Keion White, the young edge rusher for the New England Patriots, has been labeled by Pro Football Focus (PFF) and numerous football experts as the most underrated player on the Patriots’ roster heading into the 2025 NFL season. Despite only being in his third year in the NFL, White has shown explosive potential but has yet to receive the recognition he deserves. Here are five shocking reasons why White is considered the Patriots’ hidden gem.
1. Explosive Breakout in His Second Season
Keion White had an impressive 2024 season, marking a significant breakthrough in his career. He led the Patriots in quarterback pressures (45), defensive pass-rushing snaps (427), and recorded 6 sacks—a notable achievement for a 26-year-old player. According to PFF, White ranked 22nd among edge rushers in pass-rush efficiency, a remarkable feat considering he played in a Patriots defense plagued by injuries last season. However, with only 6 sacks over two seasons, many have yet to recognize his true impact on the field.
2. Versatility on the Defensive Line
One of White’s greatest strengths is his ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line. He’s not limited to the traditional edge rusher role; he can move up and down the line and even drop into pass coverage when needed. NFL Network has compared White to a “Piano Man”—someone who can create chaos from various spots on the defensive front. This versatility makes him unpredictable to opponents, yet the media and fans have largely overlooked his tactical value.
3. Untapped Potential
Selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, White is seen as a “ticking time bomb” ready to explode. Despite a standout 2024 season, he is still developing and is expected to make significant strides under the guidance of new head coach Mike Vrabel. With another year of experience and support from newcomers like Milton Williams and Harold Landry in the defensive unit, White could become one of the top edge rushers in the AFC. However, the lack of media attention continues to keep him under the radar.
4. Overshadowed by a Weak Offense
The Patriots’ offense ranked dead last in the NFL during the 2024 season, often putting the team in unfavorable game situations. This limited opportunities for the defense, including White, to shine in critical moments. Although the Patriots bolstered their offense for the 2025 season with signings like Stefon Diggs and Morgan Moses, White still hasn’t garnered the attention he deserves. The media’s focus on the team’s struggling offense has overshadowed his quiet but impactful contributions.
5. Competition Within a Revamped Defense
The Patriots heavily invested in their defense during the 2025 offseason and NFL Draft, bringing in players like Milton Williams, Harold Landry, and rookie Bradyn Swinson. The arrival of these stars has inadvertently overshadowed White’s role, despite his consistency and versatility. In an interview on the Green Light podcast, Milton Williams praised White’s work ethic and physicality, calling him an ideal teammate on the defensive line. However, with attention focused on the newcomers and big-name signings, White continues to fly under the radar.
Conclusion
Keion White is a prime example of a talented player being overlooked in a team undergoing a rebuild. With his breakout second season, versatility, untapped potential, and ability to thrive in a competitive defensive unit, White deserves far more recognition. Under Mike Vrabel’s leadership and with the Patriots’ improved roster, the 2025 season could be the moment White proves he’s not just the most underrated player but one of the NFL’s brightest rising stars.