The New England Patriots are making waves behind closed doors as they kick off their mandatory minicamp, with whispers of some high-potential tryout players turning heads at Gillette Stadium. On Monday, June 9, 2025, the team welcomed a pair of intriguing prospects—linebacker Wes Steiner and offensive lineman Marcus Wehr—for tryouts, signaling their intent to unearth hidden gems who could reshape their roster for the upcoming season. With head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels steering the ship, these under-the-radar evaluations could hint at blockbuster moves in the making. Here’s a deep dive into what’s unfolding in Foxborough and what it means for the Patriots’ 2025 campaign.
Wes Steiner: The Athletic Freak Looking to Crack the Lineup
Linebacker Wes Steiner is no stranger to the NFL’s tryout circuit, but his athletic prowess makes him a tantalizing prospect for the Patriots. At just 22 years old, Steiner’s journey has taken him from Auburn (2020-2023) to Washington State for his final collegiate season in 2024. His pro day performance in March turned heads, as he clocked a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical jump—numbers that topped all participants and screamed elite athleticism. These metrics likely caught the Patriots’ attention, as Vrabel’s defensive scheme thrives on versatile, explosive players who can cover ground and disrupt plays.
Steiner’s brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2025 ended in a waiver just days after signing, but the Patriots see untapped potential. His speed and leaping ability could make him a candidate for a hybrid linebacker role, potentially contributing on special teams or as a situational pass rusher. With established linebackers like Jahlani Tavai (who was absent from Monday’s practice due to an excused injury) anchoring the unit, Steiner’s tryout is a chance to prove he can add depth and dynamism to a defense undergoing a major overhaul.
Marcus Wehr: The Versatile Lineman Eyeing a Roster Spot
On the offensive side, Marcus Wehr brings a wealth of experience and positional flexibility to the Patriots’ minicamp. Having spent six seasons at Montana State, Wehr toggled between guard and tackle, showcasing the kind of versatility that offensive line coaches covet. His prior tryout with the Seattle Seahawks in April 2025 didn’t result in a contract, but the Patriots are giving him a fresh shot to impress. With Mike Onwenu locking down right guard and questions lingering at left guard after OTAs, Wehr could be a dark-horse candidate to bolster New England’s trenches.
The Patriots’ offensive line has been a focal point this offseason, especially after quarterback Drake Maye endured 34 sacks in 13 games during his 2024 rookie campaign. Protecting their young signal-caller is priority number one, and Wehr’s ability to play multiple positions could make him a valuable depth piece. As McDaniels works to refine the offense around Maye, a reliable and adaptable lineman like Wehr could quietly become a key cog in the machine.
The Bigger Picture: Patriots’ Strategy Under Vrabel
The Patriots’ decision to bring in Steiner and Wehr reflects a broader strategy under Vrabel, who has already overseen significant roster turnover since taking the helm. With high-profile additions like wide receiver Stefon Diggs (still rehabbing a torn ACL from 2024) and first-round draft pick Will Campbell, New England is blending star power with under-the-radar talent to build a competitive roster. The tryout process is a hallmark of Vrabel’s approach—finding players who may have been overlooked but possess the skills to thrive in his system.
This minicamp, running from June 9 to June 11, 2025, is a critical proving ground. While stars like Maye, Diggs, and cornerback Christian Gonzalez dominate headlines, it’s players like Steiner and Wehr who could quietly shape the team’s depth chart. The Patriots have a history of turning tryout players into contributors—Gunner Olszewski’s rise from a 2019 tryout to a 53-man roster spot as a punt returner is a prime example. Could Steiner or Wehr follow a similar path?
What’s Next: Secrets to Unfold in Foxborough
As minicamp progresses, all eyes will be on how these tryout players perform in drills and whether they earn a longer look. The Patriots are keeping things close to the vest, with Vrabel emphasizing that absences from players like Tavai, Mack Hollins, and others are excused and not cause for concern. Meanwhile, Maye’s growing comfort in McDaniels’ offense and the integration of new pieces like Diggs and Campbell suggest a team poised to take a step forward in 2025.
The tryout of Steiner and Wehr may not grab headlines like a blockbuster trade, but their potential impact shouldn’t be underestimated. If either player shines, they could secure a spot on the 90-man roster and set the stage for a surprising contribution in the fall. With only one more practice session on Tuesday before the team shifts to meetings on Wednesday, the clock is ticking for these prospects to make their mark.
Stay tuned to Gillette Stadium, where the Patriots’ minicamp could reveal the next big thing—or at least a couple of roster secrets ready to be unleashed. For the latest updates, keep an eye on Patriots.com and NESN’s coverage as New England gears up for a pivotal season.