The 2025 Patriots will bear little resemblance to the group that took the field in 2024. Mike Vrabel entered the scene, and numerous players have been sent out the door or not been re-signed. Change is afoot, and no one is exempt if they don't fit the culture or the new Patriots' scheme.
Vrabel has almost totally revamped his offensive line with additions both in free agency and the draft. He's also augmented a poor receiving corps by signing two talented former Bills' free agent receivers, drafting an explosive one in the third round, and signing perhaps the best college slot receiver in the nation in undrafted free agency.
Yet, Vrabel hasn't neglected his defense. Having been a top edge player for the Patriots, Vrabel restocked his defense at all three levels. He added arguably the best free-agent defensive tackle, a top cornerback, and bolstered the linebacking corps. That unit's now garnering positive attention.
Pro Football Focus tabs the Patriots' linebackers as the 3rd best in the NFL
Among the revamped positional groups is the Patriots' linebacker corps. Pro Football Focus, one of the best analytical outfits in the business, has released a shocking rating for this newly reconstructed Patriots unit.
"New England’s combination of old and new faces gives the team a potentially formidable linebacker unit. Newcomer Robert Spillane ranks third in the NFL with a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade since the start of 2023. Jahlani Tavai struggled at times last season but posted an outstanding 86.6 PFF overall grade in 2023. Christian Elliss earned a solid 72.6 mark in his first expanded opportunity last season. Ex-Titan Jack Gibbens flashed his potential with a 77.9 PFF overall grade over the past two years.
Linebacker-turned-head-coach Mike Vrabel has to like his options at his former position this season."
This rating has to be startling since the Patriots' linebackers previously were geared to a different system than Vrabel employs. Yet, in one offseason, he has so thoroughly reconstituted it that PFF has given the unit its nod as the NFL's third-best.
Since the Patriots' defensive line has the potential to be one of the NFL's best, and its two cornerbacks are arguably as good as any tandem in the league, things are certainly looking up for New England's defense, which struggled to get off the field and make plays in 2024.
Vrabel's additions have changed the linebacking corps dramatically
One of Mike Vrabel's best 2025 offseason additions was linebacker Robert Spillane. Spillane is a tackling machine who racked up more than 150 stops in 2023 and 2024 to go along with a whole host of other big plays. He'll start and he'll lead. Expect him to be named a Patriots 2025 captain as he's already exhibiting leadership.
The returnees may be Jahlani Tavai and Anfernee Jennings, who also play on the edge. Neither is a good fit for Vrabel's more speed-based, attacking system. Don't be surprised if one is not on the final 2025 roster. Christian Elliss is a solid and relatively unheralded linebacker who recently received a contract extension. He'll be given numerous opportunities to shine under Vrabel.
Elliss had a breakout season in 2024. Though he only started five games, he racked up 80 stops, with five quarterback hits, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and recovery, five passes defended, and 1.5 sacks. Elliss is just scratching the surface of his potential. He's a perfect fit for Vrabel's attacking style of defense. Expect him to play and start a lot more in 2025. Jack Gibbens is a former Vrabel guy in Tennessee, and he'll be given chances, as well.
PFF sees good things in the Patriots' linebacker corps, a unit that didn't distinguish itself in 2024. Yet, new additions Spillane and Gibbens, along with the emerging Elliss, will take the unit's performance to a new level in 2025. Add this group to the terrific defensive interior, solid edge players, and lockdown cornerbacks, and you have the makings of a top 2025 NFL defense.
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