The New England Patriots dropped to 11-3 on the season after their disastrous loss to Buffalo, a game in which they once led 21-0. While the game was disappointing, New England's improbable success is due to their offseason additions.
Not only have their offseason additions been excellent, but they've also shifted the depth chart. Players who previously played important roles in 2024 have had their snaps reduced, allowing them to be more effective with a more concentrated snap count.
The scouting team has also done an excellent job adding talent to the practice squad that was once highly thought of but didn't work out elsewhere. At this point, New England has or has had several practice squaders that could certainly be on 53-man rosters elsewhere.
The Patriots have built a stunning practice squad that can come in handy at the end of the season
Jeremiah Pharms, Defensive Tackle
Pharms is the definition of a late bloomer. He went undrafted out of Friends University in 2020, at 24, and didn't get signed by an NFL team until the Patriots signed him in 2022. He made the 53-man roster for the first time in 2024, totaling 33 tackles and two sacks.
He signed a two-year extension this offseason but was eventually cut and signed to the practice squad. He had two tackles and a run stuff in his one game this year.
Brandon Crossley, Cornerback
A preseason standout, Crossley finished the trio of games with a 90.1 PFF grade. He had an impressive 80.8 grade against the run, and tackling is a key tenet of what Patriots cornerbacks do. He allowed four catches for 29 yards.
He spent a season at Colorado State before playing the next five years at SMU. He defended 7 passes and had an interception in his final year.
Richie Grant, Safety
Grant was a second-round pick in 2021, No. 40 overall. After a successful career at UCF, he immediately became a starter in Atlanta, but would slip down the depth chart as his rookie contract ended. He failed to make the 49ers' roster this offseason and inked a deal with New England's practice squad in October.
He was elevated for their game against the Browns, but played only nine special teams snaps. With only three healthy safeties, we could see Grant again this year.
Best of the rest
RB Craig Reynolds: While he's on the practice squad IR, Reynolds is a name fans know. He had some solid games with the Lions as the bell cow at the end of the 2021 season, finishing with 55 carries for 230 yards in five games. He's averaged 4.2 or more yards per carry in each season of his career (min. 20 attempts). Should he re-sign, he'll be an interesting preseason watch.
OL Brenden Jaimes: Fifth-round pick from Nebraska in 2021 by the Chargers, 46 games played and three starts in his career.
DT Leonard Taylor III: had 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and six run stuffs last year with the Jets. He had an overall grade of 87.3 in 2022 with the Miami Hurricanes and a 74.8 the following year. He had an 80+ pass-rush grade in each of his last two years in college.
CB Kobee Minor: 2025 Mr. Irrelevant from Memphis, selected by New England. He will fight for a roster spot next season.
The Patriots also saw Terrell Jennings, D'Ernest Johnson, and fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson elevated from the practice squad. The practice squad has been a hotbed for developing depth talent so far, and I wouldn't expect that to stop soon. New England is building a monster reserve unit.