Throughout much of spring practices in New England, the rookies were making the most headlines for their impressive performances. It was a surprising yet welcome development, considering just how much help the roster has needed for several years, especially on offense.
That made the early rises of left tackle Will Campbell and wide receiver Kyle Williams all the more exciting, with even UDFAs causing a stir. That is particularly true for receiver Efton Chism and running back Lan Larison, both of whom have looked like they were well on their way to making the 2025 roster well before training camp.
While that remains true in the weeks leading up to the summer practices, the latest intel from Patriots' insider and ESPN reporter Mike Reiss suggests the future for Larison might not be as clear as it initially appeared, despite his standout minicamp performance and positional versatility.
Lan Larison might have a harder time making the Patriots' 2025 roster than previously believed
Larison looked to have an easy path to becoming the RB3 behind Rhamondre Stevenson and fellow rookie TreVeyon Henderson, especially since Antonio Gibson's value appeared to be dwindling.
However, according to Reiss, the former longtime Commander is still expected to hold that spot on the depth chart, leaving little belief that Larison will make the roster, as it's unlikely the Patriots will carry four running backs.
Random Patriots question heading into the weekend:
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 27, 2025
How realistic is it that undrafted RB Lan Larison (UC-Davis) lands on the initial 53-man roster?
🏈 My sure-fire RB locks: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson
🏈 Antonio Gibson projects as current leader for No. 3 spot… pic.twitter.com/1wb9unOtqG
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There's plenty of time for that to change, of course, but given Gibson's history in the league and his reliable performance for the team last season, it will likely take a lot for Larison to leapfrog him on the roster, which is difficult to imagine he will manage to do.
He has demonstrated his ability to be an explosive player out of the backfield, while also possessing the skill set to be utilized in the passing game and on special teams. Those traits could be what helps push him over the edge, even more so since Gibson has been rumored to be a trade candidate this offseason, allowing Larison to make the team.
The problem, however, is Mike Vrabel and Co. ridding themselves of veteran experience and proven production. While Larison is an exciting prospect, we are yet to see how he performs in the NFL, and that could be a significant determining factor regarding his future.
He could easily be placed on the practice squad, but that would also require the regime assuming others won't try to sign him to their roster. It'd have to be a risk they're willing to take if they don't decide to move on from Gibson, and the hope is it will all be worth it in the end, regardless of Larison's potential and Gibson's possible trade value.