Rookie Revolution: Patriots’ Youth Movement Could Shape Super Bowl LX
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - If history’s any guide, don’t be surprised if a rookie makes the defining play in Super Bowl LX. The Patriots know a thing or two about young players stepping up on the biggest stage - just ask Sony Michel, Malcolm Mitchell, or Malcolm Butler. Each left their mark on a championship win, and now, a new wave of Patriots rookies is looking to etch their names into Super Bowl lore.
This year’s New England squad isn’t just young - it’s historically young. First-year players made up 18.2% of the team’s total snaps this season, the highest for any Super Bowl team since at least 2007, per ESPN.
Thirteen rookies are on the 53-man roster, and nine of them saw action in the AFC Championship win over Denver. Three are starters - not even counting kicker Andy Borregales or long snapper Julian Ashby.
“A lot of playmakers, man,” said veteran cornerback Carlton Davis. “Guys who come in and contribute.
I think that’s how you can rate a rookie class - by how many of them are contributing to the team’s success. There’s a lot of them.”
So who’s got the best shot at being this year’s breakout rookie on Super Bowl Sunday? Let’s break it down.
The Home Run Threats: TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams
At one point this season, TreVeyon Henderson looked like the obvious choice. The second-round running back was electric from midseason on, racking up 911 rushing yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He was a big-play machine - the kind of back who could flip the field in a heartbeat.
But Henderson’s postseason production has cooled off. He’s averaging just 2.4 yards per carry on 24 attempts and hasn’t found the end zone in the playoffs. Against Denver, he was barely on the field - four snaps, three carries, five yards.
Wide receiver Kyle Williams has followed a similar arc. The third-rounder flashed big-play potential late in the regular season, catching three deep touchdown passes.
But the playoffs? Just one catch for seven yards, back in the wild-card round.
Still, both players have proven they can score from anywhere. Between them, they’ve logged touchdown plays of 33, 37, 52, 55, 65, 69, and 72 yards this season. If either gets a crease, they’ve got the speed to make it count.
Holding the Line: Will Campbell and Jared Wilson
The Patriots will make Super Bowl history by starting two rookies on the left side of their offensive line: tackle Will Campbell and guard Jared Wilson. It’s a rare - and risky - move, but one that’s been necessary for a team that’s leaned heavily on youth all season long.
Campbell, in particular, has had his hands full this postseason. He’s been tested by some of the league’s top edge rushers and has had his share of struggles protecting rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Now he and Wilson face a Seattle defense that may not lead the league in sacks, but is arguably the NFL’s most complete unit.
“I think they’re talented,” said head coach Mike Vrabel. “They’ve worked.
They’ve tried to get better each and every week. There are some matchups in this league that are tough.
They’ve had some really good plays; they’ve had some plays that they’d like to have back. But they’re out there for the most part all the time - practicing, improving, working together.”
For Campbell and Wilson, success might mean staying out of the spotlight. If you’re not hearing their names much on Sunday night, that’s probably a good sign for New England.
Defensive Disruptors: Elijah Ponder and Craig Woodson
On the other side of the ball, two rookies have emerged as legitimate difference-makers.
Edge rusher Elijah Ponder, an undrafted gem, has a knack for being around the football. He’s recovered three fumbles in his last eight games, including one against Denver that could’ve been a touchdown - had officials not ruled it a forward pass and blown the play dead. Still, his presence and awareness have been invaluable to a defense that thrives on takeaways.
Then there’s third-round safety Craig Woodson, who’s quietly become one of the most impactful rookies on the roster. Woodson leads all Patriots rookies in total snaps and has been everywhere in the postseason.
In the divisional round against Houston, he logged an interception, a fumble recovery, and three passes defended. He followed that up with another pass breakup in the AFC title game.
“We have a lot of support from the staff and our teammates,” Woodson said. “Everybody’s just coming in together and trying to just make plays, bro.
We’re out there, we’re confident. We have a good (rookie) class, and I’m sure we’re going to continue to make plays as the years go on.”
The Steady Leg: Andy Borregales
While the offense has only found the end zone five times across three playoff games, rookie kicker Andy Borregales has been a steady source of points. The sixth-round pick out of Miami nailed a game-winner back in Week 5 at Buffalo and has been mostly reliable ever since.
He’s made 84.4% of his field goals and 96.4% of his extra points during the regular season. In the postseason, he’s 6-for-6 on PATs and drilled all three of his field goal attempts in the wild-card win over the Chargers, outscoring the offense in a 16-3 victory.
Yes, he missed two kicks against Denver, but overall, Borregales has done exactly what you want from a young kicker in January - stay calm, stay accurate, and deliver under pressure.
Youth Movement, Veteran Mentality
This Patriots rookie class isn’t just filling out the roster - they’re helping drive this playoff run. From explosive skill players to trench warriors and opportunistic defenders, New England’s young guns are playing like they belong.
“We’re here to give them confidence and trust in what they’re supposed to be doing, making a connection and trying to develop them,” Vrabel said. “And then the player’s job is to go out there and find a role and continue to improve and help us win. We’ve had a lot of guys like that this season.”
If the Patriots are going to lift the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, don’t be surprised if it’s one of these rookies who delivers the moment that seals it. After all, in New England, history has a funny way of repeating itself.