In the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots grabbed promising players on offense, defense and special teams, so Mike Vrabel will have many new weapons to tinker with in his first season as head coach in Foxborough.
Players chosen in the later rounds probably will have lesser roles this season, but several rookies should get plenty of playing time. Here are three Patriots rookies who will make an immediate impact in 2025:
Tackle Will Campbell (first round, fourth overall)
The 21-year-old is a guaranteed Week 1 starter who will have high expectations from the get-go. Vrabel has described Campbell (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) as a “foundational piece” who stood out in the draft process because of his physical and mental fortitude.
New England allowed the fifth-most sacks in the NFL last season (52), and they chose Campbell as the person to ensure second-year QB Drake Maye has time to throw. Campbell will likely be placed at left tackle, where he played in college, to protect Maye’s blindside.
If Campbell has a strong rookie season, New England’s record will reap the benefits. If he fails, however, there is a risk that Maye will get banged up, which could cascade into a multitude of issues. The stakes will be high for Campbell.
Wide receiver Kyle Williams (third round, 69th overall)
With receivers Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne and Mack Hollins on the roster, Williams will not be expected to produce at a remarkably high level. He will, however, have an important role.
Williams will likely be competing with Bourne for the third receiver spot. Even if he loses that battle, he will be the first receiver to come off the bench.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein described Williams as a player with “home run potential.” Per Pro Football Focus, “his 8.4 yards after the catch per reception in 2024 ranked first in the draft class among wide receivers with at least 75 targets, and his 590 yards after the catch were the fourth most.”
Williams, a Washington State product, could become a deep-ball threat for New England, which had no receiver catch more than three TD passes last season.
