The Patriots should take a big step forward in 2025.
New England has a nice blend of young and veteran talent, and the culture is already changing under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
There’s no doubt that several players will have to step up if the Patriots are going to return to the postseason, but it’s not unreasonable to believe it can happen.
While listing players from around the league that he guarantees will elevate their games next season, NFL.com analyst Marc Ross listed two Patriots players. Let’s check out what he had to say.
CB Christian Gonzalez
From Marc Ross: “The third-year cornerback has already shown he can play at a high level. After a promising rookie season ended due to injury just four games into the year, Gonzalez proved why he was a first-round pick by routinely shutting down his side of the gridiron in 2024. Gonzalez allowed only one reception for 58 yards on 13 deep targets (20-plus air yards) last season, per Next Gen Stats. He was one of only three cornerbacks to not allow multiple deep receptions (minimum 10 targets). He enters the 2025 campaign with a proven cornerback playing opposite him in veteran Carlton Davis III, who won a Super Bowl in Tampa and was a playmaker for Aaron Glenn’s unit in Detroit last season. This tandem should also benefit from the talent New England brought in along the front seven (SEE: Milton Williams’ section below). I’m prepared to watch Gonzalez, who’s been showing off his skills this summer, take his game to an elite level this fall.”
After being named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2024, there aren’t a lot of improvements that Gonzalez needs to make. However, Ross is talking about Gonzalez having a shot to be known as the absolute best CB in the league. If Gonzalez can shut down one side of the field by himself, not only will he make the leap to First-Team All-Pro, but he’ll make life much easier for the New England’s defense as a whole.
DL Milton Williams
From Marc Ross: “It can be risky paying part-time players big-time money like the Patriots did this offseason with Williams (four-year, $104 million deal). He will be tasked with turning around a defense that ranked 22nd in yards and points allowed in 2024. The Patriots signed a slew of defensive veterans, including Harold Landry, Robert Spillane and Carlton Davis III, for new head coach Mike Vrabel to deploy, and it’s clear early on that Vrabel is looking for Williams to set the tone in his revamped D-line. He brings the experience to a front that features some young but talented disruptors in now healthy Christian Barmore and third-year defensive end Keion White, who has already drawn praise from Williams. The 26-year-old defensive tackle is positioned to build on his 2024 breakout season.”
Williams could be the prize free agent signing for New England of the offseason. He is an absolute force along the interior defensive line, recording a career-high seven sacks (including the postseason) and 12 quarterback pressures in 2024. Still just 26 years old, Milton is ready to be a full-time starter an establish himself as one of the most disruptive defenders in the league.
