One of New England Patriots' Head Coach Mike Vrabel's most urgent necessities in the 2025 offseason was to retool the offensive line. He did so dramatically, as 80 percent of the starting line now comprises new players. He added two new tackles, a new guard, and a center.
Vrabel invested heavily in this remodeling. He spent money and signed two veteran free agents, right tackle Morgan Moses and center Garrett Bradbury. In addition, he used two premium draft picks on offensive linemen. The first selection with the first-overall pick was left tackle and future captain, Will Campbell from LSU. In the third round, he drafted Jared Wilson, a center/guard from Georgia.
All four are starters, with Wilson slotting in at left guard from the outset. No offense is getting anywhere without a solid offensive line, as the Patriots learned the last few seasons. Their quarterbacks, including rookie Drake Maye, were sacked 52 times in 2024.
These additions brought expectations for significant improvement, and it seems they are delivering just that.
PFF's stats say the 2025 Patriots offensive line is much improved
Pro Football Focus's (PFF) 2025 Patriots' pass protection rating after two games is looking up from the dismal performance of 2024.
Pass protection composite ratings through week 2 pic.twitter.com/oaFsoHNM2Z
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) September 18, 2025
Being ranked 11th among NFL teams in pass protection is a far cry from the bottom-of-the-barrel performances of last year's unit. The two free agent veterans, while not perfect by any means, have stabilized their positions. The two top rookies, while suffering expected growing pains, have, by and large, played well.
The Patriots' offensive line will get better as the season progresses
While the Patriots' pass protection statistics are on the upswing, the number of sacks still leaves a lot to be desired. The O-line surrendered four sacks against the Raiders, followed by another three against Miami. If that average number of sacks continues, it will lead to a total of around 59.5 and surpass the 2024 unit's dismal record. That has to improve immediately.
The hope and expectation have to be that the number of sacks will diminish per game as the unit coalesces and the rookies get acclimated to the new, more intense level of competition in the NFL. Campbell's pass protection is already solid, as noted by PFF, "Campbell holds the 10th-best PFF pass-blocking grade (77.7, first among rookies), and his 4.8% allowed pressure rate ranks fourth among rookie tackles."
Ironically, it's his run-blocking, expected to be outstanding from the outset, that has lagged. Rookies need time to acclimate to the NF. Expect Campbell and Jared Wilson to be in superb form by mid-season or earlier.
Campbell is a star in the making, and drafting him to play left tackle was one of Vrabel's best offseason moves. Wilson, too, has already shown he's more than worthy of a third-round pick and is up to the challenge of being an immediate NFL contributor.
PFF's citing the improvement of the Patriots' offensive line is encouraging. The O-line is key to both the passing and running, is pivotal in sustaining drives, and helps keep the defense fresh by keeping the ball away from the opposition. Their importance can't be overestimated. Seeing improvement after only two weeks is a great signal for the rest of the 2025 season. Hopefully, it continues.