Just how much does head coach Mike Vrabel move the needle for the New England Patriots in 2025?
Quite a bit, based on a recent sampling of NFL experts.
Coming off consecutive four-win seasons, the Patriots made moves to fortify just about every glaring weakness. They used the No. 4 overall pick on a potential franchise left tackle in Will Campbell, and doubled down on the offensive line both in the draft (guard Jared Wilson) and free agency (right tackle Morgan Moses).
They added much-needed talent at the skill positions in wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams, and Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson. Vrabel also overhauled the defense, ridding the roster of core players from the Bill Belichick regime in favor of younger players with more speed and versatility.
It’s the coaching staff upgrades that have NFL writers buzzing with optimism for the Patriots as they enter Week 1 of the regular season. Vrabel’s influence was felt immediately after last year’s debacle under Jerod Mayo. Other hires, like the return of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the addition of game management strategist John Streicher, have many expecting a floor of eight wins in 2025, with double-digits on the table.
Here’s what some of the experts are saying about the Patriots entering Sunday’s season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium.
Expert power rankings: Patriots start low, but expected to climb
Sayre Bedinger of FanSided’s NFL Spin Zone ranked New England 24th in his NFL power rankings entering Week 1, but he expects the Patriots to climb in QB Drake Maye’s first full season as the starter.
“The Patriots have a potential star in the making with Drake Maye at quarterback, but there are a lot of issues on this roster that have yet to be addressed. It’s going to be a longer rebuilding process, but Maye can be the tide to raise all boats for this franchise. The Patriots will be must-see TV weekly after a couple of really rough years.”
Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus concurs, ranking the Patriots slightly lower, at No. 25. He listed Maye as New England’s “top player to watch” in 2025.
“Drake Maye flashed in his first season under center, and Josh McDaniels' hiring as the team’s new offensive coordinator gives the quarterback an experienced play-caller with whom to build trust. He, like many of the young quarterbacks from a year ago, could have a stellar year in 2025. It might also be a year too soon for the playoffs, but the Patriots should have far more attitude under Vrabel.”
CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco landed in the same range, pitting the Patriots at 24th entering Week 1. He likes their chances in 2025 thanks to Vrabel’s proven ability to squeeze production out of a limited roster.
“They are on the climb. They just might be a year away. Mike Vrabel will have them playing a tough, feisty brand of football this season that will keep them in games.”
That’s three separate outlets with three similar takes on where the Patriots stand as the new season gets set to kick off. The consensus? New England is already above where they finished last year (28th), and are trending in the right direction entering Week 1. Hopefully, they’re onto something here.