8 Burning Questions As Mike Vrabel, Patriots Gear Up For Training Camp
Roster battles, rookie competitions and more will highlight Patriots training camp
Everybody expects the New England Patriots to be better, right?
That’s not even a question.
But there are other questions remaining, and we’ve highlighted a handful of them with the new-look Patriots set to begin training camp Wednesday.
1. Will the Patriots be able to keep the good vibes rolling?
There’s no question the conversation is different around this team. There’s well-deserved optimism among the fanbase after major offseason turnover. To many, the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo and week-later hiring of Mike Vrabel was like putting Jimmy Buffett on the speakers. Vrabel’s ability to hire a varsity coaching staff compared to Mayo’s Pop Warner group was felt, too. Each offseason signing and highly-graded draft pick allowed fans to put another lei around their neck. Vrabel and company have the opportunity to carry those vibes into the preseason and regular season with a strong camp. But if the offense struggles to the same extent it did last preseason, or if the defense doesn’t level up to how it looks on paper, well, those offseason vibes might be left in the offseason.
2. How does Will Campbell stack up once the pads come on?
Campbell’s full workload and ensuing judgement won’t start until the Patriots strap on the pads. When they do, though, Campbell will be one who draws a handful of attention. Media members and fans will be looking to see how his widely-criticized length holds up against NFL edge rushers. If Campbell stonewalls the likes of Keion White, Harold Landry and others, the Patriots likely will feel a lot better about their first-round pick — the fans certainly will.
3. How will a recovering Stefon Diggs look in his first camp in New England?
Diggs passed his physical and is expected to practice without any limitations, Vrabel told reporters Tuesday. It’s both a noteworthy and impressive update given Diggs tore his ACL in late October when he was a member of the Houston Texans. Diggs will now take the practice fields at Gillette Stadium after he inked a three-year deal with $25 million guaranteed. It’s been a while since the Patriots had someone with Diggs’ talent, and he’ll certainly be under close watch.
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4. Who emerges among the group of young wide receivers?
The wide receiver room represents arguably the toughest position battle to forecast. No, not because the Patriots have a handful of high-end receivers, but because they all feel jumbled together. Diggs is the obvious leader in the room. He’s joined by roster locks including Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and DeMario Douglas. After that group, though, it’s wide-open. Veteran Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte and sophomores Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker all will try to earn a spot. There won’t be enough to go around.
5. Who emerges among the crowded group at left guard?
Contrary to last offseason, New England’s offensive line seems to have some answers. Following an offseason where center David Andrews was the only definite, you can pretty much write four starters with sharpie. It’s almost certainly going to be right tackle Morgan Moses, right guard Mike Onwenu, center Garrett Bradbury and left tackle Will Campbell. The only unknown at this point is left guard. Potential starters include Cole Strange, Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, Caedan Wallace and rookie Jared Wilson, who could perhaps supplant Bradbury. It might not be the most fascinating position, but left guard represents one of the more intriguing roster battles.
6. How has Josh McDaniels changed?
Even though McDaniels trimmed down a bit, we’re still expecting him to rock his patented Patriots visor. Those aren’t the changes we’re referring to, of course. Instead, we’re talking about any tweaks he might implement in his third run as offensive coordinator. Is McDaniels going to start running the veer offense? No, obviously not. But McDaniels did talk about what he learned during his time away from the sidelines in 2024. Some new wrinkles could go a long way for Drake Maye and the youthful receiver room.
7. Which rookie earns biggest role in camp? (Disclaimer: Will Campbell not included)
There’s a lot of optimism surround this year’s rookie class. Second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson and third-round wide receiver Kyle Williams figure to provide the offense with a burst of energy and excitement. Fourth-round safety Craig Woodson and fourth-round defensive tackle Joshua Farmer are intriguing defensive prospects, too. And when it comes down to it, sixth-round kicker Andrew Borregales is a near lock to win the kicker competition.
8. How many undrafted rookies crack the initial 53-man roster?
The Patriots have a few undrafted rookies who are receiving atypical fanfare, and it’s because they produced in college football and other teams wanted them as undrafted players. Wide receiver Efton Chism III is receiving comparisons to fellow Eastern Washington product Cooper Kupp while running back Lan Larison has a serious chance to make the roster given his production on special teams. Tight end CJ Dippre is another rookie with potential.
The Patriots open training camp at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday.
