One burning question at each position on Patriots offense

The New England Patriots will be entering training camp with the weight of the world on their offense. For years, the unit has ranked among the worst in the league, serving as little more than dead weight for an overachieving defense that finally went off the rails in 2024.

Perhaps things will be different this year with a new coaching staff and multiple upgrades at various offensive positions. One of Mike Vrabel's biggest decisions as head coach was bringing back Josh McDaniels as the Patriots' offensive coordinator. It's a move that could have a significant trickle-down effect for the unit moving forward.

As far as the player personnel side of things, the Patriots signed veteran wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency. They also brought in center Garrett Bradbury and tackle Morgan Moses, along with spending premium draft picks on Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson, Kyle Williams and Jared Wilson.

Fans won't have to wait long to see what the new-look Patriots have in store. Players are slated to report on June 22 for training camp. Here is one burning question at each position on offense for the team heading into the final practice period ahead of the regular season:

QB: Will Drake Maye make a Year 2 leap?

Drake Maye's progress as a second-year player will make or break the Patriots' 2025 season. Hiring Mike Vrabel, bringing back Josh McDaniels and improving the roster were all necessary changes to get the team back on the right track. But none of it matters if Maye fails to make a Year 2 leap.

If Maye takes a step back, even with all of the changes, the Patriots will be back at square one next offseason. They've built a solid foundation with Maye from his rookie season, but it's time to take things to the next level.

RB: Is Rhamondre Stevenson's starting job in trouble?

TreVeyon Henderson was the most versatile running back in the entire 2025 NFL draft class. He's a legitimate home run threat on the ground, and he can create countless headaches with his receiving and route-running abilities. His pass protection skills are also second to none.

That spells doom for Rhamondre Stevenson if the ball security issues continue this year. The veteran running back fumbled the ball a whopping seven times last season. That isn't going to cut it this year with legitimate competition breathing down his neck.

WR: Will the Patriots keep seven receivers?

The Patriots currently have 12 receivers on their roster ahead of training camp. Keeping only half of that number means some tough decisions for the team down the road.

Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams are the only surefire locks on the roster. Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte both should make the roster as well, assuming they get through training camp unscathed. That would leave one roster spot up for contention for players like Kendrick Bourne, Efton Chism III, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.

Don't be surprised if the team keeps seven receivers on the roster to maximize their talent at the position.

TE: Who will be the third wheel?

Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper likely have the top two tight end spots tied up this year. Who will be the No. 3 guy on the depth chart? Will it be second-year tight end Jaheim Bell or rookie CJ Dippre?

Those two appear to be the most likely options for the team. Bell is interesting from a playmaking standpoint, but he hasn't been consistent enough to be called a lock to make the team. Dippre offers more of a traditional tight end's attributes with great blocking and red zone scoring.

OT: How good is Will Campbell as a rookie?

Can Will Campbell be a difference-maker right out of the gates?

He should at the very least be better than what the Patriots had last year. There's no hope for success if Drake Maye is constantly eating grass throughout the season. It doesn't help matters that two of the first three games will come against four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby and former Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt.

Campbell will need to hit the ground running with the blindside protection in training camp. So far, he looks to be up for the challenge from the limited work he showed off in the spring practices.

G: Who starts at left guard?

The left guard position was a revolving door for the Patriots last season. Cole Strange initially seemed locked into the role, but then Wes Schweitzer started to see an increasing number of reps in the spring. With Schweitzer now on the reserve/retired list, the competition at left guard remains wide open.

Tyrese Robinson looked great at times in the earlier practices, and rookie Jack Conley is a massive human being who could work his way into the mix as well. Layden Robinson, who should improve in his second NFL season, will also have an opportunity to compete.

C: Will Jared Wilson overtake Garrett Bradbury?

Garrett Bradbury was one of the veteran acquisitions made by the Patriots in the offseason to fortify the offensive line. He is expected to fill the role left behind by Patriots legend David Andrews. With that said, there is no certainty that Bradbury will win the starting job at training camp.

Rookie third-round pick Jared Wilson was the best center in the entire 2025 NFL draft. He could be healthy and ready to go by training camp, which could create some serious competition at center. The ceiling for Wilson is significantly higher than Bradbury's at this point, but it will all come down to where he is in his progression at the NFL level.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: One burning question at each position on Patriots offense