The New England Patriots are set to kick off their training camp this week as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season after a five-week hiatus. With significant changes made to the roster during the offseason, training camp will feature intense competition for various position and roster spots.
Position battles are defined as competitions among players vying for specific roles on the depth chart, while roster battles revolve around players striving to secure one of the 53 positions available. Some players may engage in both types of competitions, with certain roster battles spanning diverse positions.
One key area to watch is the wide receiver position, where several players are competing for limited spots. Confirmed locks to make the roster include Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Mack Hollins. Players like Kendrick Bourne and Kayshon Boutte are expected to have a strong chance of making the team, while Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Efton Chism find themselves on the bubble. The uncertainty surrounding the health of Diggs and Hollins, who are both currently rehabbing injuries, adds further intrigue to the situation.
Tight end also presents an interesting roster battle as Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper secure the top-two spots. The competition for the third tight end position includes Jaheim Bell, Jack Westover, CJ Dippre, and Gee Scott Jr. Depending on the team’s needs, this battle may strongly focus on the type of skill set the Patriots prioritize, whether it be a blocking tight end or a player better suited as a receiver.
The battle for the starting left guard role appears wide open, with Cole Strange currently holding the inside track, joined by Sidy Sow and Caedan Wallace among others. None of the candidates are definitively locked in, which means training camp will be crucial for all involved.
There are also backup spots for the offensive tackles in play. While Will Campbell and Morgan Moses appear secure in their starting positions, the right-side backup remains uncertain. Caedan Wallace is getting attention, while veterans and rookies alike compete for the remaining roles.
On the defensive side of the ball, key matchups include depth evaluations in the off-ball linebacker and cornerback positions. Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, and Marcus Jones are set as the starting cornerbacks, leaving Alex Austin and others scrambling for backup roles, with special teams performance likely influencing decisions.
Safety depth also remains a focal point, especially given the injury histories of Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. The competition here includes Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus, and Marcus Epps, with each vying for a spot in case the Patriots seek extra defensive reinforcement in this area.
Lastly, the kicker position sees Andres Borregales leading, while John Parker Romo is on the outside looking in.
Overall, this training camp promises to present plenty of excitement and storylines as the Patriots seek to finalize their roster ahead of the upcoming season. Each position presents opportunities for players to shine and secure their place on the team, making the coming weeks critical for many hopeful candidates.