Pats Pulpit
We are in the midst of the NFL offseason, with little going on around the league as a whole and the New England Patriots specifically at the moment. Naturally, this week’s version of our Sunday Patriots Notes is therefore a shortened one.
Nonetheless, there are still a few things to talk about. So, let’s dive straight in.
The Patriots may not be singing the “draft and develop” tune quite as loudly as they did early during Eliot Wolf’s tenure as quasi-general manager, but they have still brought in a significant number of young players over the last few seasons. Among them are 21 entering their second seasons in the league — players naturally in position to make the famous sophomore jump.
Let’s take a closer look at them to find out who should be expected to show some significant improvement heading into 2026.
RB TreVeyon Henderson: The Patriots’ second-round pick a year ago, Henderson led the team in every major rushing statistic as a rookie. However, on the year as a whole he still played second fiddle to starter Rhamondre Stevenson. That is not necessarily expected to change too much this fall, but the youngster should still take on a more active role in the rotation. Improved vision and blocking should help him do so and become even more of a big play threat than he already was in 2025.
RB Lan Larison: After missing all of last season due to a leg injury, Larison will be competing for the No. 3 running back spot behind Stevenson and Henderson this summer. Based on spring practices, the versatile change-of-pace back can be seen as a frontrunner for that role.
FB Brock Lampe: Lampe, like Larison, had to spend all of 2025 on injured reserve. However, his path to a roster spot is blocked by veteran free agency pickup Reggie Gilliam. Pending incident of accident, Gilliam will be the Patriots’ fullback, leaving Lampe to aim for the practice squad.
WR Kyle Williams: Williams ran hot and cold during his rookie season but despite some promising plays had a limited overall impact. With the Patriots having revamped their receiving corps through the additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, he will face increased competition for playing time. That said, better depth especially at the X-receiver spot might allow the team to use him in a fashion better suited for his skillset.
WR Efton Chism III: Chism was a non-factor for much of 2025, but did spend all year on the 53-man roster nonetheless. He will get another prime opportunity to earn a spot on the team, and we believe he will ultimately be successful. Whether that means a more active role on offense or in the return game remains to be seen, but with Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte all in a contract year, the Patriots might be playing the long game.
WR Jeremiah Webb: Webb spent all of 2025 on the practice squad. Unless the former...
