New defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been away from the Patriots since suffering a medical scare in March.
New defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been away from the Patriots since suffering a medical scare in March.George Walker IV/Associated Press
The Patriots kick off training camp in two weeks.
The team has much to sort out this summer, so let’s take a look at five pressing questions facing coach Mike Vrabel and the roster:
1. What’s the latest on defensive coordinator Terrell Williams?
The Patriots practiced throughout the spring without Williams, who has been away from the team since suffering a medical scare in March. Williams has maintained a presence virtually, while linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has taken on more responsibilities.
Vrabel hasn’t provided details on Williams, most recently saying that he’s “doing well.”
“He’ll be here soon and excited about that,” Vrabel said in June during mandatory minicamp. “So, I think everybody’s looking forward to that.”
Williams is set to call defensive plays this season, so the earlier he can return to the sidelines, the better. New England’s defense is expected to bounce back after finishing near the bottom of the NFL in several key statistical categories last year — last in sacks (28), tied for 29th in interceptions (7), and 27th in opponents’ third-down percentage (43.3).
2. How does Will Campbell look at left tackle?
The spring practices weren’t the strongest representation of Campbell’s — or any offensive lineman’s — ability because the players were not wearing pads.
Once live contact is introduced, training camp and the preseason games will offer a more comprehensive look into Campbell and the rest of the offensive line. The starting line projects to be Campbell at left tackle, 2022 first-round pick Cole Strange at left guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard, and Morgan Moses at right tackle.
Will Campbell figures to be the starting left tackle when the Patriots open the season Sept. 7 against the Raiders.
Will Campbell figures to be the starting left tackle when the Patriots open the season Sept. 7 against the Raiders.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
The 21-year-old Campbell faced questions about his arm length and wingspan throughout the pre-draft process, but his athleticism is expected to help compensate for his below-average measurables. The hope is New England’s revamped pass rush will pose a tough challenge during practice.
Campbell’s first test in the NFL will be a tough one: The Raiders’ Maxx Crosby is coming to town in Week 1.
3. Who are the odd men out at wide receiver?
The Patriots have a logjam of wide receivers, especially at the bottom of their depth chart.
Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and rookie Kyle Williams — players acquired this offseason under the new regime — are seemingly roster locks. DeMario Douglas, New England’s leading receiver the past two seasons, is pretty close to one, too.
If the Patriots opt to keep six wide receivers on their 53-man roster, then there are two available spots among Kendrick Bourne, 2023 sixth-round pick Kayshon Boutte, 2024 second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk, 2024 fourth-round pick Javon Baker, and undrafted rookie Efton Chism.
The soon-to-be 30-year-old Bourne was among the players spotted this week at a throwing session with quarterbacks Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs. Bourne has developed a reputation for his positive energy, but his production has underwhelmed following a career year in 2021 and torn ACL in 2022. Now that he is reuniting with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and entering camp healthy, Bourne has expressed confidence that this season will be better.
Should the Patriots decide to release Bourne, they’ll save $6.3 million against the salary cap this year and another $6.5 million next year.
The team would then be moving forward with a younger crop of receivers. The 23-year-old Boutte broke out for 589 yards last season, leading the team with 11 catches of at least 20 yards. Chism flashed promise during the spring and could be the next shifty slot receiver to succeed under McDaniels.
As for Polk and Baker? Both would need to have a remarkable turnaround, given their statistics last season. Polk, who practiced in a limited capacity all spring after offseason shoulder surgery, also was present at the recent throwing session with the quarterbacks.
4. Is there a place for 2023 third-round pick Marte Mapu?
The Patriots had the 25-year-old Mapu working primarily at linebacker this spring, signaling a position change from safety.
“We don’t want to waste anybody’s time,” Vrabel said. “Just trying to find some versatility for him. He’s got a unique skill set. He’s got a good size, good length. He’s a good blitzer.”
Vrabel has a preference for smaller, more athletic linebackers, so Mapu’s frame (6 feet 3 inches, 230 pounds) would be a good match. There could be an opening for him, especially if Jahlani Tavai’s calf injury extends into camp. Tavai’s size and style (6-2, 255 pounds) also aren’t as strong of a fit for Vrabel’s defense.
If Mapu cannot catch on at linebacker, it’s hard to envision his role. Safety is a crowded position, with Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Marcus Epps, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler, and rookie Craig Woodson.
5. How many other rookies are ready to contribute?
In addition to Campbell, the Patriots have a couple of other rookies capable of making immediate impacts.
Second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson will be part of the running back rotation with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Even if McDaniels deploys a “by committee” approach, Henderson, known as an explosive playmaker, should still have plenty of touches. The same goes for Kyle Williams, who is also known as a big-play threat.
The Patriots, who finished last season as the only team with an explosive-play rate lower than 10 percent, would benefit greatly from the emergence of Henderson and/or Williams.
On defense, it would not be surprising if Woodson played meaningful snaps early because of his pro readiness and special teams experience. As for others, kicker Andres Borregales and long snapper Julian Ashby are projected to win jobs.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.