Keion White in the Spotlight as Patriots Shuffle Starting Roles Again
One of the enduring themes of the New England Patriots’ 2025 training camp has been established veterans losing starting jobs. After Cole Strange surrendered a starting left guard spot to rookie Jared Wilson and Kyle Dugger slid from starter to scout-team status, the question now centers on Keion White: could he be the next in line to be displaced?
This week’s practices have kept that possibility in the conversation. White, who had been lining up as the starting edge opposite Harold Landry earlier in camp, appeared to be relegated to the second unit behind K’Lavon Chaisson. Whether the move is temporary or permanent remains unclear, but it’s a noteworthy development given White’s touted game-changing ability and the prior shifts involving Strange and Dugger.
Publicly, the Patriots’ coaching staff has voiced confidence in White despite the change in role. Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith praised White, calling him “physical” and one of the smartest players he’s had in the room. He added that White loves football, is eager to learn, and still has room to grow. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams echoed the sentiment, stressing that White is a young, big, physical player who needs development but is “doing the things that we ask him to do.”
White, a 26-year-old who was a 2023 second-round pick out of Georgia Tech, flashed his upside early in his NFL career. He notched early wins in his debut against future Hall of Famer Lane Johnson and has remained a disruptive, versatile presence on the Patriots’ defensive line. The current plan, however, is to dial back that versatility and give him a more defined home on the field. Smith explained that locking White into one position could unlock his full potential, noting that White is “an extremely violent” presence that offensive linemen notice when he’s in.
Early in camp, White was a regular in the lineup and looked the part. The recent shift to a backup role behind Chaisson has cooled the trajectory a bit, and there’s no certainty yet whether the demotion will stick. Still, the Patriots remain bullish about White’s future, underscoring the belief that his development can be accelerated with a stable, defined role.
What this could mean going forward is a more streamlined edge rotation, with Chaisson and White possibly sharing responsibilities depending on the matchup. If White returns to a prominent role, it could signal a broader shift in the Patriots’ evaluation approach—favoring players who fit specific schemes and roles over a broader, more flexible outline.
Key takeaways
– The Patriots are continuing a trend of re-evaluating veteran and young players’ roles during training camp.
– Keion White has shifted from a presumed starter to a second-string role behind K’Lavon Chaisson, though the move’s permanence isn’t yet known.
– Coaches publicly praise White’s physical gifts, intelligence, and work ethic, while acknowledging the need for continued development.
– The team is prioritizing stability and a defined position for White to maximize his impact, after a camp where he initially flashed as a dominant edge threat.
– The ongoing practice slate will reveal whether this is a short-term adjustment or a longer-term realignment.
Summary: Keion White’s standing in New England remains in flux as the Patriots experiment with role definitions in training camp. While public comments from coaches emphasize his potential and work ethic, the current move to the second string behind Chaisson could presage a longer-term decision on where White fits best. If he can settle at a single position and prove consistent, White’s ceiling remains high for a defense banking on versatile, disruptive play.
Positive angle: There’s still a clear path for White to unlock his ceiling, provided the coaching staff can pair his physical gifts with a stable, specialized role. The organization’s willingness to publicly praise him while evaluating him suggests confidence in his long-term impact.
Additional comments to add value
– Context for readers: This pattern mirrors recent trends under the Patriots’ new coaching staff, which appears willing to reassess players to optimize fit and development rather than simply rewarding tenure.
– For fans: Keep an eye on the next few practices to see if White reclaims a starting edge role or remains behind Chaisson. The outcome could influence how the Patriots structure their edge rush rotation for the season.
– Tactical angle: If White settles into one position, defenses will need to adjust to a more predictable rush plan, potentially unlocking other players on the line with improved line calls and pressure packages.