5 top position battles at Patriots training camp

The New England Patriots are back at Gillette Stadium this week as they will hold their first training camp practice of the summer on Saturday. With things now officially ramping up in preparation for the 2026 season, jobs are ready to be won throughout training camp.

Here are the top positional battles we’ll be watching on the practice fields.

Third running back

The top of the Patriots running back depth chart is set with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. The third spot behind them, however, remains up for grabs.

After getting off to a strong start last season before breaking his foot, Lan Larison appeared to be the top internal candidate this spring. But he will be pushed by seventh-round draft pick Jam Miller and highly paid undrafted free agent Myles Montgomery. Third-year pro Terrell Jennings should also remain in the mix despite beginning the summer on the non-football injury list. Special teams — particularly the kick return role — could play a significant factor in deciding the competition.

Depth tight end

Hunter Henry is locked in as the team’s top tight end. But after the season-ending loss of free-agent addition Julian Hill, New England needs someone to emerge behind him.

Third-round rookie Eli Raridon is the top internal option, although the Notre Dame product may not be ready to immediately fill the in-line role Hill was projected to play. That could open the door for blocking specialists Tanner Arkin or C.J. Dippre, who will begin training camp on the PUP list, to earn a role. Jack Westover will also factor into the competition back at his natural position.

With plenty of uncertainty behind Henry, head coach Mike Vrabel hinted this spring that the Patriots could look outside the organization for additional help at some point this offseason.

Defensive edge

The Patriots’ edge group continues to carry the most question marks on the roster. Those concerns only grew with veteran Harold Landry opening training camp on the PUP list while Gabe Jacas remains unsigned even after rookies reported on Tuesday.

New England could use a young player — or two — to elevate their game this summer, with Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson standing out as the top candidates after receiving significant praise from the coaching staff throughout the spring. Rookies Quintayvious Hutchins and Xavier Holmes also find themselves in the mix, while the possibility of the Patriots adding another veteran later this summer should remain on the table.

Depth linebacker

Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss return as the Patriots’ top duo along the second level of the defense. But after moving on from Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai, and Marte Mapu this offseason, the depth behind them remains unsettled.

During the spring, free-agent addition K.J. Britt got off to an impressive start before dealing with a minor injury. Chad Muma, a 2022 third-round pick who joined the team last December, then wore the green dot at times in relief of Spillane. The two veterans — both of whom bring extensive special teams experience — are considered the favorites for depth roles, while rookies Namdi Obiazor and Khalil Jacobs will look to make a push as well.

Depth cornerback

The Patriots return one of the league’s best cornerback trios in Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, and Marcus Jones. The competition for roles behind them could be one of the most competitive battles on the roster.

This spring, free-agent addition Kindle Vildor served as the top backup on the boundary and showcased his experience with steady play. Charles Woods and fifth-round pick Karon Prunty will provide direct competition on the outside, while Marcellas Dial Jr., who is returning from a torn ACL, and Kobee Minor project to provide depth in the slot.

Other battles to watch

Wide receiver: The Patriots’ wide receiver depth chart is led by newcomers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. Plenty of spots and roles remain up for grabs behind them, with Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, and Efton Chism III all factoring into the equation — while the future of Kayshon Boutte will need to be decided.

Interior offensive line: Could first-round pick Caleb Lomu make a push for a starting spot along the offensive line this summer? If not, will Lomu continue to see time at guard and carve out a role in the reserve mix alongside Ben Brown?

Interior defensive line: There will be plenty of competition behind Milton Williams and Christian Barmore along the interior of the defensive line, while Cory Durden looks to solidify himself as the team’s top full-time nose tackle.

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