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New Patriots Defender Named Big Winner of OTAs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Coby Leibowitz | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 2:20 PM ET

The 2025 OTAs in the NFL just recently ended, and the teams are now finishing up minicamp. OTAs were a good way to get a first look at rookies, players on new teams, and to see who has been working out in the offseason. There were a lot of names already generating buzz around the league early on, like Shedeur Sanders, Caleb Williams, and Deebo Samuel, some for the right reasons and some for the wrong.

Every season, there are winners and losers, a nd Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report named one New England Patriots defender a big winner of OTAs. Robert Spillane, who spent his last two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, is a 29-year-old linebacker that the Patriots signed to a three-year, $33 million deal.

The article mentions that the opportunity to be a defensive leader for Mike Vrabel is a big plus that drew Spillane to New England. Spillane has a long history with Vrabel, and he explains it in a quote from the article.

Spillane said, It’s a full-circle moment being here. He (Vrabel) recruited me out of high school at Ohio State. He gave me my first opportunity with the Tennessee Titans eight years ago as an undrafted free agent. Just to be signed to be the middle linebacker here and to play meaningful snaps means the world to me. I don’t want to let him down. He’s the type of coach that any player wants to play for. He encourages people to follow their dreams, to love their families, and to love football. What more can you ask for from a coach?”

Spillane displayed excitement to get to work with Vrabel again, and he is showing it on the field, too. Davenport mentions Patriots' new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is recovering from an illness, and in his absence, Spillane is relaying the play calls from linebacker coach Zak Kuhr. This portion of the article ends by saying Spillane has already taken the task of becoming a leader and gaining respect from his teammates.

There are a lot of new faces on the Patriots roster, especially on the defensive side of things. They are going to need some leaders on and off the field, and Spillane is trying to claim that role. He is making a name for himself in the Patriots organization already, and all that is left for him to do is produce on the field as well.

Last season for the Raiders, Spillane had career highs with 158 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and seven pass deflections. He also recorded two interceptions and two sacks. Spillane is special because of his versatility at the linebacker position. He is one of the best coverage linebackers in the league, and is also fantastic when it comes to tackling and pursuing the ball.

He is going to be with a talented linebacker group that also added former Pro Bowl linebacker Harold Landry. They are going to be a scary tandem along with other talented defenders like newly acquired Milton Williams and growing star Christian Gonzalez. Spillane is just reaching the prime of his career, and under Vrabel, could be set up for the best season of his career.

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

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