New England Patriots
Here’s a dozen players who could be surprisingly impactful this summer.
Kyle Williams catches a pass during OTAs in 2025. Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe
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5 Patriots training camp position battles to watch this summer
Everybody knows to watch the quarterback when the Patriots open training camp on Saturday.
Drake Maye is coming off of a breakout season that vaulted him into the MVP discussion and the Patriots into Santa Clara for a Super Bowl appearance.
Plus, he has new weapons to throw to in three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, who was Jordan Love’s favorite target in Green Bay last season.
The defensive standouts are obvious too. Christian Gonzalez established himself as one of the league’s best young cornerbacks and his contract situation is a major storyline to keep an eye on this summer. Milton Williams and Christian Barmore are a formidable duo on the defensive line.
But, what about the guys who are still fighting to make a name? From rookie rushers to veteran pass protectors, there are plenty of Patriots who have something to prove this summer.
Here are a dozen players to keep an eye on as we head into training camp this week.
Kyle Williams
The speedy receiver showed flashes as a rookie last season. He made New England’s longest catch of the year, a 72-yarder against the Buccaneers. However, it was one of just ten catches on 21 targets.
He’ll need a more consistent showing this summer as he fights to earn a role in a crowded wide receiver room. He showed up to spring workouts noticeably bigger and stronger than last year. It’s time to show what he can do when pads come on.
Eli Raridon
Speaking of potential targets for Maye, Eli Raridon has an opportunity to play right away if his summer goes well. Hunter Henry is the only tight end on the roster with more than one NFL catch (Jack Westover, who recently converted from fullback has one).
Beyond the immediate need, though, the Patriots have an opportunity to develop a tall, athletic, tight-end for Maye to throw to. Raridon is 6-feet-6 inches tall with a 36-inch vertical leap and a 4.62 40-yard dash. Maximizing those physical traits for production in the passing game could pay off in the long run.
Jam Miller
Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are set atop the Patriots running back depth chart. But, with Antonio Gibson out of the picture, there will be a battle for RB3.
Jam Miller (5-foot-10, 210 pounds, 4.42 40-yard dash) has size, power, and straight-line speed. He’s not the quickest running back out there, and there are questions about his pass-protecting ability and hands as a pass-catcher.
However, with Terrell Jennings beginning the year on the NFI list and Lan Larrison having missed all last season with a broken foot, the Patriots may keep their eyes on Miller.
Ben Brown
Ben Brown started ten games for the Patriots at center in 2024 and has also spent time as a reserve guard.
Having that versatility as a depth piece on the offensive line could serve New England well this season. Starting center Jared Wilson is a second-year player making a position switch. Left-guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has a lengthy injury history.
The Patriots could use a reliable backup at both spots.
Elijah Ponder
Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith said he has “very high expectations” for Elijah Ponder, who posted 24 tackles, four sacks, and a pair of fumble recoveries as a rookie last season.
Edge depth is an immediate need for the Patriots. Ponder, who made the roster as an underrated free-agent last season, should be in the mix to contribute.
Cory Durden
Cory Durden came to the Patriots as a practice squad signing last August and played well enough down the stretch last season to earn a regular role in the defensive line rotation.
The Giants cut him at the end of training camp last year and he still has plenty to prove with the Patriots, but, if he continues to improve, this season might be his first full one as a starter at nose tackle.
Leonard Taylor III
Patriots fans will recall Leonard Taylor’s field-goal block in the fourth quarter of the AFC title game in snowy Denver that helped preserve New England’s 10-7 win.
Making an impact on special teams is a quick way to get a coaching staff’s attention. Could the momentum help open other doors for the 24-year-old defensive tackle?
Gabe Jacas
With Harold Landry sidelined for the beginning of training camp, the Patriots could use all the help they can get on the edge.
Gabe Jacas hasn’t signed his rookie deal yet, but could become an intriguing piece once his contract situation gets resolved. He’s been described as a big, strong, rugged, and physical edge defender. His 11 sacks last season were seventh nationally among FBS players.
Dell Pettus
The Patriots bought in NFL interception leader Kevin Byard, pairing the three-time Pro Bowler with Craig Woodson in the defensive backfield.
Dell Pettus has made the roster three years in a row after going undrafted in 2024, and figures to be a contributor towards the team’s safety depth.
He also was the team’s punt protector in 2024 and could have a chance to reprise the role after Marte Mapu’s departure.
Kindle Vildor
Kindle Vildor has started at least one game for three of the four franchises he has played for.
He has 27 starts over six seasons, bringing experience to his role as a reserve cornerback on one of the team’s strongest units.
Reggie Gilliam
The Patriots picked up a physical fullback to help bolster the run game.
Reggie Gilliam comes to New England from Buffalo, which led the league in rushing yards last season. He’ll try to help New England break into the top-five.
James Hudson
For a brief period of time this summer, ESPN had Hudson listed ahead of Will Campbell on its Patriots depth chart at left tackle.
Campbell was hampered by an MCL injury during the second-half of the year and struggled during the playoffs. Keeping an eye on Hudson and rookie first-rounder Caleb Lomu could be interesting if Campbell’s problems persist.
Khari A. Thompson
Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
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