The New England Patriots officially wrapped up three weeks of organized team activities (OTAs). They didn’t practice in pads, but things were competitive in 11-on-11s, which is exactly what you want to see from a team at this time of the year.
Drake Maye looked shaky in the first two practices open to the media, but he ended on a strong note in the final session. The second-year quarterback looked more decisive with the ball in his hands and finally got the better of a Patriots defense that dominated most of the way.
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Keep in mind, the practices at OTAs are only a small sample-sized peek at the competition to come at training camp. The players weren’t wearing pads, and it wasn’t a full-contact session like it will be in July and August.
With that said, here were the biggest winners and losers at OTAs:
Winner: WR Efton Chism III
May 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III (86) practices during rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Efton Chism III went from long-shot hopeful to expected roster addition after three weeks of OTAs. The undrafted rookie wide receiver out of Eastern Washington looked like the second coming of Danny Amendola on the practice field. He was consistently getting open on his routes and catching every ball in sight.
Loser: RB Antonio Gibson
Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (4) on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Antonio Gibson’s name is starting to fade into the background with the arrival of rookie second-round draft pick TreVeyon Henderson and undrafted rookie Lan Larison. That might seem somewhat unfair considering the Patriots practiced without pads. But the mere arrival of Henderson means Gibson is no longer the No. 2 running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson. He might not even be the No. 3 option if Larison’s stock continues to rise.
Winner: OT Will Campbell
May 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) practices during rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell is facing a ferocious Patriots defensive front on a daily basis, but he isn’t wilting under the pressure. Granted, we’ll find out more about Campbell when the pads come on later in the summer, but he has held his own so far. That’s the most you could ask from the Patriots’ new blindside protector at this juncture.
Loser: G/C Cole Strange
Jul 26, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) makes his way to the practice fields for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Cole Strange feels like the favorite to win the starting left guard job, but the fact that it’s even a competition has been surprising. The Patriots have been giving multiple players opportunities at left guard, including Tyrese Robinson and Wes Schweitzer. That isn’t a good sign for Strange, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Winner: CB Christian Gonzalez
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez speaks with the media before Mack Wilson Sr.’s 4th Annual Celebrity Basketball Game at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, on May 10, 2025.
Christian Gonzalez started the open OTAs competitive 11-on-11s by picking off Patriots quarterback Drake Maye twice. The All-Pro cornerback is blanketing receivers in coverage and playing with even more confidence than he was last year. It’s a scary thought for opposing offenses that Gonzalez is only scratching the surface of his true NFL potential.
Loser: TE Jaheim Bell
Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Jaheim Bell (88) makes a catch at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Jaheim Bell might be running out of time to impress the Patriots. With Austin Hooper re-signing, there isn’t a guaranteed spot for a player like Bell, who acts more as a gadget tight end option.
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With Hooper and Hunter Henry sitting at the top of the depth chart, the Patriots could opt for a more traditional tight end No. 3 to help with blocking. Bell still has time to change their mind in the summer, but he didn’t do much to stand out during the OTAs practices.
Winner: S Craig Woodson
May 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson (31) works with coaching staff at practice during rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
It didn’t take long for the Patriots to quiet the critics of their decision to use a fourth-round draft pick on safety Craig Woodson. The former California standout has looked like he’s belonged since Day 1 of stepping on the practice field. His advanced instincts in the defensive backfield have jumped out immediately in the early practices. Woodson might be a rookie, but he doesn’t play like one.
Winner: LB Robert Spillane
Mar 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane discusses his recent free agent addition to the Patriots with the media at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Robert Spillane hasn’t even practiced in pads for the Patriots yet, and he’s already calling the defense. He has been all over the field making plays since the start of OTAs practices. His signing didn’t garner as much attention as Milton Williams and Stefon Diggs, but he could make as big of an impact on the football team as both of those players.
Winner: DT Christian Barmore
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The fact that Christian Barmore is back on the field is nothing short of amazing. He was sidelined due to blood clots for most of the 2024 season, but he has participated in team drills at OTAs. That increases the likelihood that he’ll be ready to go by the start of the season. The combination of Barmore and Milton Williams could create one of the NFL’s most dominant one-two punches along the defensive front.
Winner: RB TreVeyon Henderson
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025.
TreVeyon Henderson can flat out fly. OTAs served as a brief teaser for the Patriots’ new home run threat in the offensive backfield. Henderson is an explosive talent that you bring your popcorn to watch on Sundays. The Patriots are already involving him in their passing attack as well. He’s a triple-threat option with the ability to run, receive and pass protect at a high level.
Winner: QB Drake Maye
Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC quarterback Drake Maye of the New England Patriots (10) throws the ball during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Drake Maye is already a winner considering everything the Patriots did to upgrade the offense in the offseason. He has a much-improved offensive line with a new, promising blindside protector in left tackle Will Campbell. The team has also upgraded the running backs and receiving weapons.
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Maye was locked in and more confident and decisive than ever before in the final open OTAs practice. Perhaps he’s getting more comfortable with Josh McDaniels’ offense. That sets the stage for an interesting summer at training camp.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots’ biggest winners and losers from OTAs