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The New England Patriots will officially start working with their rookies on Friday, as minicamp opens up at Gillette Stadium.
It’s a big day for the rookies, but also for those of us who like to prognosticate.
We spent months trying to figure out which free agents, college prospects, disgruntled stars and potential trade candidates could be acquired over the offseason, and now that we have our answers, it’s time to figure out which of those same players will be sticking around. It’s a never-ending cycle, but isn’t that what makes this all so fun?
I won’t get anything out of doing this (except for people touting which choices end up being wrong), but screw it, let’s take a stab at guessing the initial roster for New England in 2025:
In: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs
Out: Ben Wooldridge (R)
Drake Maye is the most important player that we’ll talk about in this little exercise, and in a perfect world, he’s the only one that matters. The Patriots know that he’ll be the starter, Joshua Dobbs will be his backup and Ben Wooldridge will help them with scout team looks throughout training camp.
I’d be surprised if they don’t add another depth arm before camp kicks off, though.
In: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison (R)
Out: Terrell Jennings
New England seemingly built things out so everyone in this room has roles designed specifically to match their strengths.
Rhamondre Stevenson will still lead this team in carries, as the switch back to a familiar system will help him get back on track. TreVeyon Henderson immediately became the most interesting player in this offense, as he’ll get plenty of touches in the passing game as the top reserve. Antonio Gibson will get his touches as a hybrid of the two players ahead of him, though you should expect him to pick up more special-teams work this season.
Lan Larison will compete with Terrell Jennings as the duo looks to earn a fourth spot that might not even be available. I chose to keep the latter here because he does provide some more juice, but this coaching staff does seem to be comfortable carrying only three running backs.
In: Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams (R), Kendrick Bourne, Mack Hollins, Ja’Lynn Polk
Out: Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, Efton Chism III (R), John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb (R), Demeer Blankumsee (R)
DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams are obviously making this team. Kendrick Bourne and Mack Hollins will, too, and although their on-field production doesn’t make the choice that obvious, their familiarity with the system will be invaluable and likely will have them playing in notable roles early in the season. Ja’Lynn Polk isn’t everyone’s favorite pass-catcher right now, but he’s a second-round pick who showed flashes in his rookie season before it seemed like coaching stunted his ability to develop.
I still believe he’ll turn things around, for whatever that is worth.
Stefon Diggs...
