2 key Patriots struggling early during 2026 NFL training camp

The New England Patriots entered training camp carrying the weight of championship expectations. The early days of padded practices have reinforced just how little margin for error exists for a roster with Super Bowl aspirations. Sure, franchise quarterback Drake Maye has looked increasingly comfortable commanding an upgraded offense. The Patriots’ first-team units have also largely validated the organization’s aggressive offseason investments. However, not everyone has enjoyed a smooth transition into full-contact football. Training camp always exposes weaknesses before they become regular-season problems. Two players in particular have found themselves struggling to keep pace with the elevated standard in Foxborough.

Super Bowl expectations

New England is determined to maximize its championship window around Drake Maye. The front office wasted little time making that vision a reality by acquiring star wide receiver AJ Brown. He gives Maye an elite perimeter weapon to pair with Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas. The offensive line also received significant reinforcement through the additions of Alijah Vera-Tucker and Morgan Moses.

As training camp progressed into full-pad practices behind Gillette Stadium, many of those offseason investments immediately paid dividends. The starting offense displayed crisp execution in red-zone work. Maye continued building chemistry with his expanded group of playmakers. Defensively, Vrabel’s physical identity has become increasingly evident through aggressive practice sessions.

Still, training camp is about far more than evaluating starters. The coaching staff also needs reliable depth capable of surviving a 17-game season. That’s where concerns have started to emerge. Live contact has exposed inconsistencies from several reserve players. Two names have stood out for the wrong reasons during the opening stretch of camp.

OL James Hudson III

Depth along the offensive line often determines whether championship teams survive regular season injuries. That makes James Hudson III’s early camp performance particularly concerning. He was projected as one of the Patriots’ primary reserve tackles behind Will Campbell and Morgan Moses. As such, Hudson entered camp with an opportunity to solidify an important role within the offensive line rotation. Instead, the early returns have raised legitimate questions about whether he can consistently protect the edge.

Hudson has repeatedly surrendered leverage against quick edge defenders. He has allowed rushers to attack both his outside shoulder and counter back inside. His footwork has occasionally appeared heavy. That has made it difficult to recover once defenders establish an advantage early in the rep.

Against explosive rushers, those issues have become even more pronounced. Speed-to-power moves have compromised Hudson’s anchor. Inside counters have taken advantage of inconsistent hand placement and balance. For this offense, those breakdowns create ripple effects throughout the entire unit.

Hudson still possesses the physical traits that made him an attractive addition. However, the coaching staff needs to see rapid technical improvement before preseason games begin. Better hand placement, improved lower-body balance and stronger anchors against bull rushes will all be essential. Otherwise, the Patriots may be forced to explore veteran options before Week 1.

WR Kobe Prentice

The competition at wide receiver has been just as intense. Brown, Doubs and Douglas are firmly entrenched atop the depth chart. As such, every remaining receiver has been fighting for limited roster spots. That environment has placed enormous pressure on Kobe Prentice. He arrived hoping to establish himself as a reliable complementary option.

So far, the transition has been difficult. Prentice’s biggest challenge has come at the line of scrimmage. Physical press coverage has repeatedly disrupted his routes before they even begin. Cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III have consistently challenged him with aggressive jams. This has prevented him from utilizing the speed that defines his game.

Timing has suffered as a result. Rather than gaining immediate separation, Prentice has frequently been forced into delayed releases. That has thrown off the rhythm between quarterback and receiver during team periods.

That becomes especially problematic within New England’s offensive structure. McDaniels values receivers who create immediate throwing windows. The Patriots already have explosive perimeter talent in Brown and dependable options like Douglas operating underneath. Bubble receivers must contribute by consistently winning one-on-one matchups and capitalizing on limited opportunities.

Time remains, urgency is growing

Training camp evaluations are rarely final. Neither James Hudson III nor Kobe Prentice should be defined solely by a challenging opening week. Both players remain talented enough to reverse the momentum.

Hudson has the opportunity to sharpen his pass-protection technique through additional practice reps and preseason action. Prentice still possesses the speed and athleticism to emerge as a valuable depth receiver.

The encouraging news for New England is that these struggles are surfacing in August rather than October. Vrabel and his coaching staff have always emphasized identifying weaknesses early so they can be corrected before games begin to count. That philosophy has helped establish one of the NFL’s most demanding training camp environments. For Hudson and Prentice, however, the clock is already ticking.

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