The Patriots’ rebuild may hinge on two surprising catalysts—a rookie and a fresh acquisition who are suddenly impossible to ignore. DH
The New England Patriots have made some key additions this offseason that have upgraded their squad without question. Stefon Diggs has been the focal point of the passing offense, Mack Hollins has had some of the best games of his career this season, and Milton Williams will be sorely missed as he deals with a high ankle sprain over the next few weeks.
Edge rushers Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson have revitalized the pass rush, and fans will be hoping their production can continue through this year.
While these additions have been important, each player is replaceable in some respect. Diggs’ production could be made up for by an uptick in Hunter Henry’s targets and more looks towards Pop Douglas. Hollins has been a secondary deep threat behind Kayshon Boutte, and $92 million defensive tackle Christian Barmore will look to replace Williams’ production.
Elijah Ponder has had two sacks in his last two games, and Anfernee Jennings also has experience on the edge. While picking up the slack for these players wouldn’t be easy, they are, at least to a degree, replaceable.
The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed suggests two of the Patriots’ three most irreplaceable players were additions that were made this offseason, highlighting the importance of the moves Vrabel has made: “Behind him, based on depth, I think Christian Gonzalez, Will Campbell, and Robert Spillane might be the most invaluable starters.”
Will Campbell and Robert Spillane are considered irreplaceable on the Patriots’ 2025 roster
While other elements of football can be manufactured by numbers through dropping more players into coverage or blitzing, Will Campbell and Robert Spillane are not so easy to replace. Campbell has looked like a fourth-overall rookie this year: solid, but not elite.
The issue in replacing him comes in the alternative options. Vederian Lowe was among the worst left tackles in the league last year when he started the entire season, and rookie Marcus Bryant, though a preseason standout, was a seventh-round pick.
The rest of the offensive line has been middling this year, particularly the interior. Rookie Jared Wilson has struggled at left guard, and Garrett Bradbury is one of the league’s lowest graded centers. Mike Onwenu, though playing well as usual, can’t do it all alone.
Campbell has been able to pick up the slack from other linemen, particularly fellow rookie Wilson. Upgrades will be necessary in the offseason, but upgrading Campbell would be unnecessary.
While linebacker isn’t traditionally a high-value position, Spillane has been a revelation for New England. Jahlani Tavai’s role has changed to a run-stopping edge setter, and the players next to Spillane are far from elite.
Christian Elliss and Jack Gibbens are ideally backups, leaving Spillane the lone crucial piece to the second level. The former Raider is PFF’s ninth-ranked linebacker in the league, and the fifth-best against the run with an 89.5 grade.
This article was originally published on musketfire.com as Patriots have quietly realized rookie and new addition are core to the rebuild.
