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The New England Patriots enjoyed a storybook worst-to-first finish in year one of the Mike Vrabel era in 2025 with a 14-3 regular season record and a trip to Super Bowl LX.
Rather than displaying complacency following their surprising performance, New England used the 2026 offseason to build on the foundation laid last fall. Using every avenue to acquire upgrades, the Patriots fortified the roster for what lies ahead — and took steps to sustain their previous success through the upcoming season.
In this series, we’re looking ahead to the 25 most important New England players of the 2026 season. Yesterday, we began with numbers 25-21. Today, that continues with five more contributors who are key to the Patriots’ contention.
Here are numbers 20-16 on our countdown of the most important New England Patriots of 2026:
Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears free safety Kevin Byard (31) reacts during the first quarter against Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Two of the core principles of Vrabel’s defensive philosophy — disruption and generating turnovers — just happen to describe the play style of New England’s most recent upgrade in the secondary: Kevin Byard. It may also be why Byard and Vrabel worked well together with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-2022.
Now reunited in Foxboro, the 33-year-old veteran enters the room as a mentor for Craig Woodson and an immediate threat to create takeaways. Byard is coming off of a First Team All-Pro selection after leading the NFL with seven interceptions in 2025, and has recorded the most interceptions among active players (39) since entering the league in 2016.
As a team, the Patriots ranked 21st in the NFL last season with 19 generated turnovers (10 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries). Always seemingly in the right place at the right time, Byard is sure to provide a boost to those numbers — and perhaps a little of that rubs off on Woodson as the sophomore looks to take a year-two leap.
From the leadership he brings as a perennial team captain to his continued excellence on the field and fit within Vrabel’s defensive scheme, Byard will be New England’s most impactful new addition on defense — but that doesn’t necessarily make him the most important.
Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) makes a catch against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II (20) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
The signing of Romeo Doubs was the first building block in the reconstruction of the top of the Patriots’ wide receiver room this offseason. Previously used primarily as a boundary receiver with the Green Bay Packers, Doubs projects to play a much higher percentage of his snaps in the slot with New England. At 6’2”, 204 lbs., he brings a much different profile to that position than Patriots fans are accustomed to seeing, but he’ll have the versatility to align at a variety of different spots in the offense — a developing trend among the team’s offensive playmakers.
Doubs is coming off of a career year in 2025, setting high marks for yards (724), yards per catch (13.2), yards per route run (1.8), receiving EPA (+27.6), receiving yards over expectation (+68), catch rate over expectation (+7.2%, eighth in the NFL), explosive plays (21), reception rate (66.3%), drop rate (5.2%), and passer rating when targeted (112.7). Of his 55 receptions, 41 were converted first downs.
He’s an ascending player and joins a list of contributors that will look to improve the offense’s efficiency inside the 20-yard line. In the 2025 season, the Patriots ranked 20th in the NFL with a 55.71% touchdown percentage in the red zone. Doubs, in contrast, has scored 21 touchdowns in the red zone over the course of his four-year career. Of those scores, 12 have come inside the 10-yard line.
Another big-bodied receiving threat with the flexibility to move around the formation, Doubs will quickly become an outlet for Drake Maye in the passing game — and joins an expanding list of players who fit the archetype in Foxboro.
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Mike Onwenu (71) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mike Onwenu has developed into New England’s best offensive lineman over the past six seasons after being drafted 182nd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. A 6’3”, 350 lb. mauler at guard, Onwenu’s power in the run game and consistency as a pass blocker have made him a reliable piece even when there have been question marks at the positions surrounding him — and he rarely misses time.
Since 2020, Onwenu has played in 98 of a possible 100 regular games — only missing two starts during the 2023 season — and has been the model for consistency when he has been on the field. Previously named as a PFF101 selection in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and a PFF Second Team All-Pro in 2022, Onwenu graded out as the seventh-best guard in the league in 2025. He received an overall grade of 78.2 (seventh of 81 qualifying guards), a run blocking grade of 74.2 (10th), and earned high marks with a pass blocking grade of 78.2 (fifth).
That high level of performance and dependability will once again be the expectation for Onwenu in 2026. He’s the anchor of the offensive line, and has been for quite some time.
Dec 21, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (41) celebrates sacking New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the first half of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
While Kevin Byard may be the most impactful new addition for the Patriots’ defense, Dre’Mont Jones will likely be the most important acquisition on that side of the ball. New England made several transactions to change the complexion of the edge room after finishing the 2025 regular season ranked 24th in pressure rate, and Jones was the biggest-ticket free agent add to the group this spring.
Listed at 6’3”, 281 lbs., Jones brings a much different body type to set the edge on early downs against the run and is also coming off of a career-best season with seven sacks and 51 total pressures. A power rusher with great size and athleticism, he brings versatility to align at the edge or along the interior, and has frequently traveled to several different alignments on the line of scrimmage.
After letting K’Lavon Chaisson walk in free agency, the organization tied themselves to a player with a much different build and projection with Jones. It’s clear that they were looking for something different when making the switch, but Chaisson’s 12 sacks through the regular season and playoffs will be a high bar to surpass.
With question marks surrounding Harold Landry and Gabe Jacas entering 2026, Jones will be expected to be at the core of the edge rusher rotation in Foxboro. His success or failure will go a long way in telling the story of the entire group this season.
Nov 2, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Morgan Moses (76) blocks Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The 35-year-old Morgan Moses quickly asserted himself as a mentor in the offensive line room after signing with the Patriots last offseason. His leadership was apparent from day one, but more impressive in 2025 was his availability.
Moses started every game at right tackle for New England through the regular season and playoffs last year — totaling a career-high 1,294 offensive snaps and finishing the year with a 76.5 overall grade (24th of 84 qualifying tackles), a 71.5 pass blocking grade (34th), and 78.7 run blocking grade (18th). While he did miss practices through large stretches of the season, that never bled over onto the playing field. Even dealing with minor injuries himself, Moses put together a respectable performance in his first year with the Patriots.
His full season in action bucked a trend of missed games that dated back to 2022, and his continued availability will be at the forefront again this fall. Advancing into the latter stages of his playing career, he’ll likely have the same weekly regime in 2026 that kept him healthy enough to be in the lineup last year — as has been the case through spring practices.
The expectation for Moses this fall remains: stay ready to go, and be a positive influence for the developing younger linemen in the room. He’s a valuable security blanket manning the right side of the line, and will continue to be as long as he sticks around.
Dec 1, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first quarter against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
New England’s few shortcomings in 2025 were tied heavily to the positions reviewed today. With potential upgrades in the deep third, out wide, and in the trenches, the Patriots are hopeful that this group helps mask those previous deficiencies and turn them into strengths during the fall of 2026.
Up next, we’ll continue ranking the most important Patriots of 2026 with numbers 15-11.
Who do you think is the most important Patriots’ player in 2026? Who’s ranked too high? Too low? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
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Patriots Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Patriots. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
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Follow Eddie on Patriots Roundtable
Related Articles:
- Ranking the 25 Most Important New England Patriots of 2026: 25-21
- 5 Position Battles to Watch For at New England Patriots Training Camp 2026: Defense
- 5 Position Battles to Watch For at New England Patriots Training Camp 2026: Offense
- New England Patriots Roster Needs: 5 Free Agent Targets Before Training Camp
- 5 Remaining Positions of Need for the New England Patriots in 2026
Check out the Patriots Roundtable Podcast!
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Continue reading...
Rather than displaying complacency following their surprising performance, New England used the 2026 offseason to build on the foundation laid last fall. Using every avenue to acquire upgrades, the Patriots fortified the roster for what lies ahead — and took steps to sustain their previous success through the upcoming season.
In this series, we’re looking ahead to the 25 most important New England players of the 2026 season. Yesterday, we began with numbers 25-21. Today, that continues with five more contributors who are key to the Patriots’ contention.
Here are numbers 20-16 on our countdown of the most important New England Patriots of 2026:
20. S Kevin Byard III
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Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears free safety Kevin Byard (31) reacts during the first quarter against Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Two of the core principles of Vrabel’s defensive philosophy — disruption and generating turnovers — just happen to describe the play style of New England’s most recent upgrade in the secondary: Kevin Byard. It may also be why Byard and Vrabel worked well together with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-2022.
Now reunited in Foxboro, the 33-year-old veteran enters the room as a mentor for Craig Woodson and an immediate threat to create takeaways. Byard is coming off of a First Team All-Pro selection after leading the NFL with seven interceptions in 2025, and has recorded the most interceptions among active players (39) since entering the league in 2016.
As a team, the Patriots ranked 21st in the NFL last season with 19 generated turnovers (10 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries). Always seemingly in the right place at the right time, Byard is sure to provide a boost to those numbers — and perhaps a little of that rubs off on Woodson as the sophomore looks to take a year-two leap.
From the leadership he brings as a perennial team captain to his continued excellence on the field and fit within Vrabel’s defensive scheme, Byard will be New England’s most impactful new addition on defense — but that doesn’t necessarily make him the most important.
19. WR Romeo Doubs
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Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) makes a catch against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II (20) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
The signing of Romeo Doubs was the first building block in the reconstruction of the top of the Patriots’ wide receiver room this offseason. Previously used primarily as a boundary receiver with the Green Bay Packers, Doubs projects to play a much higher percentage of his snaps in the slot with New England. At 6’2”, 204 lbs., he brings a much different profile to that position than Patriots fans are accustomed to seeing, but he’ll have the versatility to align at a variety of different spots in the offense — a developing trend among the team’s offensive playmakers.
Doubs is coming off of a career year in 2025, setting high marks for yards (724), yards per catch (13.2), yards per route run (1.8), receiving EPA (+27.6), receiving yards over expectation (+68), catch rate over expectation (+7.2%, eighth in the NFL), explosive plays (21), reception rate (66.3%), drop rate (5.2%), and passer rating when targeted (112.7). Of his 55 receptions, 41 were converted first downs.
He’s an ascending player and joins a list of contributors that will look to improve the offense’s efficiency inside the 20-yard line. In the 2025 season, the Patriots ranked 20th in the NFL with a 55.71% touchdown percentage in the red zone. Doubs, in contrast, has scored 21 touchdowns in the red zone over the course of his four-year career. Of those scores, 12 have come inside the 10-yard line.
Another big-bodied receiving threat with the flexibility to move around the formation, Doubs will quickly become an outlet for Drake Maye in the passing game — and joins an expanding list of players who fit the archetype in Foxboro.
18. G Mike Onwenu
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Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Mike Onwenu (71) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mike Onwenu has developed into New England’s best offensive lineman over the past six seasons after being drafted 182nd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. A 6’3”, 350 lb. mauler at guard, Onwenu’s power in the run game and consistency as a pass blocker have made him a reliable piece even when there have been question marks at the positions surrounding him — and he rarely misses time.
Since 2020, Onwenu has played in 98 of a possible 100 regular games — only missing two starts during the 2023 season — and has been the model for consistency when he has been on the field. Previously named as a PFF101 selection in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and a PFF Second Team All-Pro in 2022, Onwenu graded out as the seventh-best guard in the league in 2025. He received an overall grade of 78.2 (seventh of 81 qualifying guards), a run blocking grade of 74.2 (10th), and earned high marks with a pass blocking grade of 78.2 (fifth).
That high level of performance and dependability will once again be the expectation for Onwenu in 2026. He’s the anchor of the offensive line, and has been for quite some time.
17. ED Dre’Mont Jones
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Dec 21, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (41) celebrates sacking New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the first half of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
While Kevin Byard may be the most impactful new addition for the Patriots’ defense, Dre’Mont Jones will likely be the most important acquisition on that side of the ball. New England made several transactions to change the complexion of the edge room after finishing the 2025 regular season ranked 24th in pressure rate, and Jones was the biggest-ticket free agent add to the group this spring.
Listed at 6’3”, 281 lbs., Jones brings a much different body type to set the edge on early downs against the run and is also coming off of a career-best season with seven sacks and 51 total pressures. A power rusher with great size and athleticism, he brings versatility to align at the edge or along the interior, and has frequently traveled to several different alignments on the line of scrimmage.
After letting K’Lavon Chaisson walk in free agency, the organization tied themselves to a player with a much different build and projection with Jones. It’s clear that they were looking for something different when making the switch, but Chaisson’s 12 sacks through the regular season and playoffs will be a high bar to surpass.
With question marks surrounding Harold Landry and Gabe Jacas entering 2026, Jones will be expected to be at the core of the edge rusher rotation in Foxboro. His success or failure will go a long way in telling the story of the entire group this season.
16. OT Morgan Moses
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Nov 2, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Morgan Moses (76) blocks Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The 35-year-old Morgan Moses quickly asserted himself as a mentor in the offensive line room after signing with the Patriots last offseason. His leadership was apparent from day one, but more impressive in 2025 was his availability.
Moses started every game at right tackle for New England through the regular season and playoffs last year — totaling a career-high 1,294 offensive snaps and finishing the year with a 76.5 overall grade (24th of 84 qualifying tackles), a 71.5 pass blocking grade (34th), and 78.7 run blocking grade (18th). While he did miss practices through large stretches of the season, that never bled over onto the playing field. Even dealing with minor injuries himself, Moses put together a respectable performance in his first year with the Patriots.
His full season in action bucked a trend of missed games that dated back to 2022, and his continued availability will be at the forefront again this fall. Advancing into the latter stages of his playing career, he’ll likely have the same weekly regime in 2026 that kept him healthy enough to be in the lineup last year — as has been the case through spring practices.
The expectation for Moses this fall remains: stay ready to go, and be a positive influence for the developing younger linemen in the room. He’s a valuable security blanket manning the right side of the line, and will continue to be as long as he sticks around.
Looking Ahead
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Dec 1, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first quarter against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
New England’s few shortcomings in 2025 were tied heavily to the positions reviewed today. With potential upgrades in the deep third, out wide, and in the trenches, the Patriots are hopeful that this group helps mask those previous deficiencies and turn them into strengths during the fall of 2026.
Up next, we’ll continue ranking the most important Patriots of 2026 with numbers 15-11.
Who do you think is the most important Patriots’ player in 2026? Who’s ranked too high? Too low? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
–
Patriots Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Patriots. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
–
Follow Eddie on Patriots Roundtable
Related Articles:
- Ranking the 25 Most Important New England Patriots of 2026: 25-21
- 5 Position Battles to Watch For at New England Patriots Training Camp 2026: Defense
- 5 Position Battles to Watch For at New England Patriots Training Camp 2026: Offense
- New England Patriots Roster Needs: 5 Free Agent Targets Before Training Camp
- 5 Remaining Positions of Need for the New England Patriots in 2026
Check out the Patriots Roundtable Podcast!
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Continue reading...
