The Patriots turned in one final walk-through before the preseason finale, still in helmets and shoulder pads as competition remained fierce. Christian Barmore and Milton Williams anchored a disruptive interior that flashed the disruptive edge the team hoped to unlock this season. Drake Maye endured pressure from a stout front as pass protection continued to be a concern, with Ben Brown plugged into guard/center spots to stabilize the line. Keion White started hot but drifted to the second unit, while Robert Spillane piled up sacks and Jabrill Peppers added a sack as Terrell Williams leaned on blitzing from safety and corner. The kicking race between Andy Borregales and Parker Romo remained a coin flip, both thriving in a tight battle. Offense touched the ball as well with Henry, Hollins, Diggs, and Dobbs all contributing. A game plan rehearsal looms as New England heads to East Rutherford for the final tune-up.

Pass protection remained a narrative thread. Barmore and Williams consistently found disruption in the backfield, challenging Drake Maye and keeping the offensive line under pressure. Will Campbell and the rest of the line showed flashes, but the unit’s ability to keep Maye clean will be critical for the preseason and beyond. On defense, Spillane’s two-sack day followed a previous interception spree, signaling a potential high-volume role in the regular season. Peppers leveraged blitz opportunities, hinting at a more aggressive use of safeties in coverage and pressure packages. In the kicking duel, Borregales and Romo split the 4-for-4 mark, underscoring how evenly matched the competition remains as the roster edges toward Week 1 considerations.

Las Vegas overhauled its linebacker corps this offseason, replacing Spillane and Deablo as the Raiders lean on a veteran-led rebuild. Elandon Roberts is slated to anchor the group, with Jamal Adams, Devin White, and Germaine Pratt brought in to bring versatility, leadership, and playmaking upside. Adams’ move from safety to LB is highlighted, alongside White’s reclamation arc and Pratt’s steady veteran presence, creating a markedly different room from last year.

Roberts stands out as the most consistent, proven option in a room loaded with names that carry question marks. He logged nearly 500 Steelers snaps last season, earning elite marks in run defense (90.4 run-stop grade) but weaker in coverage (50.9). The Raiders expect him to set the tone, mentor newcomers, and stabilize the defense as they blend four veterans with a pair of big-name newcomers in Adams and White, plus Pratt, in a scheme overseen by Graham with input from Pete Carroll’s perspective.

Fantasy angles center on Roberts as a high-floor, tackle-heavy option whose presence could buoy the run-stopping ceiling of the unit. Adams and White bring blitz and disruption potential, Pratt adds versatility, and the overall LB corps should generate more consistent back-end production if deployment aligns with strengths. The Raiders’ approach is to leverage Roberts as the anchor while others rotate into familiar roles behind him, maximizing the group’s collective impact in a more stable, leadership-driven defense.

Robert Spillane's journey to the NFL has been marked by determination and resilience. Starting as an undrafted rookie with the Tennessee Titans, he has navigated his way through challenges to secure a position with the New England Patriots. In a recent podcast appearance, Spillane revealed that he continues to play with a chip on his shoulder, driven by the desire to prove himself in a competitive league.

His drive and passion for the game have helped him overcome the odds, and he credits his experiences for shaping his playing style. Spillane's story is a testament to the grit needed to succeed in the NFL, serving as an inspiration to many aspiring players.

New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane earned recognition as an underrated signing, receiving votes in ESPN's top-10 off-ball linebackers list. After two consecutive seasons with over 145 tackles, he brings valuable experience and a strong performance record, including two interceptions and two sacks last year. Spillane's familiarity with coach Mike Vrabel's system will aid his integration into the Patriots' defense as he potentially becomes a key player for the team in 2025.

Spillane, now 29, is expected to play a pivotal role in fortifying the Patriots' defensive front, which has seen substantial offseason upgrades. His consistency and work ethic on the field could see him achieve one of his best professional seasons, especially with the support of a strengthened roster.