In the spring, we get a sneak peek of the upcoming season.
When the Patriots step on the practice field for the first time, it previews what could happen. Considering players aren’t wearing pads and contact isn’t allowed, the product doesn’t always reflect football in the fall.
That being said, this time of year is about learning. It’s where coaches learn about new players and players learn new systems.
Under new coach Mike Vrabel, this spring is very valuable for the Patriots. With a new defensive scheme and new offensive scheme, the hope is the players will work out some of the kinks before real football starts in training camp.
Last week, Vrabel was asked what constituted a good day of OTAs. He said it wasn’t necessarily about the on-field play.
“That we’re in and out of the huddle, that there’s clean substitution, that there’s communication. You hear the defense making checks when somebody on the offense moves or motions,” Vrabel said. “There’s coordination, that the offense is moving with urgency, and that the play clock isn’t sitting at zero for four seconds. All the operational things. Then obviously, there’s got to be a level of execution when we’re in the speed. Then when we get to the jog-through, can we practice at a tempo that’s less than 100% and still get something out of it?”
The Patriots returned to the practice field this week for three days of OTAs. The media will be at Wednesday’s session. Here’s what to look for:
Drake Maye
Last week, in the first open practice, Drake Maye threw four interceptions. Without knowing the play call, it’s hard to pinpoint the fault of each turnover. However, the number of picks thrown was unusual. Last year, in five open spring practices, Maye threw three interceptions as a rookie. In all of training camp, he finished with five turnovers.
Whether it’s his fault or not, the Patriots need cleaner play from their first-team offense. The success of this franchise hinges on the development of Maye, who was the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL last season. He’ll need to be better than he was last week.
Stefon Diggs
In their one open practice last week, the Patriots had a big list of veterans who weren’t full participants. Stefon Diggs was among them as the veteran receiver wasn’t present. That changed, however. The Patriots posted a photo of Diggs at a later OTAs practice.
Since that session was closed to the media, we don’t know how involved Diggs was – if at all. One big thing to monitor on Wednesday is Diggs participation. The belief is that he’s on schedule to play in Week 1. Coming off a season-ending knee injury, the Patriots will likely be cautious. Whenever he does line up on offense, it’ll be fascinating to see if Diggs can be the No. 1 receiver the Patriots desperately need.
Left guard
The Patriots hope they’ve shored up most of their offensive line with the additions of Will Campbell (left tackle), Morgan Moses (right tackle), and Garrett Bradbury (center). Add in the return of right guard Michael Onwenu and the big question is who will start at left guard.
Last week, Cole Strange had the first reps at the position. That likely means it’s his competition to lose. If all goes well, that makes the most sense. Strange, 26, started 27 games at left guard in his first two NFL seasons. He was playing his best football before suffering a torn patellar tendon. His biggest competition comes from Wes Schweitzer, Layden Robinson, and undrafted free agent Jack Conley.
Rookies
It’s always fun to see where first-year players fit in. Last week, Will Campbell was instantly placed into the top left tackle spot. Considering he’s the No. 4 overall pick, that’s not a surprise.
It was a decent debut for several rookies. Running back TreVeyon Henderson looked very fast and was already repping with Maye. Third-round pick Kyle Williams made one of the best catches of the day on a Maye deep ball. Undrafted free agent receiver Efton Chism III caught the most passes in that practice. Can he keep it up? Rookies will need a consistent offseason before they’re trusted to play major minutes in the fall.
Kicking competition
Last week, Andres Borregales showed everyone why he was considered the best-kicking prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. In the one open practice, the Miami product was a perfect 4-of-4 on field goal attempts. His competition, John Parker Romo, was 2-of-4 on the day.
To win this competition, a kicker needs to show consistency all offseason. Borregales made a strong first impression and it’s worth watching to see how he develops this spring and summer. The hope is that the Patriots found an answer to their kicking woes.
