The New England Patriots' stellar start to the season continued with a win over the New York Jets on Thursday, upping their record to 9-2 through 11 weeks. It's the team's longest win streak since starting the 2019 season 8-0, leaving time to tell just how much more success head coach Mike Vrabel's roster can rack up moving forward.
Now that we're in the second half of the NFL season, the NFL Pro Bowl selections will soon start. Given New England's play so far, it's safe to say that several Patriots should be in the running to make the AFC roster, including these three individuals.
1. Milton Williams, DT
Signing with New England in the off-season, veteran defensive tackle Milton Williams was the Patriots' biggest win during free agency. He was coming off a strong season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped win a Super Bowl. When he signed his big contract with the Patriots, expectations were set high, and he's exceeded them so far.
Williams has been a key piece in reshaping a Patriots defense that was one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. This season, Williams has 3.5 sacks, 27 total tackles, and 12 pressures on the season. Because of his stellar play, the Patriots' run defense has also become the best in the league, allowing 84.7 rushing yards per game, after finishing last season 22nd, allowing 131.4 rushing yards per game.
While the raw stats might not jump off the page for Williams, the impact he's made on the defense has been undeniable. Though Williams did leave Thursday's game with an injury, the update was promising for his future health. If he can have a strong second half of the season, he'll be seeing his first Pro Bowl selection.
2. Will Campbell, LT
Rookies making the Pro Bowl might be surprising to some, but with the way the Patriots' starting left tackle has played, it shouldn't be surprising. Campbell was picked fourth overall in the 2025 NFL draft and has lived up to his expectations.
During his rookie campaign, Campbell has only allowed five sacks, four quarterback hits, and 25 total pressures. His 67.6 run block grade ranks 16th-best among tackles who've played at least nine games, per Pro Football Focus, while his 75.0 pass protection grade sits 11th-best.
The play of Campbell has backed up why the Patriots took him with the fourth pick, giving franchise QB Drake Maye some long-term protection he can count on. You want to surround your quarterback of the future with someone who can protect him, and that's what Campbell has done.
3. Christian Gonzalez, CB
Heading into the season, cornerback Christian Gonzalez is one player whom fans were excited to see further development from Christian Gonzalez. The 23-year-old defensive playmaker already proved he's one of the NFL's best CBs with his 2024 second-team All-Pro selection, and it wouldn't be shocking if he managed to add a Pro Bowl nod to his accolade list.
It wasn't the most ideal start for Gonzalez, who missed the first three games with a hamstring strain. Fortunately, he finally got the green light to return in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, and it's been up from there. Through eight games, Gonzalez has 43 tackles, seven pass breakups, and has only allowed 22 catches for 244 yards and a 59.1 passer rating, per PFF.
Gonzalez's injury concerns are clear behind him, as he keeps giving the Patriots stellar play in the secondary. With a strong close to the season, Gonzalez can put himself in the Pro Bowl conversation, potentially giving New England another reason to extend him before his rookie contract reaches Year 4.