It feels like playing a broken record at this point to claim that there will be a lot of eyes on the Patriots’ offseason moving forward, as they hope to regain relevance for the upcoming season, but it’s a sentiment that remains as true as it has over the last five years. They’re in a much different spot than they have been recently, with Mike Vrabel leading the way to (hopefully) be competitive once again.
Because of that, there is even more emphasis on the roster and how the decisions the new regime has made will ultimately benefit their path to winning more games than they lose. There will be a special interest in the offense with Drake Maye under center, and most of the weapons the Patriots have chosen to surround him with.
One player, in particular, is going more under the radar than perhaps some imagined, but is receiving a lot of hype going into training camp. So much so that Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports believes he will be a breakout star as summer practices approach.
Mack Hollins could bring the fire that the Patriots offense needs ahead of the 2025 season
In predicting some of the sleeper candidates to have a superstar summer, Benjamin believes new Patriots receiver Mack Hollins will be that player in Foxboro.
The eccentric player has already made headlines for leaving the Bills for their divisional rival, in addition to his stance against wearing shoes, but the NFL analyst believes he will make more noise for his performance on the practice field this summer, much to the Patriots’ delight.
“A career overachiever whose personal quirks, like refusing to wear shoes whenever possible, often overshadow his ability to hang around the NFL as a quasi-starter, Hollins may not be the fastest, most imposing pass catcher on the block.
He’s a versatile warrior, however, earning the trust of quarterbacks across the league with scrappy jump-ball and special teams skills. It wouldn’t be a shock at all if he emerges from the spring as one of Drake Maye’s go-to outlets on the perimeter, even with bigger names like Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas in tow.”
This would be a phenomenal start to his Patriots tenure, especially since his signing was largely considered unexciting by analysts and fans, who viewed it primarily as stealing another player from the Bills.
Hollins’ versatility will make him invaluable to Maye’s development, while also adding another x-factor to the improving special teams. It allows him to be utilized in multiple areas, something the Patriots have historically valued in their players, and makes Hollins a far better signing than Vrabel received credit for.
It would certainly set the tone for the kind of team they hope to have put together and would put their opponents on notice, since not many would deem Hollins, among all players, to be a threat. The Patriots are inevitably going to be overlooked by the league, but Hollins’ rise, along with that of many other expected breakout stars, will prove they are no longer a team to downplay.
The Making of an ‘NFL Monster’
What makes Hollins’ rise so shocking? It’s his ability to exceed expectations in a crowded receiver room. Despite competing with established stars like Diggs and the dynamic Douglas, Hollins’ work ethic and multifaceted skill set are turning heads in Foxboro. His knack for winning contested catches, combined with his contributions on special teams, makes him a perfect fit for Vrabel’s vision of a tough, adaptable roster.
Hollins’ journey to this point hasn’t been glamorous. Drafted in the fourth round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, he’s bounced between teams, including stints with the Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons, before spending 2024 with the Bills. His career stats—2,215 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns over eight seasons—don’t scream superstar, but his intangibles tell a different story. Known for his relentless energy and ability to make plays in clutch moments, Hollins has quietly earned the trust of quarterbacks and coaches alike.
In New England, he’s found a new home where his versatility is a premium asset. Whether it’s stretching the field, fighting for jump balls, or making an impact on special teams, Hollins brings an X-factor that could prove invaluable to Maye’s development as a rookie quarterback. Benjamin predicts Hollins could emerge as one of Maye’s go-to targets, a bold claim for a player often overlooked in favor of flashier names.
Why Hollins’ Rise Matters
Hollins’ potential breakout isn’t just about one player’s success—it’s a signal of the Patriots’ broader transformation. Under Vrabel, the team is rebuilding with an emphasis on grit, adaptability, and players who can contribute in multiple roles. Hollins embodies this philosophy, and his emergence would send a message to the league: New England is no longer a team to underestimate.
The Patriots’ offense has struggled to find its identity in recent years, but with Maye at the helm and a supporting cast that includes Hollins, Diggs, and Douglas, there’s reason for optimism. Hollins’ ability to perform in high-pressure situations, whether hauling in a contested catch or making a key block on special teams, could set the tone for a revitalized unit. His signing, once dismissed as unexciting, now looks like a masterstroke by Vrabel and the front office.
A Team on the Rise
As training camp approaches, the Patriots are poised to surprise. Hollins’ rise from a bargain contract to a potential ‘NFL monster’ is a microcosm of the team’s journey. While the league may overlook New England in favor of flashier contenders, players like Hollins are quietly building a foundation for success. If he delivers on the hype, he could become a fan favorite in Foxboro and a key piece in the Patriots’ quest to return to relevance.
For now, all eyes will be on Hollins as he takes the field this summer. Will he live up to the hype and become the breakout star Benjamin predicts? If his track record of defying expectations is any indication, Patriots fans have plenty of reasons to be excited.