The New England Patriots have added some serious talent in Free Agency so far, and have multiple players who should make a big leap forward under Head Coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel immediately raises the floor of this team, and with the return of Offensive Coordinator, Josh McDaniels, we could see a giant improvement in 2025. So who could be some of the best candidates for a breakout when the season finally rolls around in September?
Drake Maye, Quarterback
The most obvious breakout candidate is quarterback, Drake Maye. Maye has immense talent and an incredible arm. He looked like the future of the franchise at times last season by making plays with absolutely zero help. He had one of the lowest-graded offensive lines in the entire league and still managed to make plays. Now that Maye finally has a Head Coach that will build around him, and an Offensive Coordinator that will put him in the best position to win, we could see him turn into the next great NFL quarterback.
DeMario Douglas, Receiver
The Patriots recently added free agent wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, and it could have a huge impact on DeMario Douglas. Douglas has shown flashes of potential throughout his young NFL career, and with a big-time receiver like Diggs dictating coverage and demanding attention, Douglas could thrive. Not to mention, Offensive Coordinator, Josh McDaniels could scheme up some very favorable matchups for Douglas. With the burst and separation Douglas has, he could turn into one of Drake Maye’s favorite targets in 2025.
Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback
Christian Gonzalez is arguably the best player on the entire Patriots roster, so is he really considered a breakout candidate? The answer is yes. Gonzalez was a top-five corner in the league last year, but for some reason, is still being overlooked by many media personalities. He is a true lockdown corner and can eliminate opposing number-one receivers from the game plan. With the addition of cornerback, Carlton Davis in Free Agency, the Patriots now have one of the best cornerback duos in the league. Adding in another off-season of development for Gonzalez could turn him into a top-two corner in the league, alongside other great names such as Patrick Surtain II in Denver. When Gonzalez reaches his peak, he could be in that Defensive Player of the Year category season after season.
Keion White, Defensive End
One of the biggest breakout candidates for 2025 is defensive end, Keion White. White had huge potential coming out of his Draft class but hasn’t quite lived up to the hype just yet. He has shown serious flashes of being an incredibly strong game wrecker. But he has had trouble maintaining success throughout the season. When Head Coach Mike Vrabel was hired, my guess is that Keion White was one of the happiest players on the team. With Coach Vrabel’s guidance, coaching, and leadership, we could see White turn into an absolute menace on the defensive line, that consistently causes nightmares for opposing offenses.
Rhamondre Stevenson, Running back
The final potential breakout candidate on this list is running back, Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson struggled with ball security last season. He had multiple big-time fumbles, but with the additions of Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels, Head Coach Mike Vrabel, and an improved offensive line, Stevenson will be looking for a bounce-back season. Stevenson has shown he can be a true number-one back in this league, and with an off-season of great leadership in Mike Vrabel, Stevenson may shock fans all over the league in 2025. Fans can only hope to get the old Rhamondre back, and only time will tell if he will show up on game day in September.
If the Patriots have multiple breakout players in 2025, what could the season look like?
Fans all over New England desperately hope that Mike Vrabel can get the Patriots back on track. If he has multiple players breakout in 2025, then we may see a much more productive season than we thought possible. With some great additions in the NFL Draft and great coaching across the board, the Patriots could have a serious shot at competing for a Wild Card Playoff Spot.
