When the Patriots signed defensive lineman Milton Williams to a four-year, $104 million deal this offseason, it sent a clear message: New England is serious about rebuilding its defense from the inside out.

The 25-year-old former Eagle is expected to play a career-high number of snaps this season and will be a cornerstone of the new-look Patriots front seven. With his combination of power, agility, and versatility, Williams is projected to line up across multiple spots on the line — whether it’s stuffing the run or chasing quarterbacks.

Under defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, Milton is expected to thrive alongside Christian Barmore and Khyiris Tonga, forming a physical, no-nonsense trio that can control the line of scrimmage. Early reports from team insiders suggest that Williams has impressed with his conditioning, leadership, and ability to pick up the playbook quickly.

“He’s a quiet worker,” one coach noted. “But he’s going to speak loudly on Sundays.”

As the Patriots prepare for training camp, Williams is already drawing comparisons to past New England greats for his work ethic and discipline. If he stays healthy, he could be one of the biggest impact players on the roster in 2025.