Pats Pulpit
Notes and thoughts on the Patriots’ training camp, replacing a longtime veteran, free agent Christian Wilkins, and more.
The New England Patriots’ 2025 training camp is underway, with the first four practices already in the books. While those sessions were relatively light compared to what lies ahead, they did give fans and media alike a first extended glimpse at the team of new head coach Mike Vrabel.
Needless to say, our entire focus this week was on those first four practices sessions — sessions that you can recap in full detail here (Day 1), here (Day 2), here (Day 3), and here (Day 4). However, training camp was only one part of the NFL experience this week as our latest Sunday Patriots Notes show.
The Patriots entered training camp with a high number of rookie players on their roster. In total, 27 of the 91 players currently signed with the team are in their first year in the league. With the exception of undrafted safety Josh Minkins, who remains on the non-football injury list, all of them were able to get their feet wet.
Let’s run through the list to find out how involved they were, starting with New England’s first-round draft pick.
OT Will Campbell: Campbell has been the Patriots’ starting left tackle from Day 1, and has hardly missed any reps with the top offense. Starting edge Keion White did get the better of him on a few occasions, but the fourth overall selection in the draft has certainly been competitive. Starting on Monday, however, we will get a better look at his capabilities.
RB TreVeyon Henderson: Whenever he is on the field, Henderson’s elite speed is obvious. He has been involved as a rotational third running back alongside veterans Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, and led his position group in team drill targets on Saturday.
WR Kyle Williams: The third-round pick was off to a hot start on Wednesday, but has since cooled off a bit. He did see some starter level X-receiver reps during Saturday’s practice, but ultimately failed to catch either of his targets in team drills. He also dropped his lone target on Thursday, meaning that he has gone catch-less in two straight practices not counting Friday’s walkthrough.
OL Jared Wilson: Even though he remains a backup for now, Wilson has seen starter level reps at all three interior offensive line positions. He most prominently has been featured at center and left guard, where he might end up pushing starters Garrett Bradbury and Cole Strange. The full-pads sessions will show how realistic that outlook it.
S Craig Woodson: Woodson is currently serving as a backup safety, and was one of the players falling victim to Javon Baker’s long touchdown on Saturday. He did see a few snaps alongside starter Kyle Dugger, but mostly remains a package player for now.
DT Joshua Farmer: Working as the No. 4 at his position behind...
