The New England Patriots have methodically worked throughout the offseason to build a more competitive roster than the one that went 4-13 last season.

They finally burned some cash in free agency, and they also put together one of the best NFL drafts (at least on paper) that they’ve had in years. There are plenty of players on the roster, including rookies, expected to come out and make an impact on the team on Day 1.

However, there are also multiple players with the ability to impact the team who have flown under the radar. These players range from mild to significant potential surprises for the 2025 season.

Here are five unexpected breakout candidates for the Patriots:

TE Jaheim Bell

It was only last November that veteran tight end Hunter Henry referred to Jaheim Bell as a “tremendous talent.” Bell is a versatile offensive weapon that has yet to get going in New England. He was viewed as a potential sleeper in the 2024 NFL draft, and people are still sleeping on his talent.

Granted, he needs to give them a reason to wake up, and the Patriots could help him do that by getting him more involved. He’ll have some tough competition at training camp with former Alabama tight end CJ Dippre entering the mix.

WR Ja’Lynn Polk

Ja’Lynn Polk showed plenty of promise during training camp last year, but he failed to put it together in games. Things have changed drastically since his rookie season with the Patriots bringing in an entirely new coaching staff and more competition.

The team signed veteran wideouts Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in the offseason, and they used a third-round draft pick on Kyle Williams. With Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne also on the roster, this could be a make-or-break year for Polk.

G Layden Robinson

Layden Robinson is a tremendous athlete who showed positive growth last season. A more experienced coaching staff coming into the fold could help him take things to the next level.

With so many questions surrounding the future of Cole Strange, the hope in New England should be for Robinson to break out and take that next step as a foundational piece along the offensive front. So you can rest assured the coaching staff will leave no stone unturned in their quest to get the most out of the former Texas A&M standout.

EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson

When talking about untapped potential, it doesn’t get any more obvious than former first-round draft pick K’Lavon Chaisson. The Patriots signed the 25-year-old edge rusher in hopes of getting something out of a player many have already deemed a draft bust. There is exceptional talent along the defensive front in New England, and Chaisson could have his best opportunity to finally break out as a solid contributor for the Patriots this season.

WR Demario Douglas

Demario Douglas could benefit greatly from other legitimate receiving weapons on the field. That means defenses will no longer key in on him as the team’s top receiving threat. So much has been made about the arrival of Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams, but it might actually be Douglas who has the breakout season. He’ll see more favorable matchups than he’s ever faced with the Patriots this season, and his production could potentially skyrocket in Year 3.

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