Tommy DeVito is taking snaps with the Patriots' offensive starters, and that single fact tells you everything about where this team stands heading into the season. This isn't a veteran-laden operation trying to squeeze one more run. This is a rebuild, and Vrabel and Wolf are building around a young offensive line and skill players who have real tape but haven't proven anything in New England's system yet.
The line situation is worth examining. James Hudson III anchors the left side, with Mehki Butler holding down left guard. Jacob Rizy at center and Joseph Michalski at right guard represent stability in the middle. Caleb Lomu at right tackle completes the five. It's a cohesive unit, but also a relatively unproven one in terms of protecting a quarterback consistently at this level. DeVito will need time to operate, and early reps matter.
What jumps out immediately is the receiving corps. Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III are your projected starters, with tight ends Tanner Arkin and C.J. Dippre rounding out the pass catchers. The real insight here is Mike Reiss's observation about Williams: his route-running can be exceptional when given space. That's not throwaway analysis—that's a blueprint. If the line holds and DeVito gets a clean pocket, Williams becomes a timing option who can separate on the break. The Patriots need that vertical threat to develop.
The running back situation features Lan Larison, which suggests the team is experimenting with different looks in the backfield. There's no dominant back here, which makes early-season success dependent on the passing game establishing itself. That puts pressure on the entire offensive infrastructure to gel quickly.
This starting lineup is a snapshot of a team in transition. DeVito gets the first crack at proving he can lead an offense, but he's operating behind a line that has to prove it can protect him and throwing to receivers who have to prove they can execute at this level. There's upside here—real upside—but there's also serious work ahead.