Patriots can begin to answer five important questions during latest OTAs that could make or break their 2025 NFL season
Phase 3 of the offseason program has officially begun, which means that the New England Patriots can hold full team practices. The Patriots will hold nine organized team activities (OTAs) between May 19 and June 5. And with that, their first one that is open to the media will take place on Tuesday, May 20. While these practices […]
Phase 3 of the offseason program has officially begun, which means that the New England Patriots can hold full team practices.
The Patriots will hold nine organized team activities (OTAs) between May 19 and June 5. And with that, their first one that is open to the media will take place on Tuesday, May 20.
While these practices are voluntary, it's very important as New England has gone a lot of offseason changes. So, this will be the first time the team will be seen together by reporters.
A to Z Sports will be at Gillette Stadium, so here are five key storylines we will be keeping an eye on:
What will be the starting offensive line combination?
The Patriots have made it a priority this offseason to address the offensive line, and that they have. While it seems fairly certain who will be starting at four out of the five positions, there is still one that is a bit of a question. And the battle for that starting role begins tomorrow.
Morgan Moses has right tackle locked down, while Mike Onwenu will almost certainly be at right guard. The Patriots signed center Garrett Bradbury after releasing David Andrews, so he is expected to have that starting role, while rookie Jared Wilson can add some competition. And then, at left tackle, it's clearly Will Campbell's spot.
But what about left guard?
On the roster, the Patriots have the option to put Wes Schweitzer, Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, Cole Strange, or even Wilson on the left side. While things can always change as the summer goes on, it will be very interesting to see who gets the reps with the 'starting' line.
Who will win the wide receiver competition?
12 receivers.
That's how many are currently on the Patriots roster, so it's certainly going to be a tough competition this summer.
When he's fully healthy, Stefon Diggs is almost certainly going to have a starting spot locked down, but who will be around him. DeMario Douglas has had two strong seasons in New England, while Kendrick Bourne is a clear leader in the locker room and had the best season of his career under Josh McDaniels in 2021.
The Patriots brought in Mack Hollins, while second-year receivers Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are looking to bounce back after a rough rookie year. And then of course, there is third-round pick Kyle Williams. Lastly, there is DeMeer Blankumsee, Efton Chism III, John Jiles, and Jeremiah Webb who are looking to impress.
Who will win the kicking competition?
John Parker Romo joined the Patriots at the end of the 2024 season and signed a reserve/futures contract with the team after the season was officially over. However, special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer made it clear that the team planned to bring in some competition, and that they did.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Patriots used one of their picks on kicker Andres Borregales out of Miami.
So, who will be named the starting kicker for this season?
What does Terrell Williams' absence mean for practice?
Prior to the start of rookie minicamp, head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was dealing with a health scare that was keeping him away from the team.
Williams then spoke with reporters later that day, saying that he is doing good and also saying that inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has taking over his responsibilities in his absence.
So, for OTAs, it will be a chance to see how things are going with the defense, and specifically who is leading them.
What is the status of Christian Barmore and Stefon Diggs' participation?
Christian Barmore and Stefon Diggs are two of the biggest stars on the Patriots roster, but their status is unknown at the moment.
Christian Barmore was sidelined for the majority of the 2024 season after being hospitalized with blood clots in July. He did return for four games but was placed back on injured reserve after experiencing recurring symptoms.
As for Diggs, he suffered a torn ACL in Week 8, which is putting his status for the start of the season in jeopardy. However, he has made it clear that he plans to be ready.
Barmore and Diggs have been a regular presence throughout the offseason program, but will they be out there for the full team practice?
We'll have to see.
