In a recent mailbag, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer was asked if the Patriots defense could ascend to an elite level - a top-five level - in 2025. In short, Breer's response was no, but he did leave the door open slightly, considering the new additions the team had made.
Breer suggested the odds of an ascension from the 21st-ranked unit last season into the top five are low: something no one can refute. There's a reason zero-to-hero stories are such a big deal in the NFL. Just last season, we saw the lowly Commanders start the season with the second overall pick and end the year with a loss against the eventual Super Bowl Champion Eagles in the NFC Championship. Making a giant leap is rare, but each year, some team seems to rise to the occasion.
The question isn't a ridiculous one, though it may seem so at first glance. The team last season ranked closer to the top than to the bottom in terms of points allowed per game, and will play the easiest schedule of any squad in 2025.
The team's new additions, both to the roster and to the staff, cannot be overstated either. They paid north of $200 million combined for the three biggest defensive additions: Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, and Robert Spillane. They brought in the Lions' defensive line coach to be their new defensive coordinator.
Additionally, they saw contributors return in the form of Christian Elliss, Jeremiah Pharms, and Jaylinn Hawkins. In the draft, they added Joshua Farmer and Bradyn Swinson in rounds four and five, both considered steals at their respective draft positions.
Offseason additions won't be enough to elevate the Patriots' defense
Breer further suggests that the additions made to the defense will certainly bolster the unit, but even if they all do glue together, it may not be enough to elevate the group to the truly elite tier.
He lists Keion White and Christian Gonzalez as players who need to further step up and excel in the new defense. Although the latter was widely regarded as one of the best corners in football last season, the former still has some work to do. While he led the team in sacks with Deatrich Wise, he managed four of his five in the first two games. Afterward, he would go two months without sacking a QB.
Harold Landry was also nominated as a player who needs to return to his old self if the defense wants to excel.
There's no doubt this team and defense have the opportunity to be a top defense: they have the horses and the staff to do exactly that. But to expect it all to come together in one offseason may be a bit too much to hope for.
Examining last season's rankings, it will be challenging to surpass Philadelphia, the Chargers, or Denver for the top spots. Minnesota lost safety Cam Bynum, but should still be competitive. Detroit is always solid, and Buffalo's fall from their 2023 form should only be a blip based on the vast number of additions they've made. As a matter of fact, they're my dark horse to be the league's best.
Asking the Patriots to climb that high in a single offseason is asking a lot. However, hoping for a top 8-10 unit is far from ridiculous. While I think that is more realistic, if things pan out the way Vrabel and company hope they will, they have a legit shot at a top-five unit. Pats Nation has a lot to be excited about on the defensive side of the ball.
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