Patriots' 2024 season hopes rise as rookies Collins & Harris sign, but a major Stefon Diggs injury update casts a dark shadow over the offense. (July 2025)
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Mike Vrabel era officially kicked off in Foxboro on Saturday as Patriots rookies reported to Gillette Stadium, bringing a wave of optimism and one of the league's most praised draft classes. But as the ink dried on contracts for second-rounders Alfred Collins and Tre Harris, a dark cloud gathered over the offense: star free-agent acquisition Stefon Diggs is now expected to begin the season on the PUP list, a massive blow to a team desperate for offensive firepower.
The Patriots finished last season ranked 32nd in sacks (28.0) and 31st in pressure rate (17.6%).
The good news of the day centered on the rookies. With second-round defensive tackle Alfred Collins and receiver Tre Harris officially signing their contracts, the Patriots have their key draft picks locked in as camp begins. The brief holdout by Harris is over, and running back TreVeyon Henderson is expected to sign shortly, ensuring the entire heralded rookie class is present and accounted for. This is a critical first step for a team counting on immediate contributions from its newcomers to climb out of a three-year playoff drought.
The optimism surrounding the rookies was tempered by a brutal run of injury news. The report that Stefon Diggs will likely start on the Physically Unable to Perform list is a worst-case scenario. Recovering from a torn ACL, the team's prized free agent, signed to a massive three-year, $69 million deal, will now miss at least the first four games. The problem is compounded by a shoulder injury to rookie receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, making him questionable for Week 1. This suddenly leaves second-year quarterback Drake Maye with a dangerously thin receiving corps. The offensive line isn't inspiring confidence either, with guard Cole Strange (knee), center David Andrews (shoulder), and rookie tackle Caeden Wallace (ankle) all nursing injuries.
While the offense scrambles, the focus shifts to Mike Vrabel's specialty: the defense. The unit has a mountain to climb after a dreadful 2024 campaign where they couldn't get near the quarterback, finishing dead last in sacks and second-to-last in pressure rate. The hope is that Vrabel's scheme, combined with the return of a healthy Christian Barmore and the additions of defensive lineman Milton Williams and corner Carlton Davis, can engineer a rapid turnaround. The performance of the defensive front will be one of the most scrutinized aspects of training camp, as it's the key to transforming the Patriots back into a formidable defensive power.
As training camp gets underway, the Patriots are a team of contrasts. The excitement for a new coaching staff and a promising rookie class is real, but so are the massive hurdles on offense. All eyes will now be on the front office to see how they address the glaring need at wide receiver. For the players on the field, the mission is clear: prove that the Vrabel-led Patriots have the toughness to overcome early adversity and that the defense is ready to carry the load while the offense finds its footing.
