The New England Patriots closed out mandatory minicamp on a strong note with the defense looking like a potential dominant unit and the offense showing significant signs of improvement.
There isn’t much more a team could ask for from a period of competitive work in only helmets and shorts.
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The final practice was especially important because it was the last organized team setting before the players went on break. It will be a much different atmosphere when they return for the first official training camp date on July 23.
Business will pick up quickly with players competing to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. It will be the last stretch of work before the start of the 2025 regular season.
Here were the five standout Patriots players from the final minicamp practice:
CB Christian Gonzalez
Jun 10, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) jogs to the sideline during minicamp held in the WIN Field House at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Patriots All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez has impressed since the start of OTAs. What better way for him to close out the spring practices than snagging a one-handed interception from quarterback Drake Maye on the final day of minicamp? It’s scary to think he could be even better in Year 3
S Craig Woodson
Jun 10, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson (31) does a drill during minicamp held in the WIN Field House at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
It hasn’t taken rookie Craig Woodson long to show why the Patriots invested a fourth-round pick in another safety. He has consistently had a nose for the ball and made plays on the practice field. The former California standout had two pass break-ups during the team periods at the final minicamp practice.
RB Antonio Gibson
Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (4) leaves the practice fields after minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Antonio Gibson has seemingly faded into the background with all of the noise surrounding Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and Lan Larison. The veteran running back made people remember he could still be a major part of the offense by hauling in a team-high four receptions at the final spring practice.
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Henderson has a greater upside, and Larison is one of the more intriguing offensive prospects in the room. But Gibson is still a talented veteran who will find opportunities to contribute.
WR Demario Douglas
Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (3) holds a press conference during minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Demario Douglas has teased a potential breakout year, but that moment might finally happen for the 2023 sixth-round draft pick in Josh McDaniels’ offense. The underrated receiver excels in the slot, and McDaniels has an impeccable track record with good slot receivers.
Some of that was on display at the final practice with Douglas being moved in various offensive alignments. He caught two red zone touchdown passes and led the Patriots receivers with three receptions during team drills.
LB Cam Riley
Nov 4, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Ken Seals (8) is brought down in the backfield by Auburn Tigers linebacker Cam Riley (13) during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Craig Woodson wasn’t the only defensive player to log in two pass break-ups during practice. Undrafted rookie linebacker Cam Riley had two deflections as well during the team periods. Riley has his work cut out for him to stand out in a deep Patriots linebacker unit, but he is clearly making the most of his opportunities on the practice field.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 standout Patriots players at final minicamp practice