Mike Vrabel added some top veterans to the Patriots' roster in free agency. They not only bring talent to the table and improvement to their respective positions, but a lot more to the reemerging Patriots, as well.
Veterans know the game and, if they are so disposed, can help guide younger players, especially rookies, in managing the major transition from playing football for fun in college to being a professional athlete with all that entails.
One of those veterans is 14-year NFL tackle Morgan Moses. Moses was signed to start immediately at right tackle and has assumed the role of mentor to his young teammates, including the starting left tackle, rookie Will Campbell. And he likes what he sees thus far.
Morgan Moses really likes the Patriots' rookie class
Morgan Moses is impressed by the Patriots' rookie class, and that's a promising sign from the grizzled veteran of the NFL. The Patriots' O-line will likely be a very young group with one or maybe two rookies included as starters.
In a great optic for the entire class of Patriots' rookies, ESPN's Mike Reiss quotes Morgan Moses raving about the Patriots' 2025 class.
"Veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, who is in his 12th NFL season after time with Washington (2014 to 2020), the New York Jets (2021, 2024) and Baltimore Ravens (2022-2023), shared an early impression of his time with the Patriots. 'This is probably one of the best rookie classes I've been around,' he said of the group led by left tackle Will Campbell, the first-round pick from LSU. Especially now, with the NIL and all those things, these guys come in with money already. But we've got rookies that are humble, willing to learn. I see them sitting down together and sharing words with each other and picking each other up.'"
Rookies who are looking to listen and learn are far more likely to make the grade than those who talk the talk yet never seem to walk the walk when the rubber meets the road. Last year's class, other than Drake Maye, comes readily to mind.
The 2025 Patriots' rookie class is ready to take off
After receiving high grades on paper (always better than the opposite) after the draft, due to Mike Vrabel's professionalism, the rookie class will now have to show its mettle on the field. And it's already making positive waves.
First-round pick Will Campbell has been slotted in to start immediately at left tackle, the team's second most important position after the quarterback. While the Patriots' media nitpick his every glitch, expect Campbell to excel, albeit likely experiencing some growing pains as all rookies do.
He'll probably be joined on the O-line by Jared Wilson. Compared to former great Dolphins' center Dwight Stevenson, the versatile Wilson may show his value to the team by stepping right into the weak left guard position and starting. Fellow rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams will also be slated to play major roles on the revamped offense.
On defense, rookie safety Craig Woodson, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, and edge Bradyn Swinson will also likely see significant minutes on Mike Vrabel's new, more attacking defense. Unlike the underperforming (to say the least) 2024 draft class, these players will be contributors.
Getting Morgan Moses' seal of approval should be of great significance to the Patriots' rookie class. This is not only a solid veteran player but a respected and admired one, as well. Moses was a terrific acquisition by Vrabel.
The head coach knew he'd be much more than a major upgrade at right tackle for his offense and entire team. Both Vrabel and Moses share a trait that cannot be overestimated on any NFL team: professionalism. They bring it big-time, and the 2025 Patriots and Patriot Nation will be the beneficiaries.