The Patriots are within the midst of a youth motion.
Twenty % of the Patriots’ 53-man roster is made up of rookies, which suggests they’re additionally clearly in a rebuild.
The Patriots saved 9 of their 11 2025 NFL Draft picks on their 53-man roster by way of cuts, and so they held onto two undrafted free brokers. The 2 draft picks who didn’t make it by way of final week’s cutdowns nonetheless landed on the apply squad.
So, let’s go player-by-player and set expectations for the Patriots’ Week 1 matchup in opposition to the Raiders.
OT Will Campbell
Campbell is the Patriots’ beginning left deal with. He’s been located there since he got here to Foxboro for rookie minicamp in Could.
He faces a formidable problem in Week 1, going through off in opposition to Raiders Professional Bowl edge defender Maxx Crosby, who rushes from each side of the road and is likely one of the best move rushers within the NFL. Crosby additionally led the NFL in tackles for loss in 2022 and 2023.
Past Crosby, the Raiders ought to have a comparatively weak protection. However Campbell can be thrown to the wolves instantly.
RB TreVeyon Henderson
Henderson can be a significant a part of the offense from Day 1, however he may not technically begin. Anticipate Rhamondre Stevenson to be the Patriots’ prime working again to begin the season. Antonio Gibson additionally must be blended in, as properly.
However Henderson ought to see vital snaps proper off the bat. The offense seemed higher and extra explosive when he was on the sector in coaching camp and the preseason. He was a greater working again at Ohio State when he was a part of a committee, nevertheless.
WR Kyle Williams
Williams is presently behind Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Holllins on the Patriots’ exterior extensive receiver depth chart. He must be lively in Week 1 in opposition to the Raiders, however solely anticipate Williams to tackle a part-time position.
Williams is the quickest of the Patriots’ exterior extensive receivers. He was much less producitve than Diggs, Boutte and Hollins in apply this summer season, nevertheless.
OL Jared Wilson
It might be a shock if Wilson, a third-round choose, wasn’t the Patriots’ beginning left guard to start the season. Wilson spent many of the summer season beginning at left guard, although Ben Brown did take over the position for one preseason sport. It was a short-lived demotion, nevertheless, and Wilson returned to the first-team unit.
Wilson performed middle final season at Georgia. There may very well be some rising pains for him sliding again to protect.
S Craig Woodson
One other rookie starter, Woodson rose up the depth chart all through the summer season, supplanting Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers for a prime position.
The fourth-round choose has the requisite vary and athleticism that head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams search for in a security.
DT Joshua Farmer
It’s no assure that Farmer can be lively on Sunday. He’s behind Christian Barmore, Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga on the depth chart. Jeremiah Pharms and Eric Gregory are additionally competing for snaps.
Farmer had a comparatively quiet summer season.
OLB Bradyn Swinson
Swinson begins the season on the Patriots’ apply squad. It might be a shock if he’s elevated for Sunday’s sport.
Okay Andres Borregales
Borregales beat out Parker Romo for the Patriots’ kicking job. He was stable all through coaching camp however did have some dangerous misses on longer area targets within the preseason.
OT Marcus Bryant
Bryant completed the summer season because the Patriots’ swing deal with, backing up each Campbell and Morgan Moses.
LS Julian Ashby
Anticipate Ashby to be the Patriots’ lengthy snapper. He by no means had competitors for the position this summer season.
CB Kobee Minor
Minor can also be starting the summer season on the apply squad. It might be a significant shock if he’s elevated in opposition to the Raiders.
WR Efton Chism
Chism made the Patriots’ 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent. He’s at the very least spent the early portion of practices donning a No. 1 jersey, imitating Raiders extensive receiver Tre Turner. That may very well be a sign that Chism gained’t have an offensive position on gameday.
OLB Elijah Ponder
Ponder additionally made the roster as a UDFA. And he’s additionally been sporting one other quantity in apply, indicating that he’s engaged on the scout staff this week. He additionally ought to have a key position within the kicking sport as a core particular teamer.
