Patriots jump 18 spots in ESPN’s ‘under-25’ talent rankings

With Drake Maye, Christian Gonzalez, and several other different younger items in place, the Patriots appear to have extra younger expertise now than they’ve had over the previous few years.

On Tuesday, ESPN published its rankings of teams with the best talent at age 25 and under.

New England, which was twenty fifth final yr, skyrocketed to No. 7 on the listing.

“Right here’s an up-and-coming assortment of younger expertise: the all-new, all-different Patriots!” ESPN’s Aaron Schatz wrote. “Maye is a really promising younger quarterback expertise who turns 23 on Aug. 30. He ranked seventeenth in QBR (58.6) final season regardless of subpar receiver and offensive line play.”

“However younger expertise is right here to avoid wasting the offense. First-round rookie Campbell is 21 years outdated. Third-round rookie middle Jared Wilson is 22. At receiver, the Patriots have 22-year-old rookie Kyle Williams, plus the 23-year-old Kayshon Boutte and 24-year-old DeMario Douglas. They might even be capable to get one thing out of 2024 second-round choose, Ja’Lynn Polk, who had a troubling rookie season however is 23 years outdated with loads of potential.”

The Patriots have higher weapons round Maye this yr on the ability positions.

Including Stefon Diggs, regardless that he’s coming off of a torn ACL, will greater than seemingly be an immediate improve for the receiver room.

Douglas is a promising slot receiver who has an opportunity to thrive suiting up alongside a No. 1 receiver like Diggs, which the Patriots haven’t had in years. Boutte, who loved a productive season final yr (43 catches, 589 yards), might obtain even much less consideration with Diggs and Douglas on the free.

Each this listing, and the Patriots’ success on offense this season, appears to have loads driving on Will Campbell. The rookie left-tackle was overpowered at occasions throughout his first padded apply however had a extra promising exhibiting on Tuesday. Because the No. 4 general choose within the draft, he’s anticipated to come back in and have an effect instantly.

Jared Wilson is off to a robust begin, mixing in with the first-teamers at each left-guard and middle occasionally.

Polk missed the primary 4 practices, however made a highlight-worthy TD catch on Monday and nearly had one other on Tuesday. The listing didn’t point out Javon Baker, who’s the extra bodily gifted (however much less productive up to now) of the 2 receivers from final yr’s draft class.

Gonzalez and Marcellas Dial, each cornerbacks, have been the one gamers from the Patriots’ protection who have been talked about on the listing.

Gonzalez, who now has a wholesome season below his belt after lacking all however 4 video games throughout his rookie yr, is extensively thought of one of many high younger cornerbacks within the league. Dial primarily performed on particular groups final yr, however has a chance for extra snaps throughout this coaching camp with Gonzalez and Carlton Davis battling accidents.

Defensive finish Keion White, who was drafted in 2023, turned 26 in January.

“The Patriots have a lot much less younger expertise on the defensive facet of the ball,” Schatz wrote. “They concentrated their early draft picks this yr on offense and picked up most of their new defenders in free company. Even within the 2024 draft, the Patriots chosen just one defensive participant: sixth-round cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr., who turns 25 in December.”

Quarterbacks appeared to play an enormous function on this listing. 5 of the highest seven groups, together with the Patriots, had a quarterback below age 25.

Khari A. Thompson

Sports activities Reporter

Khari Thompson covers skilled sports activities for Boston.com. Earlier than becoming a member of the group in 2022, Khari lined faculty soccer for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.