another positive step forward in his development.
  • Efstathios Savvidis discusses the Patriots problems at finding a consistent, accurate kicker and why he thinks John Parker Romo is clearly on his way out of New England.
  • Jeff Szymanski explains why rookie kicker Andy Borregales has looked the part in camp and may have earned his spot on the roster.
  • Mark Daniels reports Mike Vrabel expanded the analytics department with their hire of Ekene Olekanma. The Pats were once voted one of the least analytically advanced teams in the NFL. /Belichick was a human analytics Dept.
  • Tim Crowley thinks the Patriots should pursue Commanders’ disgruntled receiver Terry McLaurin, who is frustrated at the inability to reach a long-term deal and recently left OTAs because of it.
  • Nick O’Malley mentions former Patriots coach Nick Caley, now a first-year offensive coordinator for the Texans, is named as ‘one of the most important people in the NFL’ in 2026.
  • A Clare Perspective podcast: Clare is joined by Jerry Thornton to discuss captain possibilities, the crowded wide receiver room, and more. (45 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

  • Gilberto Manzano (SI) Ranking each NFL team’s top defensive triplets for 2025. Patriots 16th: Milton Williams, Robert Spillane, Christian Gonzalez.
  • Lauren Gray (PFF) Ranking 2024’s top wide receivers by separation type. No 5 DeMario Douglas included. ‘Demario Douglas...ranked in the top five in several separation categories last season.’ /Click for more commentary.
  • Cody Benjamin (CBS Sports) Predicting seven players who will make noise at minicamp. WR Mack Hollins included
  • Analysts (NFL.com) Instant Debate: Seven trades we’d like to see in the offseason. Tyreek Hill to Patriots included.
  • Jared Dubin & Garrett Podell (CBS Sports) 2025 NFL OTA takeaways: Giants end practice early after multiple fights, Michael Pittman Jr. exits with injury
  • Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Yes, it’s possible to score only one point in an NFL game.
  • Karl Rasmussen (SI) Aaron Rodgers signing with Steelers makes must-watch Week 1 clash vs. Jets official.
  • Judy Battista (NFL.com) Steelers’ long wait for Aaron Rodgers is over, but offense far from finished product.
  • Kristen Wong (SI) NFL fans had lots of jokes after Aaron Rodgers finally agrees to join Steelers.
  • Anthony Holzman-Escareno (NFL.com) All-Paid Team of Tomorrow: Lamar Jackson, Micah Parsons poised to reset market at respective positions. No Pats.
  • Nancy Armour (USA Today) Opinion: NFL wants you to think it’s taking sports betting seriously. Don’t be fooled.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/6...llane-gonzalez-have-boss-potential-on-defense
 
Sunday Patriots Notes: Zak Kuhr ready to lead and teach defense in elevated role

Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs attends voluntary practice, and other observations from Gillette Stadium

Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Notes and thoughts on the Patriots’ interim defensive coordinator, Michael Onwenu, OTA attendance, and more.

The New England Patriots have checked off the latest box of their offseason program as they wrapped up organized team activities this past week. The final box will then come with a three day mandatory minicamp from June 9-11.

As for other stories, thoughts and takeaways from the last few days, here is our weekly notebook clean-up operation. Welcome to the latest edition of the Pats Pulpit Sunday Patriots Notes.

Kuhr’s emergence​


As a fifth grader at Crown Point Elementary in Jacksonville, Florida, Zak Kuhr tutored a fourth-grader who was restricted do to not speaking English very well.

Their work over the next few weeks together eventually resulted in the student landing an ‘A’ on a test, which started Kuhr on his long path into coaching.

“He got an ‘A’ on a test and I remember him hugging [me] and crying and I was like, ‘This is what I want to do – help people,’” Kuhr recalled.

Fast forward many years later and Kuhr’s coaching career has now landed him with the New England Patriots. But after being hired as the team’s inside linebacker coach, his responsibilities have quickly grown in recent months as defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been sidelined with a medical condition.

While Williams has remained involved back home in Detroit on Zoom, Kuhr is doing his part to echo his message as he has held the reigns over New England’s defense this spring.

“I’m just an extension of T and Vrabes and echoing that message to the unit,” Kuhr said. “T and I meet every single day. We talk every single day with Zoom, so we’re always on the same page. It’s really my voice is the one doing it. Yeah, there’s a little extra stuff with how practice goes. For the most part, I’m just an extension of him.”

Kuhr has experience working under both Williams and Mike Vrabel from their time together in Tennessee, where he spent four seasons (three as an assistant inside linebackers coach). His connection to the staff dates back even further, however, as he served as an intern at Ohio State in 2011.

From there, Kuhr went on to work for five different collegiate programs — including his first full-time coaching position at James Madison in 2014-15, a job which Patriots vice president of football operations and strategy John “Stretch” Streicher helped him land. It was there he served as a co-offensive coordintor before holding the offensive coordinator at Texas State several years later.

“I’ve been a coordinator before,” Kuhr said. “I know it was at the college level, but I’ve been in front of a unit before and ran unit meetings. I did that for a couple of years, so I wouldn’t say it’s anything too new.”

While Williams will eventually return to his coordinator role and relegate Kuhr back to inside linebackers, his timeline is not yet known. As he’s away from the team phyiscally, Williams knows his defense is left in good hands in the meantime.

“Zak’s unbelievable. He’s an unbelievably smart guy,” Williams. “He’s going to be a superstar in this league. Smart, and more than anything he has the ability to connect with players.”

DePalma’s help​


With Kuhr taking on a larger role across the whole defense as the de-facto defensive coordinator, he credited defensive assistant Vinny DePalma for taking on more responsibility in their linebacker room. A former Boston College linebacker, DePalma got his coaching start on Jerod Mayo’s staff as an assistant last season. He was then the only holdover on that side of the football.

“It’s helped to have a guy like [assistant] Vinny DePalma in there; he has taken a lot of lifting off my shoulders [with inside linebackers]. He’s going to be a great coach,” Kuhr said.

Limited fashion​


Throughout the media attended practices this spring, Mike Onwenu has been a limited participant when it comes to more competitive team periods. Onwenu shared that is due to him rehabilitating a prior hand injury.

Onwenu, who has been locked in at the right guard position after spending the early portions of his career bouncing between both guard spots and right tackle, feels good otherwise.

“I feel great. I feel strong, I feel fast. I’m ready to ball,” he said after Monday’s session.

Left guard watch​


Who will align opposite Onwenu at left guard is a bigger question at this point in the offseason, and perhaps the biggest remaining depth chart question on the roster. Throughout the three open organized team activities, Cole Strange, Wes Schweitzer, and Tyrese Robinson were featured at the position as the team continues to work through potential options.

“All the players that we’ve been rotating through there have been doing a good job there,” offensive line coach Doug Marrone said Monday.

Beyond being one-fifth of the starting offensive line, the importance of the left guard spot only grows as they’ll align next to rookie left tackle Will Campbell.

“I think that can be a positive thing anytime you have a rookie — like in game situations bullets are flying — having someone who you know just communicates very effectively. I think that’s a really good thing,” Strange said.

Rookie deals​


The Patriots officially agreed to terms with fourth overall pick Will Campbell on a four-year, $43.66 million fully guaranteed rookie contract with a $28.39 million signing bonus. Among the 11 draftees, just second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson and fourth-round safety Craig Woodson remain unsigned.

When it comes to Henderson, who went 38th overall back in April, the Cleveland Browns signing Carson Schwesinger (33rd overall) and the Houston Texans inking Jayden Higgins (34th overall) to fully guaranteed contracts — the first two ever for second-round picks — likely has complicated the negotiations.

Support for Stevenson​


Following the loss of his father, Robert Stevenson, back in March, Rhamondre Stevenson has enjoyed being back in the building and around his teammates and coaches.

“It felt great just being in the huddle with the guys and just being back in the building, just going through meetings and the weight room,” Stevenson said Monday. “It’s great to be around them. They kind of get my mind off things and just give me focus on football. So, yeah, I love being around.”

Stevenson was appreciative of the support he received when he was back in Las Vegas with family, which even included a visit from running backs coach Tony Dews.

“I’ll keep the dialogue to myself, but it meant a lot,” Stevenson said. “Just the whole coaching staff just still having my back, checking in on me. [Tony] even came to Vegas for a little bit. So, you know, all that means a lot to me, a lot to my family. And you know, I love it.”

Attendance check​


After returning to OTAs on Monday, wide receiver Stefon Diggs remained present for practice on both Tuesday and Thursday. Additionally, cornerback Carlton Davis, who missed the last two sessions open to the media, returned to the practice field later this week.

New England has had strong overall attendance during voluntary OTAs as the calendar now flips to the mandatory part of the offseason.

Next week ahead​


The Patriots are set to hold mandatory minicamp with three straight practices from Monday through Wednesday before breaking until training camp.

All three sessions are set to start to begin at 12:00 p.m. ET and be accompanied by media availability, starting with Mike Vrabel addressing the press each day at 11:45 a.m. ET.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/8/24443028/sunday-patriots-notes-zak-kuhr-otas-onwenu
 
8 players to watch during Patriots mandatory minicamp

NFL: JUN 02 New England Patriots OTA

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Minicamp begins Monday, June 9.

As the New England Patriots wrapped up organized team activities last week, they will now open their mandatory minicamp on Monday, June 9. The three-day event will be the first and only time this spring that all players on the roster are required to be at Gillette Stadium.

Here’s who we will have a close eye on throughout the three practice sessions.

QB Drake Maye​


The Patriots sophomore quarterback got off to a quieter start in the first two spring practices open to the media — highlighted by a four interception day in the first week of OTAs. But, Maye ended strong with an impressive practice last Monday that included a handful of highlight throws. Maye appeared to look more comfortable as he continues to adjust to life in Josh McDaniels’ offense and will now look to end the spring on a high note.

WR Efton Chism III​


The star of OTAs, Chism was a ball magnet in media attended practices recording 13 catches in competitive team drills. The shifty UDFA receiver also appeared to work his way up the depth chart as he ended the spring working in with Maye and the top offense — where the two connected on a clean dig route against Christian Gonzalez. Chism will attempt to keep that momentum going while his standing on the depth chart will continue to be monitored in the now mandatory portion of the offseason.

WR Stefon Diggs​


After being present for the entire final week of OTAs, there is no reason to think the Patriots projected top wide receiver will miss mandatory minicamp. When on the field last week, Diggs’ movements looked impressive as he continues to work back from the torn ACL he suffered last October. He did not participate in more competitive 11-on-11 work as limitations remain, but the 31-year old will look to continue to progress during minicamp.

LGs Cole Strange and Wes Schweitzer​


Four-fifths of the (healthy) Patriots’ top offensive line was consistent throughout the spring with Will Campbell at left tackle, Garrett Bradbury at center, Michael Onwenu at right guard and Morgan Moses at right tackle. The left guard position, however, was anything but steady with multiple players getting their shot.

That group was primarily led by Cole Strange and free agent addition Wes Schweitzer, while Tyrese Robinson also worked into the mix. With three straight sessions on deck, time will tell if one option has gained ground on the rest before training camp.

LB/S Marte Mapu​


With Jahlani Tavai set to be sidelined for minicamp with a calf injury he suffered last week, reps at linebacker next to Robert Spillane are open for the taking. While Christian Elliss projects to fulfill most of those duties, the door is open for former third-round pick Marte Mapu, who has primarily played linebacker throughout OTAs, to carve out a role. Free agent addition Jack Gibbens will also be in the mix.

CB Alex Austin​


The top of New England’s cornerback depth chart is locked in with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis. While Marcus Jones projects as the top nickel, Alex Austin provides a bigger option at 6-foot-1, 191 pounds and saw time in the slot during OTAs. With both Davis and Jones missing last week’s open practice, minicamp should provide an updated look at New England’s cornerback depth chart as the 24-year Austin will continue to try to carve out a role.

K Andres Borregales​


Through the three open spring practice, the rookie kicker has been steady going a combined 11-for-12. His competition, Parker Romo, meanwhile has had his share of accuracy issues going 7-of-12. Borregales has appeared to only grow his lead for the starting job and will now look to continue the consistency to end the spring.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/9/24445692/players-to-watch-patriots-mandatory-minicamp-maye-diggs
 
Stefon Diggs making his presence felt even in limited capacity

Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs attends voluntary practice, and other observations from Gillette Stadium

Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots’ offseason signing is currently recovering from a torn ACL.

Unlike most of his teammates, Stefon Diggs has not been an everyday presence at Gillette Stadium during the voluntary portion of the offseason workout program. The veteran wide receiver, who joined the New England Patriots via a three-year, $63.5 million deal earlier this offseason, has instead opted for more of a hybrid participation model.

When he has been present, including during the first practice of mandatory minicamp on Monday, Diggs was limited in what he could do. The 31-year-old is still working his way back from tearing his ACL last October, and not yet cleared for competitive full-speed work.

Despite all of that, his presence has been felt within the Patriots offense.

“He seems like an awesome teammate. He’s my locker mate, one down from beside me. We talk all the time,” said quarterback Drake Maye.

“He’s a veteran in this league. He’s made a lot of plays, played in a lot of big time games. Just an awesome voice for the receiver room, for this offense. He’s played in some playoff games. He’s had some big games. Once he recovers, and he’s getting back out there, I’m looking forward to being able to throw him some footballs. It’s always good having a guy like that on your team.”

DeMario Douglas, who led the Patriots’ wide receivers in receptions in both 2023 and 2024, echoed his starting quarterback’s sentiment.

“A leader, and a go-getter,” Douglas said about Diggs. “He works hard every day. It’s not just behind the scenes. He’s actually working. He’s bringing along the young guys, too.”

When he put pen to paper to join the Patriots in March, Diggs added one of the most prolific pass catchers of his generation to the team’s offense. The former fifth-round draft choice, who spent time in Minnesota, Buffalo and Houston before coming to Foxborough, has appeared in a combined 158 regular season and playoff games and been the recipient of 926 total passes in his career.

Needless to say, he is uniquely qualified to serve as a leading presence within the Patriots offense. He seemingly knows it, too, actively trying to help out not just his fellow wideouts but his quarterback as well.

“In the meetings, [he’s] asking questions, asking me after plays, ‘Hey, what should I have done there? Hey, in the past, I’ve done this when the guy’s playing this leverage,’ stuff like that,” said Drake Maye. “He’s seen a lot of different things, played a long time in this league. It’s been great for me.”

Even though they played a part, New England did not just sign Diggs for his abilities as a mentor and veteran leader: he is, on paper, the closest player the team has to a true No. 1 wide receiver. What his role will look like when once he is physically able to handle a full workload has yet to be determined, though.

So far, however, head coach Mike Vrabel is happy with what he has seen out of the first-year Patriot.

“He’s trying to figure out where everything is and what his role is,” Vrabel said on Monday, “and making sure that as we add those situations — the third down, the no-huddle and red zone — that he’s staying up on it, working hard in his rehab. Certain drills he can be out there and there’s certain drills that he won’t be, but I think he’s engaged and I like his energy.”
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/10/24446660/patriots-stefon-diggs-presence-felt-limited-capacity
 
What placing Wes Schweitzer on the retired list means for the Patriots

NFL: MAY 20 New England Patriots OTA

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

A free agent signing in March, Schweitzer is now off the active roster.

Between the start of NFL free agency in mid-March and the end of the compensatory window right after late April’s draft, the New England Patriots brought 14 outside players aboard. Only 13 of those remain on the active roster.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Patriots announced that they have placed veteran offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer on the reserve/retired list. Schweitzer had originally joined the team on a one-year, $1.555 million contract.

Let’s assess what the move means for the team.

Left guard picture clears up​


Even though he had not played a single in-game snap at left guard since the 2020 season, the Patriots inserted Schweitzer right into the mix at the position upon bringing him aboard. He remained prominently featured up until his minicamp absence, with former first-round draft pick Cole Strange the only other candidate to see regular reps with the starters.

Strange, who spent his first two years at LG before a brief move to center in 2024, looked like the frontrunner for much of the process. With no live contact during the offseason, however, Schweitzer still appeared to be in the running for the eventual starting job.

The race is not over yet, but with him off the team now all signs point in a clear direction: the left guard role will be Cole Strange’s to lose this summer.

Interior O-line depth takes a hit​


Schweitzer removing himself from the equation does not just impact the top of the interior offensive line depth chart, but the entire group. At the moment, 10 players remain at the guard and center positions, as a look at our regularly-updated Patriots roster shows:

Interior offensive line (10): Cole Strange (69 | LG), Garrett Bradbury (65 | C), Michael Onwenu (71 | RG), Tyrese Robinson (55), Jared Wilson (58), Sidy Sow (62), Layden Robinson (63), Ben Brown (77), Jack Conley (74), Mehki Butler (63)
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As noted above, Cole Strange looks like the starting left guard at the moment, joining center Garrett Bradbury and right guard Michael Onwenu. All three look like safe bets to make the roster at the moment, but the depth behind them is unclear.

Jared Wilson will make the team due to his status as a third-round draft pick, with Tyrese Robinson — who missed mandatory minicamp for undisclosed reasons — also seeing plenty of action this offseason. Sidy Sow recently received reps at right guard, too, while the rest of the group, including 2024 part-time starters Layden Robinson and Ben Brown, has been comparatively quiet.

Open roster spot​


Schweitzer’s departure creates an open spot on the Patriots’ 90-man offseason roster, and it remains to be seen how it will be filled. Two names to keep an eye on are guard Marcus Wehr and linebacker Wesley Steiner, who both were in town for tryouts on Monday.

As a look at New England’s roster shows, the team does have 90 players signed even with Schweitzer removed. However, defensive lineman Wilfried Pene is roster exempt due to his status as an international player. As a result, the Patriots are allowed to carry 91 players in the offseason.

Minor salary cap relief​


From a salary cap perspective, Schweitzer’s removal from the active roster will have only a minor impact. While his $150,000 signing bonus and $65,000 workout bonus will remain on the Patriots’ books as dead cap, the rest of his deal — a $1.255 million base salary plus $85,000 in roster bonuses — is coming off.

The resulting cap relief totaling $1.28 million will be partially offset by another player taking Schweitzer’s spot on the Top 51 list. The difference between the cap savings and that player’s cap number — $1.03 million belonging to running back Trayveon Williams — is how much cap space New England has saved by the move: $250,000.

Addition to the short-stint club​


Schweitzer is not the first veteran player joining the Patriots as a free agent only to retire shortly thereafter. In fact, there have been several such cases through the years including fellow offensive linemen Robert Gallery (2012) and Jared Veldheer (2019) as well as wide receivers Reggie Wayne (2015), Andrew Hawkins (2017) and Eric Decker (2018).

The 31-year-old joining that club was not necessarily expected to happen when he signed with the Patriots back in March. However, his relatively limited guarantees show that the team was prepared for him not making the roster for whatever reason.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/11/24446948/patriots-wes-schweitzer-retired-list-analysis
 
Keion White finding new motivation after Patriots’ offseason changes: ‘Now, I feel like I have a coach’

NFL: New England Patriots Minicamp

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

White looks primed for a breakout in year three.

As another four-win season was winding down for the New England Patriots last season, players could feel the dysfunction inside the building. Among them was Keion White, who was not shy in voicing his displeasure down the stretch.

But after an offseason full of changes that started by naming Mike Vrabel the team’s new head coach, White feels differently about where things are at the conclusion of the team’s offseason program.

“I have a really good coach helping me. Coach [Mike] Smith was telling me steps, alignment, things like that I haven’t traditionally heard. So, just that next step of having that coach behind me is really big for me,” White said after minicamp practice Tuesday.

“It’s helpful for me because it slows it down a little bit and it trains me. He’s doing a good job of saying, ‘This is what you need to think of; this is your thought process.’ That’s something I don’t think I had before and what I was missing. I was training myself, I’m not going to lie. Now, I feel like I have a coach.”

Smith was one of the last hires Vrabel made on his staff and one of the few that did not have previous working experience under the head coach.

A former linebacker himself who played four seasons for the Baltimore Ravens, Smith has coached outside linebackers and pass rushers for four different organizations dating back to 2012 — with a stop at his alma mater Texas Tech from 2013-15. During his time elsewhere, Smith has worked with many players in a similar mold to White.

“I think if you look at the history of guys that I have coached, they’re bigger rushers — the Rashan Gary’s, Za’Darius [Smith], Tamba [Hali], Justin Houston, Danielle Hunter. I like big, athletic rushers, and I think [Keion] fits that mold,” Smith said earlier this offseason.

“He’s got some learning to do — like we all do. If you’re done learning, you’re done. But with guys like that, you can move across the line, do different things with them. I’m really excited to put my hands on him. I love the way he plays. You can tell football means something to him. When you talk to him he’s a serious guy — meaner than a rattlesnake. I like that about him. I’ve had all different kinds of sizes and styles, but I think he’s got a good future.”

Throughout the offseason program, White and Smith have worked closely together as the third-year pass rusher has been disruptive in non-padded sessions. And Smith hasn’t been shy of moving White around. After largely aligning on the edge in OTAs, White saw some work inside over the course of mandatory minicamp.

“I like Mike. He leads with work. I can respect that,” White said. “It’s similar to Bill [Belichick], just with a younger face. I think we all know how I feel about that; I liked him. So it’s comforting to know that you have a hard-ass at the helm who will not be afraid to fistfight with you in a back alley.”

While White looks primed for a Year 3 breakout, his production should only be helped by the return of Christian Barmore and addition of Milton Williams along the interior of the Patriots defensive line this season.

All three project nicely into Vrabel’s more aggressive defense while they have all shown the versatility to move around the defensive line to play off of each other this offseason.

“We have really good guys on the inside who can get after the passer, even on early-down situations,” he said. “That changes things I can do a little bit. I can be a little bit less conservative and be more aggressive on the edge.”
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/1...w-motivation-patriots-offseason-changes-coach
 
Patriots player profile: Third-string QB Ben Wooldridge stands out among the rookie class

NFL: MAY 20 New England Patriots OTA

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Previewing the Patriots quarterback heading into his first NFL season.

The New England Patriots entered the 2025 NFL Draft with two quarterbacks on their roster. They exited the 2025 NFL Draft... with those same two QBs under contract. However, the team of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel still added a rookie passer to provide depth behind Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs.

Hard facts​


Name: Ben Wooldridge

Position: Quarterback

Jersey number: 17 (r)

Opening day age: 25 (9/27/1999)

Measurements: 6’2 3/8”, 214 lbs, 78 3/4” wingspan, 32 5/8” arm length, 9 1/4” hand size, 4.81s 40-yard dash, 4.35s short shuttle, 34” vertical jump, 9’7” broad jump, 7.40 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​


NFL: New England Patriots (2025-) | College: Fresno State (2018-20), Louisiana (2021-24)

A two-star recruit, Wooldridge created limited buzz coming out of Foothill High School in Pleasanton, CA. He eventually settled just 130 miles from his hometown, joining Fresno State as a backup quarterback in 2018. He ended up spending his entire three-year career with the Bulldogs in that capacity, attempting just 22 passes in five total in-game appearances — none of which as a starter.

As a result of his status and lack of perspective behind future NFL fourth-round draft pick Jake Haener, Wooldridge decided to enter the transfer portal after the 2020 season. He eventually ended up at Louisiana, where he began seeing more regular action: after not playing his first season, he ended up with 19 starts while throwing for 4,622 yards with 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions; he also scored 9 rushing TDs.

The Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, Wooldridge was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft.

Scouting report​


Strengths: Standing at 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, Wooldridge looks the part of an NFL quarterback. He combines his size with solid baseline athleticism, both as a passer and as a runner. While not a dual-threat in the classic sense, he has shown some good escapability from muddied pockets as well as the proper burst and fight to pick up extra yards.

As a thrower, Wooldridge possesses natural arm talent. He has a quick release and shows good velocity and touch particularly in the short and intermediate range. He generally places the ball well in that part of the field. In addition, he has been praised for his work ethic and leadership despite having to deal with his fair share of setbacks over the course of his seven-year college career.

Weaknesses: Despite his experience, Wooldridge is still a raw player in various aspects. His poise and decision making under pressure leave some to be desired, as does his feel for the pocket and spatial awareness with bodies flying around him. He also has showcased inconsistent mechanics when under pressure, oftentimes sacrificing his technique in hopes of turning nothing into something. He also is not the most gifted deep ball thrower, seemingly lacking the power to deliver the ball accurately down the field.

Wooldridge also is on the older side, and will turn 26 early in the regular season; despite being a rookie he is older than more than half the players of the Patriots’ current roster. His age comes with an extensive injury history that includes season-ending ACL and foot injuries as well as shoulder and collarbone issues.

2024 review​


Stats: 11 games (11 starts) | 646 offensive snaps | 291 pass attempts, 192 completions (66.0%), 2,453 yards, 17 TDs, 6 INTs | 51 carries, 293 yards (5.7 yards/carry), 5 TDs | 12 sacks (3.6%), 2 fumbles (0 lost), 5 penalties

Season recap: After being limited to three contests in 2023 because of a season-ending foot injury, Wooldridge returned to the Ragin’ Cajuns’ starting lineup for what would be his seventh college campaign. Just like the previous six, however, he did not appear in every possible game.

A broken collarbone suffered in a mid-November loss to South Alabama forced him to miss three games. Wooldridge eventually returned for the season finale, but went just 7-of-20 with an interception in a 34-3 blowout defeat against TCU in the New Mexico Bowl.

While his college season did not end the way he would have hoped, Wooldridge’s 2024 season as a whole was still a successful one. Not only did he set a new career high in starts (11), snaps (646) and dropback opportunities (332), he also had his most passing yards (2,453), yards per attempt (8.3) and touchdowns (17) in a single season — all while helping his team go 8-2 in the 10 games he was available from start to finish.

His best games came in a 41-38 shootout with Wake Forest (20-of-29, 257 yards, 3 TDs) and a 34-24 victory over Coastal Carolina (27-of-36, 373 yards, 3 TDs). While he was unable to keep up this level throughout the season, Wooldridge’s performance, even in a somewhat limited capacity, earned some individual accolades.

He was recognized as the Sun Belt Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year and in addition was named to the first All-Sun Belt team. It was the first time in his career that he received honors of that caliber.

2025 preview​


Position: No. 3 QB | Ability: Camp body/Practice squad candidate | Contract: Signed through 2027

What will be his role? With Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs undisputed as the No. 1 and No. 2 quarterback on the Patriots’ roster, Wooldridge is the third option at the position. As such, he will see most of his action in practice and preseason while also — if on the 53-man roster — dressing as the emergency QB3 even if classified an inactive on game day.

What is his growth potential? Wooldridge has some positive attributes, but his overall ceiling is limited compared to a player like Drake Maye. That said, if he can adapt to the NFL game from a mental perspective and become more accurate down the field, he could develop into a viable QB2 down the stretch.

Does he have positional versatility? Wooldridge has decent size and athleticism, but make no mistake: he is a one-dimensional player, just like most quarterbacks are. Beyond the occasional rushing attempt, he does not offer much from a versatility perspective.

What is his salary cap situation? The Patriots signed Wooldridge to a standard three-year UDFA deal that comes with a $842,000 cap hit this season. At the moment, and with the NFL’s Top 51 rule in place, however, only his guaranteed signing bonus proration worth $2,000 is hitting the team’s books. A base salary will only become relevant for cap purposes if he makes the 53-man roster or practice squad.

How safe is his roster spot? Even though the Patriots have only three quarterbacks under contract at the moment, Wooldridge’s spot on the team is anything but safe. In order to make the cut, or at least find a spot on the practice squad, he will need to prove himself more valuable than depth options at other positions over the course of the summer.

Summary: Wooldridge stands out among the Patriots’ rookie class due to his age and college experience, as well as the fact that he would not play any meaningful snaps for the Patriots in a perfect world. Despite all of that, there is value in his presence on the roster — from lightening Drake Maye’s and Joshua Dobbs’ practice workload, to emergency depth, to possible developmental considerations. As a result, the 25-year-old might just find a way to stick around.

What do you think about Ben Wooldridge heading into the 2025 season? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/1...ridge-profile-scouting-report-2025-nfl-season
 
Patriots way-too-early 53-man roster projection following the offseason program

New England Patriots Mini Camp

Photo by Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

After watching five open practices, here is where we see the Patriots’ roster heading into the summer break.

The New England Patriots spent their first offseason under Mike Vrabel overhauling a roster that won just four games each of the last two seasons. Over the last month, five open practices during the offseason program provided our first on-field look at the new-look Patriots.

While plenty of work remains as the real competition begins in training camp and carries into the preseason, here’s our way-too-early 53-man roster projection based off the spring.

Quarterback (2)​


In: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

Out: Ben Wooldridge (U-R)

No surprises here. The unquestioned starter, Drake Maye, continued to improve throughout the spring as he adjust to life under new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Free agent addition Joshua Dobbs will serve as his backup.

Ben Wooldridge did not do enough for now to earn a spot, but New England will likely keep a third quarterback around in some fashion — likely on the practice squad.

Running back (4)​


In: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson (R), Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison (U-R)

Out: Terrell Jennings, Trayveon Williams (U-R)

The explosive TreyVeon Henderson looked as advertised throughout the spring and will join Rhamondre Stevenson as a 1-2 punch atop New England’s running back depth chart. Both Antonio Gibson and UDFA Lan Larison provide depth and ability as a pass catcher while the two also play special teams. Josh McDaniels gets his deep, versatile running back room.

Wide receiver (7)​


In: Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams (R), Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism III (U-R), Kendrick Bourne

Out: Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, DeMeer Blankumsee (U-R), John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb (U-R)

A lot remains up for grabs inside one of the Patriots most competitive rooms. Injuries also muddied the picture this spring as Stefon Diggs and Ja’Lynn Polk did not compete in competitive 11-on-11 work as they rehabbed from surgeries while Mack Hollins did not participate at all this spring due to injury.

While a healthy Diggs, rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas project as roster certainties, plenty of question marks remain behind them.

Kayshon Boutte operated as the top X this spring but could still be used as a trade chip — especially if Williams emerges as the top outside option this summer — after his name was mentioned leading up to the draft. Kendrick Bourne had a career year in Josh McDaniels’ offense back in 2021 but the team could opt for a younger option in Polk or UDFA Efton Chism. Mack Hollins should also be a favorite for a spot but must work his way back on the field.

For now we’ll keep these seven with Polk being next up if a spot is open due to injury or trade.

Tight end (3)​


In: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Brock Lampe (U-R)

Out: Jaheim Bell, Jack Westover, C.J. Dippre (U-R), Gee Scott Jr. (U-R)

New England keeps just their top two tight ends on the 53-man roster to keep additional depth elsewhere on the roster. Much of that has to do with no reserve tight end making much of an impact this spring. We will keep an eye on C.J. Dippre, who is known for his work as a blocker, when the pads come on.

Josh McDaniels does, however, get his fullback in Lampe, who has been on the field plenty during the offseason program.

Offensive line (9)​


In: Will Campbell (R), Cole Strange, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Jack Conley (U-R), Caedan Wallace, Jared Wilson (R). Marcus Bryant (R)

Out: Ben Brown, Mehki Butler (U-R), Layden Robinson, Tyrese Robinson, Sidy Sow, Demontrey Jacobs, Vederian Lowe

Outside of left guard — which Cole Strange appears to be the frontrunner for at the moment — New England’s starting offensive line seems set with Will Campbell, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses. We are not ruling out Jared Wilson pushing Bradbury for the starting center spot, but the rookie spent the entire spring limited which could put him behind the eight ball this summer.

As for the reserves, Caedan Wallace could be a sleeper pick for the left guard spot after taking snaps there in mandatory minicamp. That paired with his ability to play tackle earns him a spot.

UDFA Jack Conley, who looks the part at 6-foot-7, 333 pounds, also flashed four-position versatility over the spring and has prior experience with offensive line coach Doug Marrone coming from Boston College. These two push Sidy Sow off the roster in one of our final cuts. Primarily at tackle, New England keeps seventh-round backup Marcus Bryant for his ability to play both the left and right side over Vederian Lowe, who was also limited this spring as he works back from shoulder surgery.

More important than changing the X’s and O’s, Mike Vrabel trying to instill a new culture with Patriots
Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Defensive line (5)​


In: Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer (R), Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

Out: Jaquelin Roy, Isaiah Iton, Jahvaree Ritzie (U-R), Wilfried Pene (U-R)

Christian Barmore and free agent addition Milton Williams are set to lead the Patriots’ defensive front as they look to become one of the more disruptive interior duos in football. Khyris Tonga, meanwhile, provides a bigger bodied run defender to work in with them.

The depth of this group will be interesting to monitor, but fifth-round selection Joshua Farmer will be apart of that as a rotational piece. Jeremiah Pharms rounds that group out for now while Jaquelin Roy (if healthy) could push for a spot behind Tonga. Wilfried Pene will also not count for a spot on the practice squad due to being part of the International Pathway Program.

Defensive edge (4)​


In: Keion White, Harold Landry III, K’Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson (R)

Out: Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder (U-R), Truman Jones

Keion White, Harold Landry, and K’Lavon Chaisson serving as New England’s top three edge rushers has been a staple throughout the spring. They have all looked disruptive as well, while the hope is rookie Bradyn Swinson adds his name into the rotation when the pads come on.

Anfernee Jennings is a tough cut, but the disruptive run defender appears on the outside looking in in a new defensive structure.

Linebacker (5)​


In: Robert Spillane, Jahlani Tavai, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu

Out: Monty Rice, Cam Riley (U-R)

After signing a three-year, $33 million deal in free agency Robert Spillane has been at the heart of the Patriots defense this spring. He was vocal as the signal caller and around the ball plenty which pairs well behind the aggressive defensive line. The picture is not as clear outside of Spillane, but Jahlani Tavai often held a spot next to him in OTAs before hurting his calf. Christian Elliss has since taken Tavai’s snaps in his absence, while him and Jack Gibbens bring special teams value.

Marte Mapu, who is now officially listed as a linebacker, earns one of the final spots as the Patriots continue to get more athletic along the second level. Mapu must be healthy this summer, however, after spending the spring limited.

Cornerback (6)​


In: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial Jr., Isaiah Bolden

Out: Miles Battle, Brandon Crossley (U-R), D.J. James, Jordan Polk (U-R), Kobee Minor (R)

No surprises atop the cornerback depth chart with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis projecting as one of the league’s top duos. There were some questions about Marcus Jones’ future in the final year of his rookie deal due to his size, but Jones has repped as the top slot option this spring. His man coverage ability should pair well with Gonzalez and Davis.

Further down the depth chart, Alex Austin appears to have the lead for CB4 duties due to his versatility; he repped along the boundary and in the slot this spring. Marcellas Dial, who also got work at both spots, and Isaiah Bolden, who was part of the kick returner group this spring, take the final two cornerback spots due to their versatility and special teams value. New England could also try to get Bolden onto the practice squad as they did last year for additional depth elsewhere.

Safety (5)​


In: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson (R), Brenden Schooler

Out: Marcus Epps, Dell Pettus, Josh Minkins Jr. (U-R)

With Kyle Dugger limited this spring, Jaylinn Hawkins saw plenty of work patrolling the backend of the Patriots defense. He seems set for a more rotational role when Dugger returns, but the early usage (and special teams ability) bodes well for his chances. We won't rule out Marcus Epps, who was also limited in his return from a torn ACL, making a push.

Specialists (3)​


In: Julian Ashby, Andres Borregales, Bryce Baringer

Out: Parker Romo

After being selected in the sixth round of this year’s draft, Andres Borregales was impressive this spring, going 19-of-20 in five open practices. He should be considered a heavy favorite for the starting job over Parker Romo.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/12/24447075/patriots-53-man-roster-projection-offseason-program
 
Patriots ‘trying to find some versatility’ by moving Marte Mapu to linebacker

NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The third-year defender is now officially listed at a different position.

Back during the 2023 season, the New England Patriots posted a mic’d up clip featuring defensive leaders Kyle Dugger and Ja’Whaun Bentley discussing the position of teammate Marte Mapu. The then-rookie had been called a linebacker over the Gillette Stadium PA system, a label the two veterans did not agree with.

“He’s a hybrid. No damn linebacker,” Dugger said.

“Oh, he definitely ain’t a linebacker,” replied Bentley.

Needless to say, the times have changed. Not only is Bentley no loner with the team following his release earlier in the offseason, the Patriots also have officially re-classified Mapu’s position. The 25-year-old is now indeed listed as a linebacker, after he spent most of the spring working with that position rather than the safeties.

Even though he was a limited participant during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, his usage when on the field shows that the team is serious about the transition. Head coach Mike Vrabel said as much, too, when talking to the media earlier this week.

“We don’t want to waste anybody’s time,” Vrabel explained. “Just trying to find some versatility for him. He’s got a unique skill set. He’s got a good size, good length. He’s a good blitzer.”

A third-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2023, Mapu — as was mentioned by Dugger in that mic’d up segment — joined the club as a hybrid who blurred the lines between safety and linebacker. At just under 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, he had the size to line up in the box but also flashed some athletic potential to work in the deep zones.

His usage the first two seasons reflects this. Of his 690 career snaps on defense, 313 have come as an off-ball linebacker type with 221 as a deep safety, 100 in the slot, and a combined 56 split between an on-line defender (31) and split out wide (25).

The Patriots’ new coaching staff led by Vrabel apparently feels that those linebacker snaps are worth building on. And even though he had some trouble with his run fits from that position in the past, it is clear the team is seeing something in him worth cultivating.

“We just thought that that could help him,” Vrabel said, “and obviously try to help us.”

With Mapu moving from safety to linebacker, the position group now stands at seven players deep. Besides the third-year man, it also features projected starters Robert Spillane and Jahlani Tavai — who will reportedly be sidelined until training camp with a calf injury — as well as Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Monty Rice and Cam Riley.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/13/24448507/patriots-versatility-marte-mapu-move-linebacker
 
Patriots reportedly add personnel analytics coordinator to Mike Vrabel’s staff

NFL: JUN 10 New England Patriots Minicamp

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Max Mulitz marks the second hire of June on the analytics side.

The New England Patriots have created another position on head coach Mike Vrabel’s staff.

The organization has hired Max Mulitz as personnel analytics coordinator, according to a report Friday from ESPN’s Seth Walder.

Mulitz spent the previous four seasons as the director of coaching analytics for the Miami Dolphins. His time on the other side of the AFC East began under the role of football analyst in 2018. He went on work as the manager of coaching analytics during the 2019 and 2020 campaigns.

The stay in Miami’s administrative football operations came to a close in March.

Graduating from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematical economics, Mulitz entered the NFL ranks as a full-time intern in the data research department of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, per his website, FootballResearchBlog. He worked toward his master’s degree in data science at George Washington University.

It marks the second reported move of June on the analytics side in Foxborough.

The Patriots previously hired Ekene Olekanma, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens, as director of coaching analytics.

“We want to use technology to the best of our ability and what we can do to help us be more efficient, to help us make better decisions, informed decisions,” Vrabel said during mandatory minicamp on Monday. “I don’t think you can rely and base every decision off the numbers, but I also think that those are important to ask questions and then be able to follow up and come to a sound decision on everything that we do. Personnel, coaching decisions, player health and safety, strength and conditioning, every aspect of our program.

“Hopefully, we’ll have some analytical background and data that we can rely on that they can ask questions. When you look at coaching, self-scout and opponent breakdown, how we become more efficient with that system.”
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/6/1...re-personnel-analytics-coordinator-max-mulitz
 
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