The New England Patriots made several impact improvements with an early spending spree in free agency.

The defense looks far different with notable additions in cornerback Carlton Davis, linebacker Robert Spillane and defensive lineman Milton Williams. There’s still plenty of work to do around the roster and the draft still lies ahead, but the Patriots are already improved.

FS1’s Colin Cowherd made some way-too-early NFL predictions for the 2025 season. He believes the moves so far, and a few anticipated decisions, will be enough for the Patriots to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season.

“Patriots (are) one of my surprise teams in the league,” Cowherd shared on “The Herd” Friday. “They have the second-most talented quarterback in the division, I don’t think it’s particularly close, in Drake Maye. They’ve got to get him weapons in the draft, but it’s a very good tight end, running back draft.

They upgraded with Mike Vrabel at (head) coach from Jerod Mayo, who just didn’t work. They spent a lot of money. This is just going to be a different team. I think they will double their win total, no question.”

The Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets are falling behind. The Buffalo Bills are still the class of the AFC East. In Cowherd’s eyes, it’s not out of the question for the Patriots to jump to the No. 2 spot in the division.