One of the themes of the New England Patriots’ 2025 training camp thus far is established veterans losing starting roles. First was Cole Strange, who saw his left guard job go to rookie Jared Wilson; next was Kyle Dugger, who went from starting safety to scout team player within a couple of weeks.
Could Keion White be the latest to fall victim to this process? Based on this week’s practices that might indeed be the case.
Typically lining up as a starting edge opposite Harold Landry earlier in training
camp, White found himself relegated to second-string behind K’Lavon Chaisson. It remains to be seen whether the move is temporary or permanent, but it was in itself a noteworthy development given White’s supposed game-wrecking abilities as well as Strange and Dugger both seemingly falling out of favor before him.
At least publicly, however, the Patriots’ coaching staff is doing the opposite of ringing alarm bells: it keeps singing White’s praises despite his recent change in role.
“One thing I love about Keion, he’s just physical and probably one of the smartest kids I’ve ever had in a room,” outside linebackers coach Mike Smith told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s practice. “Just loves football, is eager to learn. Every day is something special. He’s got a ways to go — I shouldn’t say a ways, but he’s got some learning still to continue to do.”
Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams also stressed the need for additional development heading into White’s third season.
“Big, physical guy. Still a young player that has some development to do,” Williams said. “But I like where he is right now. So, he’s working hard and doing the things that we ask him to do.”
A second-round pick out of Georgia Tech in 2023, White flashed his immense upside right out of the gate; in his NFL debut, he registered some wins against none other than future Hall of Fame right tackle Lane Johnson. Since then, he continued being a disruptive and versatile presence along New England’s defensive line.
That versatility, however, is something the Patriots’ new staff is trying to dial back a bit. After he regularly moved between the inside and the edge over his first two seasons in the league, the hope is that stability — “having a home” as Smith called it — will further help unlock his potential.
“He’s bounced inside, he’s bounced outside, he’s going back inside. He’s had a different coach this year, a different coach last year,” Smith said. “Keion being in one spot is going to benefit him so much, because he’s another kid that is an extremely violent human being. Offensive linemen know when he’s in.”
Early in training camp, White was in most of the time; he was a mainstay on defense and looked the part. However, he has started to cool off a bit leading up to his apparent demotion in favor of Chaisson.
In spite of that change — and again, there is no telling yet whether it will stick — the Patriots still see a bright future for the 26-year-old; or, as Smith put it:
“Like I said from the beginning with that kid, when it all comes together, you better watch out.”
