The New England Patriots will wrap up their 2025 preseason on Thursday night against the New York Giants, one final test before the team opens its regular season on September 7 against the Raiders.
With most starters expected to sit out the finale, the spotlight shifts to roster battles and depth chart movement. After four weeks of training camp, two sets of joint practices and two preseason wins, the ’25 Pats are starting to take shape, but there are still some critical questions that will need to be answered as cutdown day looms next Tuesday.
Here are three key position groups to keep an eye on:
1. Offensive Line Battles
The interior offensive line remains unsettled, but the three main competitors for the starting left guard and center spot — Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown and Jared Wilson — are likely to have the night off. That will put a spotlight on the potential backups, any of whom could be thrust into a more significant role at any time this season. Cole Strange is expected to get reps at center, a chance to demonstrate his interior swing value. Around him, Vederian Lowe, Caedan Wallace, Sidy Sow and Marcus Bryant all need the reps. Lowe, Wallace and Sow all missed significant time during training camp due to injury, while Bryant is still a rookie but one who could land as the offense’s swing backup. Fellow tackle Tre Jacobs should also get plenty of opportunities to make his case to stick around. With questions remaining at a number of spots, Thursday could be a defining moment for this group.
2. Secondary Shakeup
At safety, veterans Jabrill Peppers and Jaylinn Hawkins are unlikely to suit up, but rising contributor Craig Woodson could use all the experience he can get before Week 1. Kyle Dugger is also expected to play, looking to lock down a defined role, as are veterans Marcus Epps and Dell Pettus. Undrafted rookie Jordan Polk made a lead-saving tackle on special teams last week and will be looking to make another big play that could earn him a job.
Cornerback should be every bit as competitive. D.J. James was making plays early in camp, including an interception against the Commanders, but missed time with an injury and is now looking to get back on track. Miles Battle has good size and will hold down one outside cornerback spot, often across from the final pick of this year’s draft Kobee Minor, and vet Isaiah Bolden, while Brandon Crossley will get plenty of slot snaps. The defense’s top four cornerback spots are clear but there could still be depth spots to be won against the Giants, especially on special teams.
3. Getting the Edge
Though Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson should not be expected to play, Thursday night will be a key showcase for the edge group. Veteran Keion White will lead the way, he’s shown flashes of power and ability this summer, but is still looking to lock down his role within the defense. Rookies Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson have also had their moments over training camp and preseason, and both could add some speed off the edge, while Truman Jones, a 2024 practice squadder, has had an impressive summer when he’s had opportunities. The edge position features a nice mix of youth and experience, with more than one of these players landing a significant defensive role once the regular season starts.
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