With the 2025 NFL Draft officially behind them, the New England Patriots have kicked off rookie mini-camp—but the atmosphere is a bit mixed. While newcomers like first-rounder Will Campbell are already making an impression, there’s an unexpected challenge on the defensive side. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been absent due to an undisclosed medical issue, something that head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed. Vrabel stated that he remains in regular contact with Williams, who has stayed involved remotely via Zoom, but no timetable has been given for his return.
Vrabel wouldn’t offer any timeline, and says he won’t going forward for players, coaches, etc. https://t.co/BHpTEIu5Fi
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) May 9, 2025
Vrabel made it clear that he won’t be providing ongoing updates about the status of coaches or players. That uncertainty raises questions about how the defense will be shaped in these early stages of development, especially as rookies adjust to the pro level.
According to reports, Williams has been away from team activities for over a month. Although this is his first year as a defensive coordinator, he’s been in the NFL since 2012, having worked with several teams including the Raiders, Dolphins, Titans, and most recently, the Lions. His connection with Vrabel goes back to their time together in Tennessee, and that continuity is why Vrabel tapped him for this role in New England. In the meantime, linebackers coach Zak Kuhr—another coach with ties to Vrabel’s Titans staff—has been temporarily managing Williams’ responsibilities.
As this coaching uncertainty unfolds, the Patriots also took care of logistics by signing most of their rookie class. Eight of the 11 drafted players have finalized their contracts, along with 16 undrafted free agents. Notable signings include wide receiver Kyle Williams, center Jared Wilson, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, linebacker Bradyn Swinson, kicker Andy Borregales, offensive tackle Marcus Bryant, long snapper Julian Ashby, and defensive back Kobee Minor.
Still unsigned are Will Campbell, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and safety Craig Woodson, though contract details are expected to be announced soon. The rookie mini-camp officially began on May 9 and runs through May 11 at Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots came into this offseason with pressing roster needs: a shaky offensive line, no true WR1, a weak pass rush, and a struggling secondary. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was sacked 34 times in just 13 games last season, making protection a top priority. Drafting Campbell was a key move to address that, while adding Williams at receiver aims to inject more firepower into the offense. On defense, Swinson and Woodson are expected to provide much-needed depth.
The team is clearly in transition under Vrabel’s leadership, and the early days of mini-camp are giving fans their first glimpse of how this rookie class might shape the future. But with their new defensive coordinator still sidelined, the big question remains: can these rookies truly thrive without the guidance of the man who was supposed to mold them?