2025 NFL Yearbook: New England Patriots

A season preview of the New England Patriots.

All Access Football NFL Yearbook Series Counts you down to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game with an in-depth look at 32 organizations in 32 days. Presented by the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Howard Balzer, Dominic Ambrose and Jarrett Reigel contributed to this report] || [Some information also appears in the Lindy’s NFL & College Football Season Preview Guides. — Obtain these must-have magazines here]

NFL YEARBOOK SERIES: NO.32 — SAINTS || NO.31 — BROWNS || NO.30 — PANTHERS || NO.29 — TITANS || NO.28 — BEARS || NO.27—RAIDERS || NO.26 — SEAHAWKS || NO.25—JAGUARS || NO.24—COWBOYS || NO.23—JETS || NO.22—GIANTS || NO.21—COLTS || NO.20—FALCONS || NO.19—DOLPHINS || NO.18—49ERS

2025 NFL YEARBOOK: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

AFC EAST || 2024 RECORD: 4-13 || AAF NFL POWER RANKING: 19

TEAM BRASS

Owner: Robert Kraft || General Manager: Eliot Wolf || Head Coach: Mike Vrabel || Offensive Coordinator: Josh McDaneils || Defensive Coordinator: Terrell Williams || Special Teams: Jeremy Springer

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

2025 NFLPA GRADES || OVERALL RANKINGS (31 of 32)

Treatment of Families: C+ (18th) || Food / Dining Area: C (24th) || Nutritionist / Dietician: B (25th) || Locker Room: C- (22nd) || Training Room: C- (30th) || Training Staff: C+ (26th) || Weight Room: F (32nd) || Strength Coaches: B (6th) || Team Travel: F (31st) || Head Coach: B+ (24th) || Ownership: D (29th)

The Patriots rank 31st overall this season, but there are signs of progress. Following last year’s report, owner Robert Kraft announced a $50 million investment in a new facility adjacent to the stadium, which broke ground in December and is expected to open in 2026. After receiving an F- last year for their treatment of players’ families, the team made immediate improvements, including hiring a staff member to manage family services and adding a family room and daycare during games. These changes were well received, and players believe that family support is now the team’s biggest strength. However, key facility issues remain, including the need to renovate the building, a cramped weight room, and outdated locker rooms. It is anticipated that those issues will be fixed when the new facility opens. Additionally, team travel remains a significant concern—only 39% of players feel they have comfortable amount of space on flights when traveling to games. The plane is dated – it lacks Wi-Fi and still has ashtrays in the seats.

OVERVIEW

Prior to the Bills recent dominance, the New England Patriots had won the division 16 out-of 17 seasons during the Bill Belichick era. While the ship temporarily veered into an unexpected storm, the franchise is back on track under the guidance of Mike Vrabel and promising development of young gun Drake Maye (photo: New England Patriots). New England took an exact opposite draft approach than Buffalo, by going all offensive with their first four picks, including LSU stud offensive tackle Will Campbell. This is a clear attempt to strengthen the supporting cast around Maye, after investing heavily on the defensive side of the ball during free agency. The Patriots seem primed to vie for a playoff spot.

OFFENSE RANKINGS

Total Offense: 376.3 (4th) || Passing: 249.1 (3rd) || Rushing: 127.2 (11th) || Points: 22.9 (14th) || Sacks: 36 (T-11th) || 3rd Down: 42.6% (9th)

DEFENSE RANKINGS

Total Defense: 317.4 (7th) || Passing: 192.8 (4th) || Rushing: 124.6 (18th) || Points Allowed: 25.6 (29th) || Sacks: 37 (T-23rd) || Turnover Differential: -10 (27th)

TOP 10 FRANCHISE PLAYERS

1. Drake Maye, Quarterback

2. Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback

3. Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver

4. Jabril Peppers, Safety

5. Christian Barmore, Defensive Tackle

6. Harold Landry, Defensive End

7. Milton Williams, Defensive Tackle

8. Will Campbell, Offensive Tackle

9. Mike Onwenu, Offensive Guard

10. Marcus Jones, Cornerback

TOP 10 PLAYERS UNDER 25

1. Drake Maye, Quarterback (22)

2. Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback (23)

3. Will Campbell, Offensive Tackle (21)

4. TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back (22)

5. DeMario Douglas, Wide Receiver (24)

6. Kayshon Boutte, Wide Receiver (23)

7. Joshua Farmer, Defensive Tackle (22)

8. Bradyn Swinson, Defensive End (23)

9. Kyle Williams, Wide Receiver (22)

10. Ja’Lynn Polk, Wide Receiver (24)

BUST OUT PLAYERS

Despite a 3-9 record, New England was encouraged by the progression of Drake Maye. He did endure a rough patch in which he threw at least one interception in seven consecutive games so he’ll need to cut down the turnovers. Otherwise, he demonstrated nice touch and anticipation, along with the ability to hit targets in all areas of the field. Look for Maye to ascend with a vastly improved supporting cast … While some new faces have been added, the Patriots also return some familiar pieces. They have not yet given up faith in Ja'Lynn Polk. Many have been quick to call the No.37 overall selection a miss but the Patriots are invested. No doubt, he’ll need to produce immediately in order to stay in the mix but it’s not out of the realm to think he could be a key factor with an increased emphasis on passing the ball … The opposite can be said for Kayshon Boutte (photo: New England Patriots) who was an absolute steal in the sixth round. He would wind up finishing second amongst Patriots’ wideouts in receiving with 589 yards. His role is only expected to increase.

2025 NFL DRAFT CLASS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.1 No.4. Will Campbell, OT, LSU — Knocked for his lack of arm length, Campbell hasn’t had an issue manning the left tackle position since his arrival at Baton Rouge. His nastiness and swag should go a long ways in building the Mike Vrabel culture. (photo: New England Patriots)

Rd.2 No.38. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State — An electric runner, Henderson significantly enhances the Patriots backfield with his multidimensional skill-set. A slashing runner who is also a receiving threat and is one of the best blocking backs.

Rd.3 No.69. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State — The Patriots stayed true to their board and pulled the trigger on the speedy Williams, who wasn’t invited to the combine. His short area quickness and ability to separate should work well in the slot.

Rd.3 No.95. Jared Wilson, C, Georgia — Being able to nab the nimble Wilson at this stage was tremendous value. The battle-tested middle man is expected to compete for the starting center spot and brings the versatility to play all three interior positions.

Rd.4 No.106. Craig Woodson, S, California — A well-rounded safety with adequate size and excellent athleticism. With his range to cover ground, step up against the run and solid pass coverage skills, Woodson could step in and backup either safety spot.

Rd.4 No.137. Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State — It was a surprise to see Farmer slide to Day 3. His length, power and get-off are top-shelf, while he possesses an explosive first step. Farmer projects as a key rotational piece along the defensive line.

Rd.5 No.146. Bradyn Swinson, ER, LSU — A late bloomer, Swinson busted out in a big way his final year, demonstrating a relentless motor in pursuit of the quarterback. Making sure Swinson learns the playbook will be top-priority for the pass-rusher.

Rd.6 No.182. Andres Borregales, K, Miami — No one drafts more kickers than New England who have taken three in the past five years. The Venezuela-born Borregales who spent his entire college career at Miami, will need to adjust to the climate.

Rd.7 No.220. Marcus Bryant, OT, Missouri — An experienced developmental prospect, Bryant started 42 games across SMU and Missouri. He tends to struggle against speed but he should increase the level of competition at backup tackle.

Rd.7 No.251. Julian Ashby, LS, Vanderbilt — Another draft pick invested on special teams, the undersized Ashby drew league-wide interest leading up to April. A bit undersized, he is the first Commodores player and long snapper drafted since 2021.

Rd.7 No.257. Kobee Minor, S, Memphis — Who doesn’t like a good underdog story? Chosen as this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” Minor owns a high-motor and is a solid open-field tackler who plays downhill. He’ll need to earn his way onto the roster via specials.

OVERALL IMPACT = 4 High Impact

ADDITIONS

• C Garrett Bradbury (17/17; FA Vikings Post-June 1 designation; $9.5M/2 yrs, $3.8M gtd/$2.4M SB/$4.6M 2025 cap)

• LB K’Lavon Chaisson (15/4; UFA Raiders; $3M/1 yr, $1.5M gtd/$1M SB/$3.94M 2025 cap/$1M incentives)

• CB Carlton Davis III (13/13; UFA Lions; $54M/3 yrs, $34.5M fully gtd/$16.5M SB/$11.7M 2025 cap/$2M per year incentives)

• WR Stefon Diggs (8/8; UFA Texans; $63.5M/3 yrs, $16.6M fully gtd/$6M gtd injury only fully gtd March, 2026/$12M SB/$8.7M 2025 cap/$5.5M incentives)

• QB Joshua Dobbs (2/1; UFA 49ers; $8M/2 yrs, $3.8M gtd/$2.1M SB/$2.875M 2025 cap)

• S Marcus Epps (3/3; UFA Raiders; $2.025M/1 yr, $500K gtd/$150K SB/$1.465M 2025 cap)

• WR Mack Hollins (17/13; UFA Bills; $8.4M/2 yrs, $3.5M gtd/$1.5M SB/$3.75M 2025 cap/$2M incentives)

• OLB Harold Landry III (17/17; FA Titans; $43.5M/3 yrs, $26M gtd/$12M SB/$1.5M per year incentives/$8.5M 2025 cap)

• T Morgan Moses (14/14; UFA Jets; $24M/3 yrs/$11M gtd/$4.2M SB/$4.55M 2025 cap/$1.5M per year incentives)

• G Wes Schweitzer (4/0; UFA Jets; $1.55M/1 yr, $150K SB/$1.495M 2025 cap)

• LB Robert Spillane (17/17; UFA Raiders; $33M/3 yrs, $20.6M gtd/$9M SB/$7.5M 2025 cap)

• DT Khyiris Tonga (13/1; UFA Cardinals; $2.1M/1 yr, $1M gtd/$500K SB/$2.02 2025 cap)

• DT Milton Williams (17/7; UFA Eagles; $104M/4 yrs, $51M fully gtd/$12M gtd injury only; fully gtd 3rd day 2027 LY/$24M SB/$14M 2025 cap)

RE-SIGNINGS

• C Ben Brown (potential ERFA; $1.3M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.3M 2025 cap)

• LB Christian Elliss (RFA; tendered at $3.263M with no compensation; offer sheet Raiders March 19/Patriots matched; $13.508M/2 yrs, $7.75M gtd/$2.5M SB/$4.842 2025 cap)

• S Jaylinn Hawkins (UFA; $1.8M/1 yr, $650K gtd/$350K SB/$1.8M 2025 cap/$450K incentites)

• TE Austin Hooper (potential UFA; $5M/1 yr, $4M gtd/$2M SB/$5M 2025 cap/$2M incentives)

• T Demontrey Jacobs (potential ERFA; $960K/1 yr, no gtd/$960K 2025 cap)

• DL Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (potential ERFA; $2.475M/ 2 yrs, $350K gtd/$100K SB/$1.08M 2025 cap

DEPARTURES

• C David Andrews (4/4; released/failed physical)

• LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (2/2; released/failed physical)

• QB Jacoby Brissett (8/5; UFA Cardinals; $12.5M/2 yrs, $6.5M fully gtd/$1.5M gtd injury only fully gtd March 2026/$3.5M SB/$7.19M 2025 cap)

• DL Daniel Ekuale (16/16; UFA Steelers; $2.8M/1 yr, $1.63M SB/$2.8M 2025 cap)

• DT Davon Godchaux (17/17; traded Saints)

• LB Curtis Jacobs (9/2; released)

• CB Jonathan Jones (17/14; UFA Commanders; $5.5M/1 yr, $4.5M gtd/$2.5M SB/$5,5M 2025 cap/$1M incentives)

• QB Joe Milton III (1/0; traded Cowboys)

• K Joey Slye (17/0; UFA Titans; $1.295M/1 yr, $25K SB/$1.155M 2025 cap)

• G/C Lecitus Smith (8/1; released)

• DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (15/5; UFA Commanders; $3.25M/1 yr, $2.35M gtd/$1M SB/$3.16M 2025 cap)

DEPTH CHART (Courtesy of Ourlads)

VEGAS ODDS — PREDICTION — WAGERING INSIDER

Rake Vegas with All Access Football Wagering Insider — Part of AAF Annual Plan