New England
Patriots

The New England Patriots are bracing for a competitive battle at offensive tackle, with veteran James Hudson III and rising second-year player Marcus Bryant vying for snaps. Hudson, entering his sixth NFL season, brings a wealth of experience but must overcome a history of mental lapses and inconsistency. His 2025 campaign with the Giants was marred by a disastrous seven-snap stretch that saw him surrender a sack and four penalties, leading to a significant reduction in playing time and his eventual release. Hudson's versatility to play both left and right tackle is his primary asset, offering depth behind established starters Will Campbell and Morgan Moses, and first-round pick Caleb Lomu. However, he faces stiff competition from players like Bryant, who is reportedly leading the depth charge in early evaluations. Hudson's low-risk, one-year, $1.4 million contract means he needs to prove his 2025 struggles were an anomaly to secure a roster spot against younger, higher-upside options. On the defensive side, Milton Williams continues to solidify his status as an elite interior defender. A recent ESPN survey of league personnel ranked Williams the ninth-best defensive tackle in football. This recognition follows a dominant 2025 season where his four-year, $104 million contract proved a wise investment. Williams led the Patriots' interior linemen in pressure rate (9.6%), recorded eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks before a high ankle sprain limited him to 12 games. His ability to generate pressure from anywhere along the defensive front earned him high praise from evaluators, with one calling him an "anchor up front." Williams joins cornerback Christian Gonzalez as the only Patriots players to crack the top 10 at their positions in the survey, with Gonzalez ranked third-best. The Patriots are still awaiting word from second-round pick Gabe Jacas, who remains unsigned. Training camp is set to begin with veterans reporting on July 24th, followed by the first public practice on July 25th. The Patriots' offensive line outlook, particularly at tackle, will be a key storyline to monitor. Meanwhile, the success of Drake Maye and the potential impact of receiver A.J. Brown are also generating buzz as the team prepares for the upcoming season. A recent ranking of the NFL's top guard duos did not feature any Patriots players, and quarterback Drake Maye was noted on the "coldest seats" list regarding pressure to perform in 2026.