FOXBOROUGH – On Sunday, dreams will be made for the Patriots’ 2025 rookie class as Week 1 marks the start of a new chapter in their lives.
The team’s home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders will be a meaningful, life-changing event for the Patriots’ first-year players.
On Sunday, 11 players will have a chance to make their NFL debut.
This year’s class is primed to make an impact in Mike Vrabel’s first season as Patriots coach. Three players are projected to start – left tackle Will Campbell, left guard Jared Wilson, and safety Craig Woodson. Running back TreVeyon Henderson is expected to play a big role in the offense.
Kicker Andy Borregales and long snapper Julian Ashby take over on special teams. Wide receiver Kyle Williams, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, and tackle Marcus Bryant will also provide depth on game day.
Here’s a look at the rookies’ potential roles and their thoughts on making their NFL dreams come true.
First round: Will Campbell, tackle
Drafted fourth overall, no one has bigger expectations in this rookie class than Campbell.
From Day 1, he was the Patriots’ starting left tackle. Campbell practiced in that spot all offseason and on Sunday, will debut as Drake Maye’s blindside protector.
“I’m super excited for the opportunity. It’s going to be fun,” Campbell said.
The Patriots have struggled to find a quality starting left tackle – and hope Campbell will be the solution to one of their biggest problems. He’ll be challenged on Sunday and could be matched up against Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
After a long training camp, Campbell said he’s ready to start his NFL career and feels prepared.
“Yeah, I do. I’m excited,” Campbell said. “We’ve been preparing for a while for this, so I’m just excited to get out there. “
Second round: TreVeyon Henderson, running back
The most exciting player in training camp was none other than the Patriots’ second-round pick. Henderson is one of the fastest players in New England in recent memory. Josh McDaniels said he was the fastest running back he’s ever coached.
Henderson profiles as a game-changing offensive weapon and explosive kickoff returner.
“I’m excited,” Henderson said. “I thank God for this opportunity. Got to put in the work this week and see how it all goes.”
Henderson will likely split reps with running back Rhamondre Stevenson. It’s unknown if he’ll start on Sunday, but he has a chance to make a major impact in the Patriots’ offense. He could also become their most dangerous offensive weapon.
“I feel really prepared,” Henderson said. “I feel like the Patriots have done a good job of preparing us and getting us ready, especially this week has been a slow buildup. They did a good job of keeping us focused. I’m excited.”
Third round: Kyle Williams, receiver
The Patriots haven’t had much luck in drafting receivers in the top four rounds. They hope to buck that trend with Williams.
Drafted in the third round, he excels in beating man coverage and is an excellent addition to the locker room. The rookie was all smiles this week in preparing for Sunday.
“I’m excited, man. The blood’s boiling,” Williams said. “I’m ready to go out there and make plays with the boys and go see the boys make plays. I feel like we’ve been itching to play with somebody else. So, the fact that we get a different opponent, so things are really ramped up. I love it.”
The Patriots have a lot of bodies at receiver. Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins project as the top four receivers. Williams could back up Boutte in the X-receiver spot.
Williams said it’s going to be special to play in his first NFL game.
“Honestly, it means the world to me. This is something I’ve been dreaming of as a kid,” Williams said. “Some days it still feels like a dream. Some days, reality kicks in, but the fact that I’m able to suit up in this locker room next to some boys I grew up watching and be able to go play beside some players I’ve been watching is just, I don’t know, man. All I can give thanks to is God.”
Third round: Jared Wilson, left guard
When the Patriots drafted Wilson in the third round, it looked like they landed their future starting center. That’s where Wilson excelled last season in Georgia.
However, this offseason, Wilson became one of the team’s biggest surprises by beating out Cole Strange, Caedan Wallace, and others for the team’s top left guard spot. Instead of backing up Garrett Bradbury at center, it looks like Wilson will start on Sunday.
“It’s fun. It’s exciting. Great opportunity,” Wilson said. “The past couple of days, I’ve just been looking back and looking at the journey I’ve gone through – high school, college, and now here. It’s exciting. Ready to get going.”
Wilson started his collegiate career at Georgia at center, but noted that he practiced at guard. Now, the Patriots will start two rookies on the left side of their offensive line.
The rookie said he’s ready for the challenge.
“(I feel) very well prepared,” Wilson said. “Especially coming in and going to center and then being asked to move to guard. It makes you learn more, prepare better. It makes your eyes open to see the whole picture, so it’s great.”
Fourth round: Craig Woodson, safety
When the Patriots drafted Woodson, it was thought that he would back up several veterans at the safety position. A natural free safety, Woodson could one day become a starting-caliber player in Vrabel’s defense.
Instead, it looks like he’ll start in his very first NFL game.
“Very excited,” Woodson said. “Just blessed to be here. Ready to get this thing going for real. First of many to come.”
This offseason, Woodson surpassed last year’s starters, Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers, on the safety depth chart. Now, he’s in a position to play a huge role in the Patriots’ defense.
“For me, it was just coming in and really learning the playbook and try to limit the distance between me and the vet guys,” Woodson said. “So, asking them questions, seeing how they work, and just trying to close the distance on that.”
Fourth round: Joshua Farmer, defensive tackle
The Patriots have star-studded defensive tackles with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. They also signed veteran Khyris Tonga in free agency. Add in Jeremiah Pharms, and this depth chart is loaded.
“Very excited,” Farmer said. “This is my first one. This is what I dreamed of as a kid. I think it’ll be a great moment.”
Still, the Patriots drafted Farmer in the fourth round. The Florida State product will provide more depth to the interior of the Patriots’ defensive line.
“Great group of guys,” Farmer said. “They help me a lot. I just try to soak everything up.”
Sixth round: Andy Borregales, kicker
There’s a reason why the Patriots made Borregales the highest-drafted kicker in April. At Miami, he was accurate and clutch for the Hurricanes, making 86% of his field goal attempts over four seasons.
This offseason, Borregales won a tight kicking competition with veteran Parker Romo. Now, he becomes the Patriots’ fourth kicker in four seasons following Nick Folk, Chad Ryland, and Joey Slye.
“I just think the whole body of work from the start of OTAs to summer time into training camp, I liked his whole body of work and the consistency he showed there,” said Patriots special teams coach Jeremy Springer. “It really helped us as we made the decision.”
Seventh round: Marcus Bryant, tackle
It’s hard to find quality tackle depth in the NFL. If all goes well, it appears that the Patriots may have found a late-round gem in Bryant.
This summer, Bryant emerged as the team’s top backup tackle, swinging back and forth on both sides of the offensive line. Now, he’s one injury away from having to protect Maye at right or left tackle.
“Really excited just being able to see my work come into play. I worked a long time for this moment. It’s a star-striking moment for me.”
Bryant started at left tackle at Missouri, but mainly played right tackle this summer. He’s one of the most important backup players on the roster.
“It was good just coming in every day and not thinking about any negatives. Try to be positive all the time,” Bryant said. “I came in and learned everything I needed for my technique. Learn from the vets around me. On top of that, just embracing the grind. I have high expectations for myself.”
Seventh round: Julian Ashby, long snapper
The Patriots were set at long snapper for the last 10 years with Joe Cardona. This offseason, it was a surprise when the Patriots drafted another in the seventh round.
The team followed that up by releasing Cardona, leaving the rookie Ashby as the only long snapper in New England.
“I’m pumped. We’ve been working toward it for four or five months now,” Ashby said. “Super excited to get out there and play some big-time football, again.”
Ashby has worked with Borregales dating back to high school at Hammer Kicking Academy. The two now start a new era in New England.
“Special teams is really all about chemistry,” Ashby said. “Having worked with him for five or six years now, helps to not even have to deal with that coming into the building. You already have the chemistry. You can focus on playing ball.”
Undrafted: Efton Chism III, receiver
A fan favorite, Chism evokes memories of slot receivers from the Patriots’ past. After breaking Cooper Kupp’s records at Eastern Washington, Chism looked like an NFL player this offseason.
It wasn’t a surprise when Chism made the Patriots’ 53-man roster.
“Super excited,” Chism said. “Super grateful for the opportunity. Try not to get too excited too early – one day at a time – and peak on Sundays. But I’m excited and getting ready to go.”
Much like Williams, Chism is behind several veterans on the Patriots’ receiver depth chart. He’ll back up Douglas, the team’s top slot receiver. Chism could also factor on special teams.
“For all of us rookies or first-year guys here, you walk in the room and the people we’re surrounded by, the history we’re surrounded by is surreal sometimes,” Chism said. “It’s pretty awesome. You realize how special this moment is.”
Undrafted: Elijah Ponder, edge rusher
Every offseason, there’s an under-the-radar player who emerges and takes someone’s roster spot. That was Ponder.
From Cal Poly, the edge rusher worked his way in as a top backup behind Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Keion White to earn a 53-man roster spot. Ponder made the team over fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson.
“I’m extremely excited,” Ponder said. “First NFL game. I’m just hoping for the best and ready to go out there and go and do my thing.”
Ponder projects as a core special teamer and backup edge rusher. This summer, outside linebackers coach Mike Smith called him “one of the best (undrafted) free agent pickups” he’s ever seen.
“All I knew is I was going to come in here and work,” Ponder said. “That’s all I had control over.”
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