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Eliot Wolf Makes Major Announcement on Patriots' 2025 Draft Class

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 2:40 PM ET

The New England Patriots have been adding a ton of talent during the 2025 NFL Draft. With so many impactful players joining the roster, there are bound to be veterans listed ahead of the rookies on depth charts. However, veterans are not guaranteed a starting spot.

In the Patriots' post-draft press conference following rounds two and three, Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel made an announcement that opened the door for rookies to earn a starting role.

"We see all of them [rookies] with the ability to come in and compete. Obviously, with coach [Mike] Vrabel, it's going to be a blank slate. And everyone is going to come in and have the same opportunity."

With new head coach Mike Vrabel at the helm, the Patriots will be giving the rookies a chance to compete for a starting job. Will Campbell is already lined up for the starting gig, but the rest of their selections will have to beat out veterans for those starting spots.

However, unlike other teams where rookies often sit on the bench even if they outperform the veteran ahead of them, the Patriots will allow rookies to earn a chance to start in 2025 if they demonstrate their worth.

Wolf continued to describe the competition in New England and how rookies will have a chance to compete for a starting role.

"You know, certainly we have some established players at some of these positions, but each player is going to come in and you know, we'll see what they can do."

Kyle Williams will compete with some previous draft picks at wide receiver, while TreVeyon Henderson will compete against Rhamondre Stevenson for the starting running back job.

But there is one competition that will be very interesting to follow. That is the competition at center between free agent acquisition Garrett Bradbury and 2025 third-round pick Jared Wilson out of Georgia.

With Bradbury coming off a disappointing 2024 season, Wilson will have a chance to compete for the starting center job in New England. While there will be plenty of competitions in training camp, the battle for the starting center spot will be one to watch very closely.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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