Football fans that haven’t been living under a rock for the past few months are well aware the New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is one of the top contenders for the NFL MVP award.
That was made official on Thursday.
But which of Maye’s teammates also cracked ESPN’s list of the “Top 100 real NFL MVP candidates” for the 2025 season?
Analytics writer Seth Walder placed the signal-caller at the top of list on Thursday but included a trio of other Patriots on the countdown as well.
Somewhat surprisingly, New England doesn’t have another player in the top 74, as defensive tackle Milton Williams is the next Patriots representative on the list at No. 75.
“I was among the skeptics when the Patriots handed Williams a $26 million per year contract last offseason, but he was worth every penny in his first season in New England,” Walder wrote. “He was third in pressure rate among interior linemen (9.6%) and would have been sixth at pass rush win rate and 10th in run stop win rate had he qualified. His availability (only 12 games played) was the only thing holding him back. A full season playing at this level would have vaulted Williams much higher on this list.”
Williams finished the regular season tied for second on the team in tackles for loss (eight) and fourth in quarterback hits (eight) and sacks (3.5). He’s added five tackles and 2.0 sacks across the first two playoff contests.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs came in at No. 93 on the list, while offensive lineman Michael Onwenu was No. 99.
Diggs finished his first regular season with New England by leading the group in targets (102), receptions (85) and receiving yards (1,013).
Onwenu has played in and started each of the Patriots first 19 games this season, including both playoff tilts.
