The Patriots' defense is poised to emerge from the doldrums, and expectations are high that it will help lead the team to a 2025 renaissance. Mike Vrabel has added significant new pieces to his defense at every level.
Vrabel signed arguably the best defensive lineman on the free agency market, Milton Williams. He also landed a tackling machine, linebacker Robert Spillane, along with two edge players: established sack man Harold Landry III and a young, promising EDGE in K'Lavon Chaisson. And in the secondary, he signed lockdown cornerback Carlton Davis III.
These players complement several Patriots defenders who are budding NFL stars like Christian Gonzalez, Christian Barmore, and Keion White. One emerging, unheralded solid player and a 2024 breakout linebacker is Christian Elliss, who has been tabbed as a possible starter, taking the starting position from the injured Jahlani Tavai.
Mike Reiss of ESPN cites Christian Elliss as a possible starter at linebacker
Elliss had a breakout year in 2024, his fourth in the NFL. He played in 16 games, starting five. He notched 80 total stops, with five quarterback hits, one tackle for loss, five passes defended, a forced fumble and recovery, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. All the signs are there for a top performer if given full-time minutes.
ESPN's Mike Reiss has pinpointed Elliss as a possible starter in 2025.
"When the Patriots held their final spring practice on Tuesday, with the defense buzzing as music blared and the offense worked with a silent snap count, linebacker Christian Elliss was at the heart of the action.
Elliss aligned next to big-money free agent signing Robert Spillane with the top unit -- a reminder of how far he's come, and how this offseason has been transcendent for him and his growing family. Whether Elliss remains in that spot will be among the team's top competitions when training camp begins July 23, with veterans Jahlani Tavai and Jack Gibbens among those vying for the role."
Elliss has what it takes to be a starter in Mike Vrabel's new attacking style defense. His 2024 performance in a two-gap defense didn't fully utilize his speed and mobility. In 2025, in a system that better utilizes his attributes, expect Elliss to thrive.
Spillane and Elliss will take the second level of the Pats' defense to a new level
Elliss will be expected to accompany Robert Spillane in a revamped second level of the Pats' defense. Spillane is a supercharged linebacker who has averaged more than 150 tackles over the past two seasons. Both are smaller, more mobile sideline-to-sideline linebackers who'll be expected to clean up if anyone gets by the Pats' explosive front line players.
Barmore, Williams, and White will be a three-man wrecking crew on the defensive front. In addition, Landry, Chiasson, and rookie Bradyn Swinson will provide the outside pressure to clean up what the penetrators miss upfront.
These additions fit right in with Mike Vrabel's new attacking style defense. Spillane and Elliss will likely combine to provide the second-level excellence that will complement both the front four and the outstanding defensive backfield, headlined by Gonzalez and Davis. It all adds up to a major revamp by Vrabel and the opportunity for the Patriots defense to rise in the NFL ranks in 2025.