The New England Patriots take on the New York Giants in the final preseason game of the summer on Thursday night.

With an emphasis on improving the defense, this latest ESPN mock draft has the New England Patriots doing just that in the form of a dominant defensive end.

The New England Patriots received some unfortunate injury news Thursday. Ja’Lynn Polk will miss the 2025 season with a shoulder injury that will require surgery, a source confirmed to MassLive’s Karen Guregian. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report the news.

That is a feeling that the newest rendition of the team is one that’s different from the one that left the field in complete despair and facing roster upheaval after a 3-14 last season, and one that can finally turn the poor fortunes of the organization around in the latest season to come.

The two longest-tenured players on the New England Patriots’ roster might be headed out the door. After sliding down the depth chart this summer, safety Kyle Dugger and outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings are not as safe from being let go as their history as former starters would suggest.

Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrated the opening of a new playground in Boston. WBZ-TV photographer Terry McNamara provided a full look at the festivities.

The New England Patriots veteran defender is eager to add some aggression and attitude to the team’s pass defense.