Top 25 Patriots of 2026: Ranking Every Player Based on Impact, Importance, Role

The New England Patriots had one of the most shocking seasons in franchise history a year ago, improving on back-to-back four win seasons to suit up in the Super Bowl. How in the world did that happen?

A lot of it was because of the new coaching staff, spearheaded by Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Vrabel in his first year with the team. Bringing in new faces and old ones (Josh McDaniels returned for his third stint as offensive coordinator), the Patriots got a new injection of coaches to lead the turnaround.

Most of it fell on the players, the talented group of players that either came over in free agency or the draft a few months later. Some of the key contributors, like quarterback Drake Maye or cornerback Christian Gonzalez, were holdovers from previous coaching regimes.

But those blue chip talents meshed well with the newcomers to build what quickly became of the best Patriots teams of all time.

Jun 10, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel watches over practice during minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Now heading into the second season of the Vrabel era, the Patriots now have a target on their back for the first time in quite a while. Winning their first AFC East title since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick won it in 2019 will do that to you.

Let's break down the Patriots' roster as it stands right now and which stars will need to have big seasons to continue last year's success.

Throughout the summer and ahead of the Patriots' first training camp practice on July 25, the Patriots On SI staff will keep you covered with our "Top 25" Patriots rankings, based on how important each player is to the team and their upcoming role in the 2026 season.

Without further ado, here's the soon-to-be updated list, as well as the links to each of the players' individual stories diving deep into their impact this year.

Ranking the Top 25 New England Patriots in 2026

Dec 14, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) celebrates with tight end Hunter Henry (85) after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

25) K Andy Borregales: Despite starting off his rookie season on the wrong foot, the young kicker rebounded and became a threat on special teams. Now entering his second season, he has a shot to climb up the franchise's all-time kicking leaderboards.
24) DT Cory Durden: As the Patriots' third defensive tackle, Durden will be asked to replace the departing Khyiris Tonga. The 27-year-old has shown flashes against the run and has already earned plenty of praise from his head coach.
23) OT Caleb Lomu: One of the top offensive tackles in this year's rookie class isn't promised a starting spot just yet. Instead, he's begun to practice are various different spots during the Patriots' spring practices and has become a staple in the second-team huddle. The future at right tackle will certainly be Lomu, but when will he start his first game?
22) S/ST Brenden Schooler: It doesn't matter if it's on punt team, kickoff or kick return. Schooler has become one of the Patriots' most versatile players since signing a UDFA contract in 2022. The first-time captain has also chipped in on defense and can easily change a game with a single tackle.
21) C Jared Wilson: After a solid, but not great first season as the Patriots' starting left guard, Wilson will be able to get a shot to play in the center of the offensive line. A budding chemistry with his quarterback can be the next step in the development of New England's offense.
20) LB Christian Elliss: Every year he's been in New England, Elliss has continued to get better defensively. Now with several changes to the linebacker position this offseason, the veteran is in line for another big season.
19) OT Morgan Moses: While the rest of the Patriots offensive line goes through a youth movement, including drafting four tackles in the last two seasons, the veteran Moses remains important on the right side. He stepped his game up in the playoffs in 2025, and could be critical in getting back to those games this fall.
18) OG Alijah Vera-Tucker: Although the start of his career has been marred by constant injuries, Vera-Tucker now joins the Patriots on a fresh slate. He's now slotting in as the starting left guard and is (for now) the only newcomer on the top offensive line unit. Can New England get every drop of talent out of AVT this season?
17) CB Carlton Davis: As the second-in-command when it comes to the Patriots' cornerback position, Davis brings a nastiness to his role. The veteran is now entering his second season in a New England uniform, and despite missing most of the voluntary workouts, should be ready to rock and roll for training camp and the regular season.
16) OT Will Campbell: How can the second-year tackle bounce back from a shaky rookie year? Campbell should be all healthy after a nasty MCL injury that hampered his success in the playoffs, and has a lit fire under him heading into 2026. Protecting Drake Maye's blindside will be critical for the Patriots offense to operate.
15) WR Mack Hollins: In all the offseason hoopla that surrounded the Patriots' wide receiver room, the veteran Hollins is still in the thick of things. Heading into his second season in New England, the big-bodied pass catcher can remain a big part of the passing attack (and chip in as a really valuable blocker on run plays).
14) LB Robert Spillane: This year's linebacker depth isn't as vast as it was in 2025. That's going to put plenty of stress on Spillane, who led the Patriots in tackles last season and will be a big part of the run defense that struggled at the end of last season.
13) RB TreVeyon Henderson: Going into his second season, the Patriots running back is bound for another successful season. Why? Henderson's explosiveness and abilities as both a runner and a receiver can help the Patriots offense put up points like a pinball machine in an arcade.
12) S Craig Woodson: After rewriting New England's safety depth chart as a rookie, Woodson now enters 2026 as a key piece of the defensive plans. Alongside a veteran in Kevin Byard, the Cal product can easily build on an already-impressive first season.
11) CB Marcus Jones: It doesn't matter if it's on offense, defense or special teams. Jones has become one of the best all-around Patriots player in recent memory. The former All-Pro stepped up his game defensively last season, while also setting records in the punt return department.
10) S Kevin Byard: After a successful career under Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans, Byard now arrives in New England as the team's top safety. Last year's NFL leader in interceptions will be asked to create turnovers -- and mentor his teammates in the process.
9) DT Christian Barmore: His peak was in 2023, where he set a career high in sacks. But Barmore has dealt with health issues and personnel changes the last few seasons, which cut into his production. He should be ready to rock and roll once again this season.
8) OG Mike Onwenu: Going into his seventh season in New England, the team's starting right guard remains one of the best players on the entire offense. Onwenu continues to be a sturdy force of nature up front, and should be just as good in 2026 as he was in 2025.
7) TE Hunter Henry: It hasn't mattered who is throwing him the ball. Henry has remained a constant in the Patriots offense and will be expected to have another large output in 2026. He connected with Drake Maye for a career-high seven touchdowns, and could easily match that total.
6) RB Rhamondre Stevenson: For years, the Patriots' running game has been circle around Stevenson. Despite fumbling issues earlier in the season, the veteran turned it around to become one of New England's most dynamic players in 2025 on the way to the Super Bowl. He'll lead the charge again in the backfield.
5) WR Romeo Doubs: In an offseason where the Patriots traded away a first round pick for a wide receiver, their first addition to the room might be just as good this season. Signing with the team in free agency, Doubs can become one of the league's best WR2s in this offense.
4) DT Milton Williams: As the face of the team's defensive line, the hundred-million dollar man can totally destroy an offensive line. Williams' quick burst off the line changed the game for the Patriots' run defense, and it was clear they weren't as good last year when he got banged up.
3) WR A.J. Brown: Without even having to play a down in a game, Brown can already pencil his name in as the Patriots' top option at wide receiver. The team went out and traded for the former All-Pro, who will certainly click in Josh McDaniels' intricate passing offense.
2) CB Christian Gonzalez: You can make the argument that Gonzalez is the best at his position in all of football. It's why he's been in contract discussions for a massive extension, and why the Patriots' entire defense revolves around the abilities of their superstar, shutdown cornerback.
1) QB Drake Maye: As he embraces his third season in the NFL, the face of the Patriots franchise has the capabilities to get even better than he was a year ago. Maye, who was in MVP conversations in 2025, is what will get this engine rolling to the Super Bowl once again.

Check back each day over the next few weeks to see our comprehensive list of the Patriots' top 25 players ahead of their AFC title defense. Each player will have a corresponding story detailing why they were ranked where they were, and additional information on how they'll fit into the team's plans for 2026.

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