With the 2024 season ending, there is a renewed sense of energy for the 2025 season.
As the New England Patriots’ front office plans to give fans something worth cheering for, this off-season method starts by doubling down on both fronts.
The Philadelphia Eagles cruised past the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX after a tenacious performance by the ferocious trenches of the Eagles. As a team, the Eagles had six sacks, and the Chiefs had two. Kansas City also lost a fumble, which truly displayed the importance of having big men up front.
Not only being able to ensure franchise quarterback Drake Maye’s safety but being able to formulate pressure facing top quarterbacks of the AFC in crucial moments as well. Doing so would also give Maye more time to read the field and give defensive backs more leeway in coverage.
When asked about roster changes/team building, newly hired head coach Mike Vrabel informed reporters of his thoughts.
For some, the response may not have been the most appetizing, but a firm stance, nonetheless.
“Making sure that up front we’re sound, we’re strong,” Vrabel said during his introductory press conference.
“Whether that is through free agency or the draft and that’s something that’s critical.”
With Mike Vrabel being a physical force during his playing days, he could look to add players with similar tenacity as he played with.
Though there are needs at skill positions, the big boys seem to be number one on the list, which is, luckily, the strength of the free agency class as well as the 2025 draft class.
PHOTO: New England Patriots/FacebookStarting with free agency, there are limited options along the offensive line. Some ideal options for the team include left tackle Ronnie Stanley, left tackle Alaric Jackson, guard Trey Smith, and versatile lineman Patrick Mekari. On the defensive side, there is more splash within the options.
The hottest name is Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat, who had two and a half sacks in Super Bowl LIX. Defensive tackle Milton Williams is another Eagle with two sacks in the Super Bowl and is set to hit free agency in 2025. Other names include edge Khalil Mack, edge Hasson Reddick, edge Chase Young, and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
In terms of the draft, at pick four, there’s a nice plethora of guys who could immediately bolster the Patriots’ trenches. Those being Penn State outside linebacker Abdul Carter, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, LSU left tackle Will Campbell, and possibly Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks.
Realistically, things for the Patriots may not 360 immediately, but there has to be a start somewhere. When building from the ground up, a strong foundation is a necessity. That is exactly what this team is attempting to do.
The seeds the 2025 Patriots are planting could bear great fruition for the future.
PHOTO: New England Patriots/Facebook
