When the New England Patriots released former starting safety and team captain Jabrill Peppers in late-August and then later traded away their other starter at the position from 2024, Kyle Dugger, in late-October, part of the reasoning behind the moves was the improvement of Jaylinn Hawkins. These decisions have paid off for the team, as Hawkins has gone from a role player and special teamer during the previous year to one of the NFL's top five safeties in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus' rankings.
It is a nice change of pace in New England at this point in the season to be focused on the playoffs rather than already looking ahead to free agency and the NFL Draft. But that doesn't mean it's too early to eye some of the top candidates that will inevitably be on their radar, including a wide receiver like Alec Pierce.
The New England Patriots wrapped up an amazing transformational 2025 NFL season. Under Head Coach and top personnel evaluator, Mike Vrabel, the should-be NFL Coach of the Year, and quarterback Drake Maye, a top NFL MVP candidate, the Patriots reversed a dismal 2024, 4-13 record and notched a 14-3 season. In addition, their rookie running back, Treveyon Henderson, also entered elite company.
