The Patriots saw what the correct moves in free agency can do for a team.
In 2021, the team spent more money than any team in NFL history with a large group of veteran free agents. Some of the deals paid off with solid additions such as Matthew Judon, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, Davon Godchaux, and Jalen Mills. Other contracts – Jonnu Smith and Nelson Agholor – didn’t pay off.
However, the Patriots went from a 7-9 squad to a 10-7 playoff team. Of course, the Patriots also saw that building through free agency isn’t sustainable. The team hasn’t been to the playoffs since and is coming off back-to-back 4-win seasons.
The primary reason for the Patriots’ downfall has been poor drafting.
Outside of Drake Maye, no one made an impact in last year’s draft class. Only two players remain from the 2021 class and two are still on the roster from the 2022 class.
To properly rebuild this franchise, the Patriots need to hit on their draft picks. Much like in 2021, the Patriots have restocked their roster after spending millions in free agency. That should give them a boost in the win column.
However, if they’re going to sustain success, they need to bring in good players on rookie contracts. Here are five rookies who could make an impact this season:
Will Campbell, tackle
The Patriots hope they filled their biggest need with Campbell. The fourth overall pick projects as an instant Day 1 starter at left tackle. Last year, that spot was occupied by Vederian Lowe. The Patriots have tried to fill the position with the likes of Calvin Anderson, Chuks Okorafor, and Caedan Wallace. The results have been disastrous – and Drake Maye deserves better.
Campbell was a stud at LSU, starting as a true freshman. The Patriots had him in their starting lineup this spring. That’ll remain the case this summer. Campbell has to prove he can excel with a shorter wingspan – and the team believes he will.
TreVeyon Henderson, running back
When you draft a running back with the 38th overall pick, it’s because you think he can make a big impact. In OTAs and minicamp, Henderson showed off a burst of speed that’s rarely been seen in New England at the running back position. This Ohio State product looks like he’ll make an impact in the passing game as well.
Henderson has a chance to help Maye and the offense immediately. He looks like a nice complement to Rhamondre Stevenson, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him as the Patriots top running back sooner rather than later.
Kyle Williams, wide receiver
There’s a reason why the Patriots drafted a wide receiver in the third round after drafting one in the second and fourth rounds in 2024. Simply put – neither Ja’Lynn Polk nor Javon Baker lived up to expectations. Polk caught 12 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Baker caught one pass for 12 yards.
The Patriots lacked receivers who could beat man coverage last fall. It just so happens that Williams excelled against man coverage in college. He profiles as an X-receiver in the Patriots offense. Williams was already playing with Maye and the starting offense this spring. That could continue this summer and fall.
Craig Woodson, safety
The Patriots are already loaded at safety. The team returns both starters, Jabrill Peppers, and Kyle Dugger. They re-signed veteran free safety Jaylinn Hawkins, signed veteran Marcus Epps, and return Dell Pettus.
Despite all that, they drafted Woodson in the fourth round with pick 106. This spring, we saw why. Woodson differs from Dugger and Peppers because he’s a true free safety. He’s been lauded for his communication skills. He also intercepted Maye in OTAs. Woodson has a skill set that could see him playing in the Patriots defense immediately.
Andy Borregales, kicker
Since trading Nick Folk in 2023, the Patriots have been in kicker purgatory. That year, Chad Ryland finished last in the NFL in field goal percentage. Last season, he was beaten out in camp by Joey Slye, who set a franchise record with a 63-yard kick. However, Slye finished 27th in the NFL with a 78.8 field goal percentage.
The Patriots hope they’ve solved their kicking woes after drafting Borregales in the sixth round. This spring, he was great – making 95% (19-of-20) of his field goal attempts in five open practices. Borregales looked like the real deal – and the Patriots hope that carries into this summer and fall.
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