Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus recently highlighted one reason for optimism for each NFL team heading into the 2025 season.
For the New England Patriots, many might expect the focus to be on second-year quarterback Drake Maye or the improved offensive line. However, Wasserman chose to spotlight a different area: the defense under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
The Patriots made several significant moves to strengthen their defense this offseason, starting with the headline signing of former Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams on a four-year, $104 million deal. Williams will team up with a now-healthy Christian Barmore to fortify the defensive line. At cornerback, New England brought in veteran Carlton Davis III to pair with standout Christian Gonzalez, forming what could become one of the NFL’s elite duos. The linebacker group was also upgraded with the acquisition of Robert Spillane.
Wasserman wrote:
“The Patriots have the makings of a potentially dangerous defense. They handed out a huge contract to former Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, who led all interior defenders with a 91.7 PFF pass-rush grade last season. New linebacker Robert Spillane placed sixth at his position with an 87.3 PFF run-defense grade. Carlton Davis III could form one of the league’s best cornerback duos with Christian Gonzalez.
Throw in playmakers such as Christian Barmore, Keion White, and Marcus Jones, and the Patriots could have one of the NFL’s emerging defenses this season under head coach Mike Vrabel.”
Defense has long been a strength for New England, even during the final years of the Bill Belichick era. While the team struggled to find a consistent defensive identity last season, that trend could be reversing under Vrabel’s leadership.
Leave a Reply