As the New England Patriots enter Phase 3 of their 2025 offseason program, the intensity of the practices will ramp up in the next two weeks. The Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp, marks the first real opportunity for the new coaching staff, led by Mike Vrabel, to see their new and returning players in a more competitive, albeit non-contact, setting. With a new offensive coordinator in Josh McDaniels and a retooled roster, there’s plenty to watch for as the Patriots begin to solidify their identity for the upcoming season.
The Intensification of Practice: OTAs and Minicamp Phase 3 is where the coaching staff truly begins to implement schemes and evaluate player fit. While full pads and live contact are still prohibited, 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills become the norm. This allows for a more realistic assessment of how players execute assignments and interact within their units.
The Patriots’ OTA sessions are scheduled across several dates in May and June, culminating in a mandatory minicamp from June 9-11. These sessions are crucial for:
1. Scheme Installation: McDaniels has reportedly refined the language of his offense. The focus will be on ensuring all players, particularly the numerous new additions and rookies, are grasping the playbook and operating with synergy. This will be a critical period for quarterback Drake Maye to truly immerse himself in McDaniels’ system and build rapport with his receivers and offensive line. As we saw last week, the new system has some kinks to work out.
2. Player Integration: Rookies and free-agent signings will be further integrated into the team structure. Players like first-round pick Will Campbell at offensive tackle, second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson, and third-round wide receiver Kyle Williams will be working to prove their worth and demonstrate their understanding of the schemes. For veterans new to the system, such as Stefon Diggs and Morgan Moses, these reps are vital to getting up to speed.
3. Position Battles: While full contact is absent, competitive drills will highlight emerging position battles. Battles which will carry over to training camp. The offensive line, in particular, will be under scrutiny as Vrabel and his staff look to solidify the unit. With new additions like Garrett Bradbury at center and the potential for rookies to push for starting spots, competition will be fierce. Similarly, the safety room, with veterans like Kyle Dugger and new faces like Craig Woodson, will likely see intense competition. The kicker position, with sixth-round pick Andres Borregales vying with John Parker Romo, is another battle to monitor.
Key Storylines to Follow:
1.Drake Maye Watch: Maye’s 4 interception practice last week was concerning but it is still too early to panic. Phase 3 will ramp up the competition for Maye and the rest of the offense. He needs to be better. How quickly he processes information, makes reads, and builds chemistry with his receivers will be a major storyline. Early reports suggest McDaniels’ offense might take some time to grasp, so Maye’s progression will be closely observed.
2. Continued cohesion along the offensive line: The Patriots have invested significantly in their offensive line, adding veterans and drafting promising rookies. The challenge will be to create a cohesive unit that can protect Maye and establish a consistent run game. Observing which players are taking first-team reps and how they perform in 11-on-11 drills will provide insights into the projected starting five.
3. Defensive Identity Under Terrell Williams: With Terrell Williams as the new defensive coordinator, fans will get a glimpse of the defensive philosophy under the Vrabel regime. The focus has been on building from the inside out, particularly with the defensive line. The additions of defensive tackle Milton Williams and veterans like Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane indicate a commitment to a strong front seven. A front seven that will be aggressive and attack instead of playing a gap-control style.
4. Rookie Impact: Beyond Maye, the Patriots’ 2025 draft class is expected to play a significant role. How quickly players like Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kyle Williams adapt to the NFL speed and absorb the playbook will be crucial for their immediate contributions. Rookie minicamp in May was the initial introduction, but OTAs provide the first true opportunity to see them in a more integrated team setting.
5. Special Teams Under Jeremy Springer: Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer will be evaluating his unit as well, especially in the kicking game. The competition between Andres Borregales and John Parker Romo will be a key storyline, as consistency is paramount for Springer. The team also drafted a long snapper, Julian Ashby, who will be working to secure a spot.
Phase 3 of the offseason program is a vital stepping stone for the 2025 Patriots. While no champions are crowned in May or June, these drills provide invaluable opportunities for the coaching staff to assess talent, implement their vision, and begin to shape the roster for a demanding NFL season. The coming weeks will offer the first tangible look at the direction the New England Patriots are heading under their new leadership.