Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is part of a new era in Foxborough.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is part of a new era in Foxborough.Barry Chin/Globe Staff
The Patriots have turned over nearly half their roster from last season.
Let’s meet this year’s team, including the 26 new faces, with a mix of fun facts, analysis, and background into their lives and NFL journeys …
Rookie long snapper Julian Ashby: The Patriots selected Ashby in the seventh round, making him the first long snapper drafted since 2021.
Cornerback Alex Austin: When Austin signed with the Patriots in November 2023, one of the first people he called was his “uncle” Willie McGinest, whom he considers family. Said Austin, “We’re not blood, but we’re real close.” Both McGinest and Austin are from Long Beach, Calif.
Punter Bryce Baringer: Baringer can often be found on the golf course during the offseason, and even competed in the 2024 Massachusetts Amateur Championship. He has spoken about the parallels between golfing and punting.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore: The Patriots are hopeful Barmore can return to form this year after blood clots sidelined him for the majority of last season. He signed a four-year, $84 million extension in April 2024.
Rookie kicker Andy Borregales: When the Patriots held their first “Pawtriots” event to open training camp, Borregales and his wife, Stephanie, adopted a puppy.
Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte: It’s been an eventful two NFL seasons for Boutte, who barely played as a rookie after not getting two feet down on a critical catch, was arrested on gambling charges that were later dropped, and had his name in trade rumors following his breakout 2024 season. Headed in Year 3, Boutte appears to be a mainstay in the offense.
Center Garrett Bradbury: Bradbury’s brother-in-law, Jackson Kowar, is best friends with Drake Maye’s brother Cole because the two played college baseball together at Florida. When the Vikings released Bradbury in March, the pair pushed hard for New England.
Offensive lineman Ben Brown: Brown made his first career start three days after signing with the Patriots in October last season and has since carved out a role as a top interior backup.
Rookie offensive tackle Marcus Bryant: Listed at 6 feet 7 inches, Bryant is the tallest player on the roster.
Rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell: After much discussion about his preseason performance, and the impact of his shorter-than-average arm length, Campbell has a big test in Week 1: Maxx Crosby.
Edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson: Chaisson was one of the biggest risers during camp, consistently generating pressure and registering “sacks.” He seems primed for a big year.
Rookie wide receiver Efton Chism: Chism was one of three undrafted rookies to make the roster. Now, the question is, will he play?
Cornerback Carlton Davis: In his seven-year career, Davis has never played a complete season. He’s missed 2-7 games each year.
Quarterback Tommy DeVito: DeVito’s agent is Salem native Sean Stellato, who still lives in the area.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs: Coming out of high school as a five-star recruit, Diggs turned down offers from powerhouse schools to play at Maryland in order to stay close to home and be there for his two younger brothers, Trevon and Derez, following the death of their father.
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs: Dobbs, who graduated from Tennessee with a degree in aerospace engineering, has completed two externships with NASA during his NFL career.
Wide receiver DeMario Douglas: Douglas’s nickname originally was “Poppa,” as an homage to his grandfather who died on his first birthday. But many have shortened it to “Pop.”
Safety Kyle Dugger: Despite getting shopped ahead of the roster cutdown deadline, Dugger remains on the team as one of New England’s longest-tenured players. He is entering his sixth season as a Patriot.
Linebacker Christian Elliss: Supporting families with adopted children, as well as those looking to adopt, is a personal and meaningful cause for Elliss, who has eight adopted siblings.
Rookie defensive tackle Joshua Farmer: Farmer, who grew up in Florida and stayed in the state for high school and college, said he’s never seen snow in person.
Linebacker Jack Gibbens: Back in Tennessee, coach Mike Vrabel gave Gibbens the nickname “Dr. Gibby” because he kept acing Vrabel’s pop quizzes during rookie minicamp in 2022.
Running back Antonio Gibson: Gibson is one of the more affable players in the locker room, willing to discuss a variety of topics, from his thoughts on “Wicked” to fantasy football to international travel.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez: To supplement his football training, Gonzalez added pilates to his offseason routine this year.
Rookie defensive tackle Eric Gregory: At the scouting combine, Gregory tied for the second-most bench press reps (28) among his position group.
Safety Jaylinn Hawkins: Hawkins also practices pilates. His wife, Jayda, has also been working to become certified as an instructor.
Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson: Faith is extremely important to Henderson, who is regularly quoting Bible verses and referencing his relationship with God. In June, Henderson was a guest speaker at the Duxbury High School Bible Club’s second annual “Revival.”
Tight end Hunter Henry: Henry has been one of the team’s most reliable contributors amid the recent offensive struggles. His steady production is expected to continue under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins: For the past six or seven years, Hollins has chosen to go barefoot (when he can), following a meeting with trainers from Melbourne Muscular Therapy.
Tight end Austin Hooper: Hooper got married this offseason in Napa Valley.
Cornerback D.J. James: Listed at 184 pounds, James is the lightest player on the roster. As a college senior in 2023, James was listed at 163 pounds on Auburn’s roster. He intentionally bulked up heading into the draft in 2024.
Linebacker Anfernee Jennings: Jennings joins Dugger not only as one of the team’s longest-tenured players but also as a defensive veteran with an unclear future.
Cornerback Marcus Jones: Making music is one of multiple off-field passions for Jones, who has been working to release an EP.
Outside linebacker Harold Landry: Landry met his wife, Dani, when they were students at Boston College. The couple started as friends before going on their first “official” date at the now-closed Top of the Hub.
Offensive tackle Vederian Lowe: Lowe has an arm length of 35⅜ inches, which is in the 93rd percentile of offensive linemen.
Linebacker Marte Mapu: After entering the league as a linebacker-safety hybrid, primarily playing safety, Mapu has made the switch to full-time linebacker.
Quarterback Drake Maye: One of, if not the most important story lines this season is Maye’s development in Year 2. He showed potential as a rookie and is expected by many to take a significant leap.
Offensive tackle Morgan Moses: Vrabel spoke about the importance of players that will maintain leadership roles despite not being voted captains. Moses is among those at the top of the list.
Offensive guard Mike Onwenu: Onwenu is one of the organization’s best draft picks since the departure of Tom Brady. He’s demonstrated impressive versatility, taking snaps as a starting tackle and guard.
Safety Dell Pettus: Pettus is one of 14 undrafted players on the roster.
Defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms: Pharms’s road to the NFL included two community colleges (Sacramento City and San Joaquin Delta), a Division 2 school (Friends University), a Champions Indoor Football League team (Wichita Force), and a USFL team (Pittsburgh Maulers).
Rookie edge rusher Elijah Ponder: Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith was effusive in his praise for Ponder, calling him “one of the best undrafted free agent pickups” he’s ever seen.
Special teamer Brenden Schooler: Schooler accomplished one of his goals for the season by being voted a captain.
Linebacker Robert Spillane: As part of his offseason training, Spillane hikes mountains forward with his eyes closed, in addition to backward while blindfolded. The goal is to create confidence and trust within his body.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson: Stevenson is mourning the loss of his father, Robert, who died in March at 54.
Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga: Tonga, a Utah native, completed a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wichita, Kan.
Offensive lineman Caedan Wallace: Wallace joins Maye as the only members of the 2024 draft class still on the active roster. After playing right tackle in college, Wallace spent most of the spring at guard.
Tight end Jack Westover: Westover changed his number from 87 to 37, which reflects his expected usage as a fullback.
Defensive end Keion White: With three coaches and three defensive coordinators in three years, White has popped at times but is still working on establishing consistency.
Rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams: Williams started his college career at UNLV but transferred to Washington State for the opportunity to play with quarterback Cam Ward.
Defensive tackle Milton Williams: Williams has a close relationship with his father, who served as his first trainer and instilled the importance of a strong work ethic.
Rookie offensive lineman Jared Wilson: At the combine, Wilson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.84 seconds and reached a top speed of 21.04 miles per hour.
Cornerback Charles Woods: After being released by the Rams, Woodson was planning on staying in Los Angeles on the practice squad. But the Patriots claimed him off waivers.
Rookie safety Craig Woodson: Woodson graduated from Cal with a degree in film and media. One of his hobbies is photography.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.