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OTAs are here!
The New England Patriots will take the field on Wednesday for the first day of their OTA practices, with 10 scheduled, followed by three days of mandatory minicamp.
Among those practices, three will be open to the media (May 27, June 2, and June 9). The OTAs remain optional, and players aren't required to attend.
Here are the top storylines to keep an eye on over the next few weeks:
The wide receivers will have an interesting opportunity during the first few days of OTA practices, as it's expected that Kayshon Boutte, who has been one of the team's top targets in recent years, will not be there. They also released Stefon Diggs this offseason and have yet to acquire A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.
So with that, it will provide an interesting look at how the other receivers are looking, with a big focus on Drake Maye's connection with them. Romeo Doubs is an interesting one as he was signed this offseason, while Mike Vrabel and the coaching staff have expressed faith in DeMario Douglas, expecting him to have a bigger role. Kyle Williams says Year 2 is going to be a big difference, and he's excited to get more involved. And then, of course, there's Mack Hollins, who is always fun to watch.
Efton Chism made the 53-man roster last season, but he will have some competition as the Patriots signed numerous UDFAs. Kyle Dixon had an impressive showing at the rookie minicamp, with Nick DeGennaro, Cameron Dorner, and Jimmy Kibble also competing for a spot. Jeremiah Webb will also be fighting for a spot.
During rookie minicamp, second-round pick Gabe Jacas and third-round pick Eli Raridon did not participate. For Jacas, it will be interesting to see how he fits in with the defense and specifically how he can help at the edge position, as it was one of the team's biggest areas of need. And then there's Raridon, who is expected to fill that TE 2 spot behind Hunter Henry. He will need to start building on-field chemistry with Maye.
Another season of keeping a close eye on the tackle position. The Patriots selected Caleb Lomu with their first-round pick, which raised some questions as he spent his college career at left tackle. But the expectation is he will train on both sides before ultimately taking over for Morgan Moses on the right side. Yet, there does seem to be some talk about Will Campbell and whether he will be the team's long-term tackle or whether he will eventually make the move to guard.
So, it will be interesting to see if Lomu is playing mainly on the left or right side. And the same goes for Dametrious Crownover, who spent rookie minicamp mainly on the right side.
Harold Landry led the Patriots' defense in sacks last season, which was an impressive feat as he was dealing with a knee injury that impacted his level of play. He's spent the offseason rehabbing in preparation for the 2026 season.
Two of the top position battles are at running back and cornerback. The starters are mainly set there, with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson set to serve as the top two backs, while Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis will likely start in the secondary.
Last season, it was Charles Woods who would step in when needed at cornerback, holding that third spot on the depth chart. But the Patriots drafted Karon Prunty in the fifth round, while also having Kobee Minor, Marcellas Dial, and Kindle Vildor on the roster.
For running back, Terrell Jennings stepped into that role last season after Antonio Gibson went down with an injury. But, the Patriots drafted Jam Miller, while also getting Lan Larison back from injured reserve, as well as signing UDFA Myles Montgomery.
For the most part, the Patriots have their core starters. But the NFL is a tough spot, and injuries are common. So it's key for teams to have depth in the event that it happens. So, for the Patriots, guard, linebacker, and defensive tackle are the most intriguing areas.
For guard, the Patriots have Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mike Onwenu starting, with Jared Wilson making the move to center. Behind them is Ben Brown, who can play in all three spots. But, they need more than that, so eyes will be on Caedan Wallace, Mehki Butler, and Andrew Rupcich, as well as UDFAs Jacob Rizy and JonDarius Morgan.
Then there's linebacker and it's Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss leading the way. But the Patriots drafted Namdi Obiazor and signed UDFA Khalil Jacobs, while having K.J. Britt, Chad Muma, and Otis Reese on the roster.
Lastly, it's a defensive tackle, and the Patriots are without Khyiris Tonga, who left and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. Tonga's impact was big last season, and he leaves big shoes to fill. So, who will step in alongside Milton Williams and Christian Barmore? Will it be Cory Durden, Joshua Farmer, Eric Gregory, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Travis Shaw, or David Blay Jr.?
Kickoff returner was an area of weakness for the Patriots last season, especially after Gibson went down with his ACL injury. The Patriots cycled through a few options, including TreVeyon Henderson, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism, who will likely all be back and competing for that duty. Specifically for Chism, it is likely his best way to earn a roster spot due to the crowded receiver room.
During the 2025 season, punter Bryce Baringer had some struggles, and with that, it put his status for the season in question. Some expect the Patriots to bring in competition at the position during training camp, similar to what they did last year at kicker between Andy Borregales and John Parker Romo. So, it's important that Baringer makes a good impression early to prove the team can still rely on him.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 8 top storylines to keep an eye on during Patriots OTA practices
Continue reading...
The New England Patriots will take the field on Wednesday for the first day of their OTA practices, with 10 scheduled, followed by three days of mandatory minicamp.
Among those practices, three will be open to the media (May 27, June 2, and June 9). The OTAs remain optional, and players aren't required to attend.
Here are the top storylines to keep an eye on over the next few weeks:
Drake Maye's connection with the receivers
The wide receivers will have an interesting opportunity during the first few days of OTA practices, as it's expected that Kayshon Boutte, who has been one of the team's top targets in recent years, will not be there. They also released Stefon Diggs this offseason and have yet to acquire A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.
So with that, it will provide an interesting look at how the other receivers are looking, with a big focus on Drake Maye's connection with them. Romeo Doubs is an interesting one as he was signed this offseason, while Mike Vrabel and the coaching staff have expressed faith in DeMario Douglas, expecting him to have a bigger role. Kyle Williams says Year 2 is going to be a big difference, and he's excited to get more involved. And then, of course, there's Mack Hollins, who is always fun to watch.
Efton Chism made the 53-man roster last season, but he will have some competition as the Patriots signed numerous UDFAs. Kyle Dixon had an impressive showing at the rookie minicamp, with Nick DeGennaro, Cameron Dorner, and Jimmy Kibble also competing for a spot. Jeremiah Webb will also be fighting for a spot.
Getting a look at Gabe Jacas and Eli Raridon
During rookie minicamp, second-round pick Gabe Jacas and third-round pick Eli Raridon did not participate. For Jacas, it will be interesting to see how he fits in with the defense and specifically how he can help at the edge position, as it was one of the team's biggest areas of need. And then there's Raridon, who is expected to fill that TE 2 spot behind Hunter Henry. He will need to start building on-field chemistry with Maye.
What's going on with Caleb Lomu and Dametrious Crownover?
Another season of keeping a close eye on the tackle position. The Patriots selected Caleb Lomu with their first-round pick, which raised some questions as he spent his college career at left tackle. But the expectation is he will train on both sides before ultimately taking over for Morgan Moses on the right side. Yet, there does seem to be some talk about Will Campbell and whether he will be the team's long-term tackle or whether he will eventually make the move to guard.
So, it will be interesting to see if Lomu is playing mainly on the left or right side. And the same goes for Dametrious Crownover, who spent rookie minicamp mainly on the right side.
Harold Landry injury status
Harold Landry led the Patriots' defense in sacks last season, which was an impressive feat as he was dealing with a knee injury that impacted his level of play. He's spent the offseason rehabbing in preparation for the 2026 season.
Who will emerge as the third running back and third cornerback
Two of the top position battles are at running back and cornerback. The starters are mainly set there, with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson set to serve as the top two backs, while Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis will likely start in the secondary.
Last season, it was Charles Woods who would step in when needed at cornerback, holding that third spot on the depth chart. But the Patriots drafted Karon Prunty in the fifth round, while also having Kobee Minor, Marcellas Dial, and Kindle Vildor on the roster.
For running back, Terrell Jennings stepped into that role last season after Antonio Gibson went down with an injury. But, the Patriots drafted Jam Miller, while also getting Lan Larison back from injured reserve, as well as signing UDFA Myles Montgomery.
Depth at guard, linebacker, and defensive Tackle
For the most part, the Patriots have their core starters. But the NFL is a tough spot, and injuries are common. So it's key for teams to have depth in the event that it happens. So, for the Patriots, guard, linebacker, and defensive tackle are the most intriguing areas.
For guard, the Patriots have Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mike Onwenu starting, with Jared Wilson making the move to center. Behind them is Ben Brown, who can play in all three spots. But, they need more than that, so eyes will be on Caedan Wallace, Mehki Butler, and Andrew Rupcich, as well as UDFAs Jacob Rizy and JonDarius Morgan.
Then there's linebacker and it's Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss leading the way. But the Patriots drafted Namdi Obiazor and signed UDFA Khalil Jacobs, while having K.J. Britt, Chad Muma, and Otis Reese on the roster.
Lastly, it's a defensive tackle, and the Patriots are without Khyiris Tonga, who left and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. Tonga's impact was big last season, and he leaves big shoes to fill. So, who will step in alongside Milton Williams and Christian Barmore? Will it be Cory Durden, Joshua Farmer, Eric Gregory, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Travis Shaw, or David Blay Jr.?
Who will be the primary kickoff returner
Kickoff returner was an area of weakness for the Patriots last season, especially after Gibson went down with his ACL injury. The Patriots cycled through a few options, including TreVeyon Henderson, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism, who will likely all be back and competing for that duty. Specifically for Chism, it is likely his best way to earn a roster spot due to the crowded receiver room.
Bryce Baringer
During the 2025 season, punter Bryce Baringer had some struggles, and with that, it put his status for the season in question. Some expect the Patriots to bring in competition at the position during training camp, similar to what they did last year at kicker between Andy Borregales and John Parker Romo. So, it's important that Baringer makes a good impression early to prove the team can still rely on him.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 8 top storylines to keep an eye on during Patriots OTA practices
Continue reading...
