Patriots 2025 UDFA list

[Huckleberry1]

It's looking to me that we're more likely to keep only ONE of those 4.

I agree. I think it’s a case where they really didn’t like last season’s receiving room, in every way, and want to move on from them as much as possible.

 

[Huckleberry1]

There's no doubt in my mind that Josh, while in no way is capable as a head coach, is quite proficient as an Offensive Coordinator. Maye is going to thrive this year, no Sophomore slump.

Some guys just aren’t NFL Head Coach material, and MacDaniels appears to be one of them. He is, however, a very good offensive coordinator.

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

Some guys just aren’t NFL Head Coach material, and MacDaniels appears to be one of them. He is, however, a very good offensive coordinator.

I don't know if you all saw the photos of McDaniels during the Mini-Camp, but he appeared to happy and enthusiastic. He is in his sweet spot as OC, and he has a really good batch of new players to work with (I m sure he scheming up some good stuff for these guys)....and he does not have to deal with all the BS that comes with a head coaching job.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Larison is making this team. I watched the piece Perry did on him with his UC Davis coach and aside from his running and receiving abilities he described him as an elite special teams player. Said he can play on every unit, and led the nation kick return yards one season, and tackles on the punting team another. I think the Patriots will try to move Gibson, and probably release him if that doesn’t work. And if they keep Lampe they are going to have elite pass protection in their backfield, and will be able to mix and match Henderson, Larison, and Lampe to protect Maye, and be available to throw to. While they are still likely to have significant work to do on their receiving room next offseason, their running back room could quickly become one of the best in football.

 

[p8ryts]

I'm starting to wonder if our UDFAs are better than our draft picks lol

Every once in a while, a team has a monstrous draft and FA. Maybe it could be the Pats this time.

 

[Love The Drake]

Larison is making this team. I watched the piece Perry did on him with his UC Davis coach and aside from his running and receiving abilities he described him as an elite special teams player. Said he can play on every unit, and led the nation kick return yards one season, and tackles on the punting team another. I think the Patriots will try to move Gibson, and probably release him if that doesn’t work. And if they keep Lampe they are going to have elite pass protection in their backfield, and will be able to mix and match Henderson, Larison, and Lampe to protect Maye, and be available to throw to. While they are still likely to have significant work to do on their receiving room next offseason, their running back room could quickly become one of the best in football.

Stevenson is the odd man out.
I’d keep Gibson over Stevenson.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Stevenson is the odd man out.
I’d keep Gibson over Stevenson.

Not a chance.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Not a chance.

That’s exactly what I was about to say. Larison isn’t competing for Stevenson’s spot, he’s competing for Gibsons, and special teams give him a big advantage for it.

 

[p8ryts]

That’s exactly what I was about to say. Larison isn’t competing for Stevenson’s spot, he’s competing for Gibsons, and special teams give him a big advantage for it.

Good point but it could also apply to Stephenson. I'm conflicted about Stephenson. Sometimes he looks great, other times not so great. Might be time to cut bait. Maybe put him and Bourne in a package and send them out.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

That’s exactly what I was about to say. Larison isn’t competing for Stevenson’s spot, he’s competing for Gibsons, and special teams give him a big advantage for it.

I agree. But I understand the disappointment with Stevenson last year. There were no holes between the tackles and I assume that Stevenson got discouraged, maybe an injury? Stevenson was disappointing last year - let's hope for a rebound.

 

[WinstonSmith]

That’s exactly what I was about to say. Larison isn’t competing for Stevenson’s spot, he’s competing for Gibsons, and special teams give him a big advantage for it.

I still have Stevenson on my 53, but there's a decent chance that he gets traded after June 1st.

The only things that depreciates in value faster than new cars are RBs.
Gibson was significantly better per snap last year than Stevenson, is roughly the same age, height and weight. Gibson is signed to a reasonable contract that ends next year, while Stevenson is signed to a more bloated contract through 2028.

While they're not the same player, the Patriots can certainly survive without Stevenson. Vrabel seemingly sees this year as a foundational year, and seems to be placing a premium on future value; it wouldn't be shocking to see Vrabel decide to go with youth and future cap space relief/flexibility over a guy that is in decline, but who could be a better fit this year.

 

[Love The Drake]

That’s exactly what I was about to say. Larison isn’t competing for Stevenson’s spot, he’s competing for Gibsons, and special teams give him a big advantage for it.

I agree with this logic, but I am looking at it from a differing position.
You want running backs with the same tools/skills so you don’t have to adjust what the rb could be doing on each play.

A back who can run, pass protect, run routes, block and catch.
Is more valuable than a back who can run a little harder but lacks in the other areas.

Now your position is that you need to be hammer on certain run plays is valid.
But I would argue Gibson can run hard and do the other things pretty well.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I agree with this logic, but I am looking at it from a differing position.
You want running backs with the same tools/skills so you don’t have to adjust what the rb could be doing on each play.

A back who can run, pass protect, run routes, block and catch.
Is more valuable than a back who can run a little harder but lacks in the other areas.

Now your position is that you need to be hammer on certain run plays is valid.
But I would argue Gibson can run hard and do the other things pretty well.

Stevenson is a better running back, period. Gibson is redundant if they keep Larison, and he doesn’t contribute on special teams. They may well get rid of Stevenson after 2025, but he’s here for this season

 

[Huckleberry1]

I still have Stevenson on my 53, but there's a decent chance that he gets traded after June 1st.

The only things that depreciates in value faster than new cars are RBs.
Gibson was significantly better per snap last year than Stevenson, is roughly the same age, height and weight. Gibson is signed to a reasonable contract that ends next year, while Stevenson is signed to a more bloated contract through 2028.

While they're not the same player, the Patriots can certainly survive without Stevenson. Vrabel seemingly sees this year as a foundational year, and seems to be placing a premium on future value; it wouldn't be shocking to see Vrabel decide to go with youth and future cap space relief/flexibility over a guy that is in decline, but who could be a better fit this year.

We will see. I like Gibson but I believe that Stevenson is the better running back. I think Stevenson, Duggars, and Onwenu all have to prove their worth this year, or they will be gone in 26, but I don’t think they will get rid of any of them before 26.

 

[The Gr8est]

Stevenson is a better running back, period. Gibson is redundant if they keep Larison, and he doesn’t contribute on special teams. They may well get rid of Stevenson after 2025, but he’s here for this season

Stevenson is overpaid though.

Wonder if Vrabel will be looking purge the overpaid guys like Stevenson, Owenu, and Dugger?

Are overpaid guys going to be hungry enough to earn it, or do they feel entitled?

 

[SlowGettingUp]

and led the nation kick return yards one season

With the new rules there will be a lot more returns. And it's become more like a running play (albeit with a bit more space) and so it's become a better fit for a RB-type rather than a speedy DB or WR type. So Larison would be a very good candidate. I have little doubt he will make the team. But you absolutely still need Stevenson - Vrabel commented that some of the fumbles last year were on the OL and the run blocking, not just on the back.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Stevenson is overpaid though.

Wonder if Vrabel will be looking purge the overpaid guys like Stevenson, Owenu, and Dugger?

Are overpaid guys going to be hungry enough to earn it, or do they feel entitled?

My understanding has been that the deals Wolf made with those 3 is that they will be easier to get out of after 2 years, that’s why I believe they will get this season to prove themselves, and will be traded or released if they don’t prove their worth this season.

 

[UGAPatsfan]

I would be shocked and appalled if the Patriots did this. Get rid of Slo-Polk first, eeesh. Last year Pop was the only guy who could get open. This year a lineup of Diggs, Douglas and Williams would be awesome.

Issue with Pop is twofold: durability, and route precision. Neither seem like issues Vrabel or Mcd would appreciate.

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

Issue with Pop is twofold: durability, and route precision. Neither seem like issues Vrabel or Mcd would appreciate.

I would think that McD could teach Pop about route precision. As far as durability, the game plan of opposing defenses last year was to injure Douglas since he was the only threat (of course they would never admit that and just say they wanted to hit him). They were gunning for him. It should be different this year since he will no longer be the primary WR.

It would be nutz to get rid of Douglas. Dump Slo-Poke

 

[n1997y]

Disagree. I think they can convert Larison to a slot receiver.

Why?

They’ve got plenty of WRs. No real benefit to adding another to an already crowded position. Especially when they can still have him line up in the slot even if he’s listed as RB on the roster. He’s going to make the roster on his STs play anyway.