The New England Patriots turned over upwards of 50% of their roster this offseason under new head coach Mike Vrabel. In doing so, New England has 12 rookies on the 53-man roster; nine drafted and three undrafted.
Over the first two weeks of the season, the Patriots have elevated a couple of rookies from the practice squad for game-day purposes. In total, the Patriots have played 11 rookies so far this season.
- Week 1: 10
- Week 2: 11
It’s worth mentioning that the practice squad carries 17 players; five of them are rookies, two of whom were drafted by the Patriots in 2025. There have been a lot of rookies playing so far this season; three are starting at essential positions.
Here Is the New England Patriots' Rookie Report Heading into Week 3
Offense
Will Campbell: After being drafted fourth overall, Campbell is the starting left tackle and has been on the field for 100% of the offensive snaps through two weeks. If second-year QB Drake Maye is on the field, Campbell is right there with him to protect him.
Campbell has recorded 131 offensive snaps, allowing only one sack and four total pressures. He also has three penalties.
Jared Wilson: After being drafted in the third round, Wilson was getting time at both center and guard during training camp, but he eventually became the clear-cut favorite to be the starting left guard. Similar to what I said about Campbell, Wilson is also on the field for 100% of the offensive snaps, always sharing the field with Maye.
It's worth noting that Campbell and Wilson are going to be on the field any time that Maye is. The expectation seems to be that as Wilson and Campbell continue to work alongside each other, the offensive operation will be smoother as the two rookies build experience together.
Wilson has logged the same number of snaps as Campbell in the first two games (131). He's allowed six total pressures without any sacks.
Marcus Bryant: Although he hasn't seen any snaps on offense, Bryant is the primary backup to both tackle positions, as Vrabel said in a press conference last week. Bryant has played nine total snaps in the first two weeks, which have all been on special teams.
TreVeyon Henderson: Henderson might be the secret weapon for the Patriots' offense thanks to the speed he has, but he saw his offensive snap counts decrease from Week 1 to Week 2, and it was likely caused by struggling as a pass protector. He received three holding penalties last week in Miami: two on special teams and one on offense.
Henderson has played 44 total offensive snaps, 12 on runs and 32 on passing plays. He's also had 11 plays on special teams.
Kyle Williams: The Patriots are taking their time with Williams, as the rookie has only been on the field for passing situations and is not involved with special teams. He has played 17 total snaps through the first two weeks, making one reception on the only target he's had this season (Week 1).
Defense
Craig Woodson: Woodson earned his status as a starter near the end of the preseason. The fourth round pick is second on the team in tackles with 14 and was on the field for just about all of the defensive snaps through the first two games. He's missed two tackles so far, but he’s a rookie who has been all over the field thus far. There will be mistakes along the way, and Vrabel expects that to happen. But, so far, through two games, Woodson hasn’t been a problem. He joins Campbell and Wilson as the rookie starters.
Joshua Farmer: Farmer has had an under-the-radar start to the season, but he’s been on the field in both games; 13 defensive snaps in Week 1 and 10 in Week 2, while also getting two snaps on special teams. He recorded his first tackle in Week 1 on an impressive read and react to get to Ashton Jeanty for a minimal gain.
Elijah Ponder: Ponder made the 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent. He’s earned a role on the special teams, where he’s logged 37 snaps to only nine on defense. He adds depth at linebacker, and he could start to see more time on defense as the season progresses.
Special Teams
Julian Ashby: As the long snapper, Ashby is on the field with the punt team and the field goal unit, along with punter Bryce Barringer. Ashby has been on the field 18 times, and I haven’t noticed any issues with his snaps.
Andy Borregales: Borregales has had a rough start to his career, but Vrabel continues to instill his trust and belief in his rookie kicker. He missed two extra points (2-of-4) and one field goal (4-of-5) through the first two games of the season.
Kobee Minor: Minor was the last pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After he made the practice squad, Minor received his first call-up in Week 2 and saw two snaps on special teams.