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The New England Patriots are looking to keep the momentum going after a very successful 2025 season, and it all truly begins on Saturday when the team takes the field for the first day of training camp.
With a harder strength of schedule, the Patriots are going to need numerous players to step up and break out during the year.
Here are five of the top candidates:
Kyle Williams showed flashes of what he's capable of last season, but he didn't string together a full season in his rookie campaign. However, after having an entire year in the system and a full offseason to get more comfortable, the expectations are high for the wide receiver. A 2025 third-round pick, Williams finished with 10 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns.
But even though the Patriots have added A.J. Brown, Drake Maye often looks to share the wealth and spread the ball among his receivers. And the increased attention on Brown from opposing teams could lead to Williams being open more often than not. The Year 1 to Year 2 jump is talked about often, and Williams teased that he's got a lot in store when he steps foot on the field next.
For the second year in a row, the Patriots selected an offensive tackle with their first-round pick. In 2025, it was Will Campbell to play on the left side. And now, in 2026, it's Caleb Lomu to eventually take over on the right side. But for now, the expectation is he will serve as the top swing tackle, filling in when needed. However, he could have the opportunity to get some decent play time, especially considering Morgan Moses' age.
New England was lucky with Moses' health last season, but at 35 years old, expecting him to play 17 full games, as well as some in the postseason, is hard. And they will need Lomu at his best to step in and protect their franchise quarterback at any moment.
Last season, Elijah Ponder surprised everyone when he earned a spot on the 53-man roster. And then, he picked up right where he left off, putting on an impressive performance during minicamp. One of the Patriots' biggest needs this offseason was at the edge position, and they filled that with Dre’Mont Jones. Plus, during the spring and early summer, it was Ponder who was starting alongside Jones as Harold Landry was sidelined.
Landry's health is somewhat of a question, having dealt with a knee injury last year. He sat out of minicamp, so if Landry isn't able to get back to where he was at the beginning of last season, the Patriots will need Ponder to step up.
With the departure of Khyiris Tonga, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, the Patriots have to fill a void at nose tackle, and many expect Cory Durden to step in. And he has all the confidence that he can do so and excel. After a rough start in the league, last season taught Durden that he can "be a dominant pro in this league."
Just taking that next step,” Durden said in June. “Whether that’s making the Pro Bowl or whatever it is, I feel like, you know, the sky’s the limit now.”
When it comes to Craig Woodson, many might be thinking that the talented safety already had a breakout year last season. However, he still has room to grow, and the expectations are even higher. Having played in all 17 games, recording 79 tackles last season, as well as his impressive additional stats in the postseason, can he take his play to another level in 2026?
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 breakout candidates for the Patriots in 2026
Continue reading...
With a harder strength of schedule, the Patriots are going to need numerous players to step up and break out during the year.
Here are five of the top candidates:
Kyle Williams
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Kyle Williams showed flashes of what he's capable of last season, but he didn't string together a full season in his rookie campaign. However, after having an entire year in the system and a full offseason to get more comfortable, the expectations are high for the wide receiver. A 2025 third-round pick, Williams finished with 10 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns.
But even though the Patriots have added A.J. Brown, Drake Maye often looks to share the wealth and spread the ball among his receivers. And the increased attention on Brown from opposing teams could lead to Williams being open more often than not. The Year 1 to Year 2 jump is talked about often, and Williams teased that he's got a lot in store when he steps foot on the field next.
Caleb Lomu
You must be registered for see images
For the second year in a row, the Patriots selected an offensive tackle with their first-round pick. In 2025, it was Will Campbell to play on the left side. And now, in 2026, it's Caleb Lomu to eventually take over on the right side. But for now, the expectation is he will serve as the top swing tackle, filling in when needed. However, he could have the opportunity to get some decent play time, especially considering Morgan Moses' age.
New England was lucky with Moses' health last season, but at 35 years old, expecting him to play 17 full games, as well as some in the postseason, is hard. And they will need Lomu at his best to step in and protect their franchise quarterback at any moment.
Elijah Ponder
You must be registered for see images
Last season, Elijah Ponder surprised everyone when he earned a spot on the 53-man roster. And then, he picked up right where he left off, putting on an impressive performance during minicamp. One of the Patriots' biggest needs this offseason was at the edge position, and they filled that with Dre’Mont Jones. Plus, during the spring and early summer, it was Ponder who was starting alongside Jones as Harold Landry was sidelined.
Landry's health is somewhat of a question, having dealt with a knee injury last year. He sat out of minicamp, so if Landry isn't able to get back to where he was at the beginning of last season, the Patriots will need Ponder to step up.
Cory Durden
You must be registered for see images attach
With the departure of Khyiris Tonga, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, the Patriots have to fill a void at nose tackle, and many expect Cory Durden to step in. And he has all the confidence that he can do so and excel. After a rough start in the league, last season taught Durden that he can "be a dominant pro in this league."
Just taking that next step,” Durden said in June. “Whether that’s making the Pro Bowl or whatever it is, I feel like, you know, the sky’s the limit now.”
Craig Woodson
You must be registered for see images attach
When it comes to Craig Woodson, many might be thinking that the talented safety already had a breakout year last season. However, he still has room to grow, and the expectations are even higher. Having played in all 17 games, recording 79 tackles last season, as well as his impressive additional stats in the postseason, can he take his play to another level in 2026?
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 breakout candidates for the Patriots in 2026
Continue reading...
