Mike Vrabel invested big-time in his defense in free agency and then followed up with more in the draft. But it was in free agency that he made the biggest splashes on D. He signed some terrific upgrades, including tackling machine linebacker, Robert Spillane, edge sack artist, Harold Landry III, and shutdown cornerback, Carlton Davis III.
Vrabel also invested heavily in restocking his offense with solid names in free agency, like receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, offensive linemen Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury. The draft brought in top names on offense, including left tackle Will Campbell, center/guard Jared Wilson, explosive running back TreVeyon Henderson, and electrifying wide receiver Kyle Williams.
All this and more led to Vrabel's acing the entire Patriots' offseason. Yet, his most costly and most impressive signing was the 26-year-old, four-year veteran defensive tackle from the Eagles, Milton Williams. Williams cost a bag full of cash, but as a Super Bowl hero, he was well worth it, and he's already shown the investment to be top-notch.
Milton Williams is already proving to be a dream student for Mike Vrabel
Milton Williams was brought in to supplement the already solid Patriots' interior defensive front. Christian Barmore (who is now hopefully fully healthy) and Keion White are two-pocket-collapsing terrors, and Williams provides a third to the Patriots' interior defensive line. Add rookie addition Joshua Farmer to the mix, and you have the makings of a truly fearsome interior D-line.
Williams was a terrific signing, yet even though he landed the big contract, it hasn't gone to his head. He not only brings uber-talent to the mix, but his attitude is stellar as well. Williams has come ready to contribute and be an example, and it's already evident to top observers.
ESPN's Mike Reiss commented on Williams' already super dedication and commitment to his new team, and it should be a delight to hear for Patriot Nation.
"Defensive tackle Milton Williams was a full participant in the voluntary offseason program after signing a team-record four-year, $104 million contract. And he seemed to embrace Vrabel's approach of being hardest on the team's best players.
Williams' plan is to spend most of the next five weeks training in Texas, saying, 'I'm ready to use some of this physicality. When training camp comes around, I'll be ready, for sure."
The operative part of Mike Reiss's quote is "a full participant in the voluntary offseason program". That speaks volumes about Williams' character, dedication to his new team, and leadership by example. He's the team's highest-paid player, and his commitment has already shown that it was a sound signing. And there's much more to come.
Expect a monster 2025 season from Milton Williams
Williams, aside from turning in an MVP-worthy performance in the Eagles' Super Bowl win over the Chiefs, had a fine season generally in 2024. His stats in a somewhat limited role (a key to note) were still impressive. Williams played in all 17 of the Eagles' games but only started seven. That will change in Foxborough.
Nevertheless, he notched 24 total stops with 10 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, one forced fumble and recovery, one pass defended, and five sacks. Those are a playmaker's statistics. And, again, this was in a rotation where he wasn't the key defensive tackle on the Eagles' defensive line.
Expect Williams to be an even more impactful playmaker in 2025, as he will undoubtedly receive a significant increase in playing time, or snaps, in Mike Vrabel's newly reconstructed defense. Williams will be a starter and is expected to surpass the 48% of defensive plays he logged for the Eagles in 2024.
The prediction here is that Williams will total more than 60 overall stops, with 15 quarterback hits, 15 tackles for loss, a forced fumble or two, maybe three passes defended, and nine or ten sacks. He'll emerge as a Pro Bowler or perhaps even an All-Pro. His potential is sky high. With his dedication to his game and his new team and teammates, expect a magnificent 2025 for the Patriots, Milton Williams.