The Patriots' defense had some major additions to the unit this offseason. In the front seven, the team made Milton Williams the highest-paid Patriot of all time, brought in Harold Landry, and added big hitter Robert Spillane. They additionally inked veteran Khyiris Tonga and former National Champion K'Lavon Chaisson, as well as seeing Christian Elliss and Jeremiah Pharms return.
In the backfield, Carlton Davis was the marquee signing to pair with Christian Gonzalez. Marcus Epps brings experience to the safety room, and Jaylinn Hawkins returns after a solid season last year. While a pick wasn't made on defense until day three of the draft in 2025, Craig Woodson has become a fan favorite throughout the offseason.
There's no doubt the unit is better. But is it elite? Mass Live's Karen Guregian thinks they have the potential to be. In an article highlighting bold predictions for the Patriots' upcoming season, she listed the defense becoming a top-five unit.
A few months ago, that seemed an impossible task, but as time has gone on, it seems less so.
The Patriots pass rush has been significantly improved ahead of the 2025 season
As mentioned, the additions were numerous. But what specifically was the problem with last season's defense? Ranking 21st in points per game allowed isn't great, but it isn't all that terrible either.
The number one issue was the lack of pressure on opposing QBs. The team recorded a league-worst 28 sacks, which inevitably led to more time in the pocket for QBs, contributing to their 29th-ranked third-down percentage.
Williams and Landry will be the key additions, but the fun doesn't end with them. Christian Barmore will return after playing just two games last season, and Chaisson is coming off a career-high five sacks. Not a figure that will blow anyone away, but that was as many as he had during his first four seasons.
Rookies Joshua Farmer and Bradyn Swinson will also look to make an impact in rotational roles. Farmer was a player the Patriots traded up for in the fourth round, and Swinson led LSU in both sacks and TFLs.
The defensive line finally being prioritized is already proving to be a wise decision
Spillane was the marquee addition to the linebacker room, though he wasn't the sole change. Jack Gibbens was brought in from Tennessee, who ranked 12th in PFF's linebacker rankings with an 83.2 overall grade, despite playing under 250 snaps. He's likely to be a solid rotational piece.
Christian Elliss impressed last season after Ja'Whaun Bentley was sidelined after a pec tear in Week 2, and was rewarded with an extension. He registered 80 total tackles last year. Spillane had 158, Tavai with 115, and Gibbens notched 44.
Between the top four linebackers, they averaged just shy of 100 total tackles per player. If running backs manage to break through the wall of Williams and Barmore, they'll have to deal with some tackling machines.
The secondary is bound to be the best part of the Patriots defense this year
Gonzalez and Davis will patrol the outside, and Marcus Jones will start in the nickel. Alex Austin remains the CB4. At safety, Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers are likely the starters. While neither is very good in coverage, they both are solid tacklers. Dell Pettus was impressive as a rookie, and Epps and Hawkins are veteran depth options.
All in all, there isn't a ton to say about the secondary. The departure of Jonathan Jones is a hard pill to swallow, especially given his versatility. Even had it been in a lesser role, I'd have liked to see him return to offer some stability to the unit. Marcus Jones struggled as the CB2 last year, and the current cornerbacks don't have a great history of staying healthy: Gonzalez has played just 20 career games, and Davis has yet to play a full season.
A Stephon Gilmore reunion would be very interesting as insurance to the outside playmakers, and a move I'm sure all of Pats Nation would like to see happen.
It's a tall task for the Patriots' defense to become a top-5 group
Can it happen? Yes. Will it happen? Ehhhh.
The prospect of going from the twenty-something to top-five ranked defense isn't a likely one, but the Patriots aren't operating under typical circumstances. They have the easiest schedule of any team in the league and added stud after stud in the offseason. The unit is so deep that super-athlete Keion White and edge setter Anfernee Jennings weren't even mentioned, nor was former third-round pick Marte Mapu.
I find it hard to believe the jump will be that big, even under new DC Terrell Williams. A more reasonable range might be top eight to ten, though I wouldn't say five is out of the question if they get rolling.
No matter where the defense finishes, you have to appreciate what Vrabel and company have done to improve the unit. From spending money in free agency to moving around on draft weekend, they've landed some really solid pieces to help develop this defense.