Five reasons Patriots will be much improved

New coaching for second-year quarterback Drake Maye

For Maye to build off his successful rookie season, he needs the right coaches around him. Vrabel's decision to hire Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator and Ashton Grant as quarterbacks coach puts Maye in a solid position to succeed in 2025 and beyond. 

McDaniels won six Super Bowls with the Patriots from 2001-2008 and 2012-2021. Three of those victories came when he was the offensive coordinator, one when he served as quarterbacks coach. 

Grant, 29, has little NFL coaching experience , but while working as Browns offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach, he caught Vrabel's eye. Grant has been described as having "intelligence, attention to detail, even-keeled demeanor and knack for connecting with players."

Grant's hands-on, youthful approach could mesh with McDaniels' more traditional style. 

Defensive revamp

The defense from the 2021 to 2023 seasons was among the league's best, but it regressed significantly in 2024. Last season, New England ranked 22nd in yards allowed per game (343.4), 23rd in conceded points per game (24.5) and last in total sacks (28).

However, judging by the team's offseason signings, New England might be back on the right track. 

Notable names the Patriots added include linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane, cornerback Carlton Davis III and defensive tackle Milton Williams.

Landry had nine sacks last season with Tennessee and excelled against the run. Since 2023, former Raider Spillane has 306 tackles, the fourth most during that span. The two will help to improve a pass rush that was dismal last season.

Davis was one of the top CBs in this free-agency class, recording two interceptions and 56 tackles with the Lions in 2024. He and Christian Gonzalez form one of the leagues-best CB duos. 

Williams, who was signed to a four-year, $104M deal, is the most exciting addition. He was an integral part of the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning defense and should dramatically improve New England's presence at the line of scrimmage.

An offensive playmaker is finally on the roster

The last Patriots receiver to amass 1,000 receiving yards in season was Julian Edelman, who had 1,117 yards in 2019. Since then, the Patriots have signed average pass-catchers who have generally failed to produce. Not having a consistent, reliable playmaker has meant that, for six years, the  offense has been painfully inefficient.

After adding WR Stefon Diggs on a three-year, $69M contract, however, New England may finally reverse that trend.

Diggs, 31, has made the Pro Bowl four times and was a first-team All-Pro in 2020. He has amassed 1,000 receiving yards in six seasons and caught 70 touchdown passes.

He is coming off a torn ACL, but there is no denying Diggs brings upside to New England's offense.

Draft capital

The Patriots  still have more additions to make during the NFL Draft (April 24-26, Green Bay). Per NFL.com, the Patriots have nine picks but no sixth-rounder.

With the fourth overall pick, the Patriots will have their choice of a wide range of high-upside players. Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter, LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell and Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter are the most probable candidates to be added, but the pick will depend on who the three teams before New England (Titans, Browns,  Giants) choose. 

Either way, by April 26, the Patriots will have added even more talent to a team that is already much better than last season's dreadful version.