Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who is coming off a torn ACL, appeared to be moving extremely well during the non-padded spring practices.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who is coming off a torn ACL, appeared to be moving extremely well during the non-padded spring practices.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
A year after starting the season as betting underdogs in all 17 of their regular-season games, the Patriots are projected to take a significant jump in 2025.
Las Vegas currently lists New England’s over-under win total at 8½ games, while ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Patriots a 32 percent chance of advancing to the playoffs.
So, what needs to go right for the Patriots to rebound following back-to-back 4-13 seasons?
All eyes are understandably on quarterback Drake Maye, who flashed high potential as a rookie. Despite New England’s inefficient, sputtering offense last season, Maye was able to showcase his arm strength, mobility, and leadership. The expectation is that he can take a leap in Year 2, with help from an improved coaching staff and supporting cast.
Outside of Maye, though, which Patriots need to step up this season?
Let’s take a look at some of the non-quarterbacks facing pressure to perform:
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs
Even though Diggs turns 32 in November and is recovering from a torn ACL, he is the wide receiver closest to a traditional No. 1 option. Diggs is the only receiver on New England’s roster to have logged more than 1,000 yards (or even 800) in a season — and he did so for six straight years before suffering his knee injury in 2024.
The Patriots, who haven’t had a wide receiver eclipse 1,000 yards since Julian Edelman in 2019, initially pursued Chris Godwin in free agency but pivoted to Diggs once Godwin elected to stay in Tampa Bay. The Patriots also signed Mack Hollins and drafted Kyle Williams in the third round, but they are turning to Diggs as their premier talent.
Amid concerns about his ability to bounce back from a significant injury at this age, Diggs appeared to be moving extremely well during the non-padded spring practices. He also acknowledged he has familiarity with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’s scheme because Brian Daboll ran a similar system for his four seasons in Buffalo.
It remains a possibility the Patriots will place Diggs on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, so his status during training camp will be worth monitoring. A player placed on PUP to open camp can come off at any time, but a player placed on PUP to open the season must miss at least the first four games of the season.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Diggs said in June. “Obviously, I don’t make the rules. I’m grinding each and every day, though. I can’t do too much of the team stuff, but I’m eager to get out there, so whenever they do press the button, I’m going to be ready.”
The offensive line
The line has been one of New England’s most inconsistent and ineffective units in recent years, with both substandard pass protection and run-blocking.
It feels unfair to single out an individual, as the line will feature multiple new faces. Addressing the unit was an offseason priority, as the Patriots drafted left tackle Will Campbell and signed veteran right tackle Morgan Moses.
Still, questions remain. Can Campbell’s game translate to the pros despite his shorter-than-average arms and wingspan? How does Cole Strange look at left guard after a full season away from the position? Can the 34-year-old Moses continue his impressive durability? How will the transition to Garrett Bradbury at center go, or might rookie Jared Wilson make a push for the starting job?
Last year, New England’s most-used offensive line combination was on the field for just 28.43 percent of the snaps. Even maintaining consistency across the line could be considered a step in the right direction. But the Patriots undoubtedly will need the group to improve in order to facilitate Maye’s development and the offense’s rhythm.
Defensive end Milton Williams
The Patriots signed Williams to the richest contract in franchise history with a four-year, $104 million deal, so there’s no doubt they envision him as a cornerstone.
Williams spent his first four seasons in Philadelphia, where last year he was on the field for a career-high 47.85 percent of the defense’s snaps. His snap count is expected to see a considerable increase in New England, where he should contribute on all three downs as a pass rusher and run defender.
The increased workload excites the 26-year-old Williams.
“I want to be out there,” Williams said shortly after signing his contract. “I ain’t going to leave no stone unturned when it comes to preparing, being healthy, being in the best shape that I can be in, and being out there and being productive.”
New England’s defensive front could be one of the league’s best, if Williams can deliver. Williams has expressed an eagerness to play alongside Christian Barmore, who has returned after blood clots sidelined him for the majority of last season, and Keion White, who has exhibited a more positive outlook following a rocky end to former coach Jerod Mayo’s tenure.
Williams also will likely play an important role in establishing the team’s culture under Mike Vrabel. Not only did the Patriots make a coaching change, but Vrabel also moved on from several of the team’s previous leaders (e.g. David Andrews, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Joe Cardona). Given his contract and character, Williams would be a strong candidate to set an example.
Cornerback Carlton Davis
Davis didn’t have much of a presence during the spring, so training camp will offer a better opportunity to evaluate the tantalizing duo of him and Christian Gonzalez.
The big question for Davis is, can he stay healthy?
In his seven years in the NFL, the 28-year-old has never played a complete season. He’s missed 2-7 games each year, with his longest stint on injured reserve stemming from a quadriceps strain in 2021. It doesn’t appear any of his injuries are recurring issues.
When healthy, Davis is effective in coverage. He brings size (6 feet 1 inch, 206 pounds) and experience (Super Bowl champion with the Buccaneers) to New England’s otherwise young cornerback room. Davis and Gonzalez should form one of the strongest lockdown tandems in the league.
Cornerback Carlton has missed time because of injuries in each of his seven NFL seasons.
Cornerback Carlton has missed time because of injuries in each of his seven NFL seasons.Greg M. Cooper/Associated Press
If Davis has to miss time, though, New England’s depth chart drops off significantly. Marcus Jones, who is slated to play in the slot, has shown he can hold his ground on the perimeter, but his size (5-8) still makes him a target. That leaves Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial, Isaiah Bolden, and Kobee Minor.
Austin is in line as the next man up and could rotate in throughout the season.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.