Pats Pulpit
There is not one individual reason why the New England Patriots transformed into one of the best teams in the NFL this season. Rather, their success is a complex mosaic whose parts include quarterback play, coaching, free agency success, player development, injury luck and schedule, among countless other factors.
One that cannot be disregarded among them is rookie performance. In the first year under head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots relied heavily on their first-year personnel. Draft picks like first-rounder Will Campbell have been integral to the team’s play this season, as have been lower-profile players brought aboard in the late rounds or through rookie free agency.
With no football being played this week, at least at One Patriot Place, let’s take a look at the Patriots’ rookie class and see where it stands with the 13 weeks in the books.
LT Will Campbell (IR): The Patriots drafted Campbell fourth overall in April to be their left tackle of not just the future, but the present. Unsurprisingly, he immediately slid into the starting role and never looked back. Before suffering a sprained MCL in Week 12 against Cincinnati, the LSU product rarely missed a beat or any meaningful snaps. While he did work through the expected rookie growing pains — he has given up five sacks and 25 total quarterback pressures this season — his play overall was encouraging both as a pass protector and a run blocker. Whenever he returns to the lineup, he will do so as a foundational piece for the Patriots both in 2025 and beyond. | 12 games (12 starts), 87.5% offensive snaps, 5.4% special teams snaps
RB TreVeyon Henderson: One of the most dynamic offensive skill position players coming out this year, Henderson started slowly but has recently begun to hit his stride. Initially a rotational second option, he took over the top spot while starter Rhamondre Stevenson was nursing a toe injury and continued to look good after the veteran’s return as well. On the year, he has carried the ball 129 times for 625 yards — an average of 4.8 yards per carry — and five touchdowns. Additionally, he has caught 32 passes for 199 yards and another score and is therefore the team’s current leader in both scrimmage yards (824) and scores (6). His pass protection has been a bit hit-or-miss, but all in all the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of November keeps showing why he was made a second-round pick earlier this year. | 13 games (4 starts), 47.9% offensive snaps, 7.5% special teams snaps
WR Kyle Williams: The Patriots’ wide receiver group has performed at a high level this year, but Williams has been one of the more quiet members of the group. Effectively serving as the fifth option overall and No. 3 on the perimeter, the third-round pick has hauled in five passes for 143 yards. He has struggled with consistently getting on the same page as Drake Maye, but the pair has hooked up twice...
