The Patriots are in the midst of a youth movement.
Twenty percent of the Patriots’ 53-man roster is made up of rookies, which means they’re also clearly in a rebuild.
The Patriots kept nine of their 11 2025 NFL Draft picks on their 53-man roster through cuts, and they held onto two undrafted free agents. The two draft picks who didn’t make it through last week’s cutdowns still landed on the practice squad.
So, let’s go player-by-player and set expectations for the Patriots’ Week 1 matchup against the Raiders.
OT Will Campbell
Campbell is the Patriots’ starting left tackle. He’s been situated there since he came to Foxboro for rookie minicamp in May.
He faces a formidable challenge in Week 1, facing off against Raiders Pro Bowl edge defender Maxx Crosby, who rushes from both sides of the line and is one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL. Crosby also led the NFL in tackles for loss in 2022 and 2023.
Beyond Crosby, the Raiders should have a relatively weak defense. But Campbell will be thrown to the wolves right away.
RB TreVeyon Henderson
Henderson will be a major part of the offense from Day 1, but he might not technically start. Expect Rhamondre Stevenson to be the Patriots’ top running back to start the season. Antonio Gibson also should be mixed in, as well.
But Henderson should see significant snaps right off the bat. The offense looked better and more explosive when he was on the field in training camp and the preseason. He was a better running back at Ohio State when he was part of a committee, however.
WR Kyle Williams
Williams is currently behind Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Holllins on the Patriots’ outside wide receiver depth chart. He should be active in Week 1 against the Raiders, but only expect Williams to take on a part-time role.
Williams is the fastest of the Patriots’ outside wide receivers. He was less producitve than Diggs, Boutte and Hollins in practice this summer, however.
OL Jared Wilson
It would be a surprise if Wilson, a third-round pick, wasn’t the Patriots’ starting left guard to begin the season. Wilson spent most of the summer starting at left guard, though Ben Brown did take over the role for one preseason game. It was a short-lived demotion, however, and Wilson returned to the first-team unit.
Wilson played center last season at Georgia. There could be some growing pains for him sliding back to guard.
S Craig Woodson
Another rookie starter, Woodson rose up the depth chart throughout the summer, supplanting Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers for a top role.
The fourth-round pick has the requisite range and athleticism that head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams look for in a safety.
DT Joshua Farmer
It’s no guarantee that Farmer will be active on Sunday. He’s behind Christian Barmore, Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga on the depth chart. Jeremiah Pharms and Eric Gregory are also competing for snaps.
Farmer had a relatively quiet summer.
OLB Bradyn Swinson
Swinson begins the season on the Patriots’ practice squad. It would be a surprise if he’s elevated for Sunday’s game.
K Andres Borregales
Borregales beat out Parker Romo for the Patriots’ kicking job. He was solid throughout training camp but did have some bad misses on longer field goals in the preseason.
OT Marcus Bryant
Bryant finished the summer as the Patriots’ swing tackle, backing up both Campbell and Morgan Moses.
LS Julian Ashby
Expect Ashby to be the Patriots’ long snapper. He never had competition for the role this summer.
CB Kobee Minor
Minor is also beginning the summer on the practice squad. It would be a major surprise if he’s elevated against the Raiders.
WR Efton Chism
Chism made the Patriots’ 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent. He’s at least spent the early portion of practices donning a No. 1 jersey, imitating Raiders wide receiver Tre Turner. That could be an indication that Chism won’t have an offensive role on gameday.
OLB Elijah Ponder
Ponder also made the roster as a UDFA. And he’s also been wearing another number in practice, indicating that he’s working on the scout team this week. He also should have a key role in the kicking game as a core special teamer.
