Depth Chart: (CB): Malcolm Butler, Terrance Mitchell, Joejuan Williams, Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Myles Bryant, Marcus Jones, Jack Jones, Justin Bethel
(S): Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Joshuah Bledsoe, Jabril Peppers, Cody Davis,
Player to Watch:Jack Jones
Breakdown: The Patriots secondary underwent a remodeling of sorts this off-season. After losing J.C Jackson in free agency, the Patriots signed old friend Malcolm Butler and veteran Terrance Mitchell as replacements. Butler was out of football last season after signing with the Arizona Cardinals and retiring. Mitchell has bounced around in his career playing with the Cowboys, Bears, Chiefs and Texans. Both have experience playing boundary and field corner. Butler’s knowledge of the system should give him a leg up. Mitchell is a long corner who is physical and best suited as a squat Cover 2 corner who can jam and carry routes. He is a good fit from systematic standpoint.
Both figure to be in the mix to start opposite Jalen Mills who had his moments in his first season in New England. Mills struggled to be the jack of all of trades he was supposed to be when he signed with the Patriots last off-season. He is slated to start at one cornerback spot but he will face stiff competition.
Joejuan Williams struggled at times last season and had some injury issues. Williams needs to get back on track. He will have a shot at starting but he is best suited playing corner and safety in sub packages.
Veteran Jonathan Jones returns after missing the final five games of the season with a shoulder injury. When healthy, Jones is one of the best slot corners in the league. Myles Bryant did a good last season in the nickel role but he will have to keep up with the Joneses if he wants to have any shot at significant playing time this season.
Rookies Marcus Jones and Jack Jones both figure to play a prominent role. Marcus could make more of an impact in kick return game while Jack has a shot at starting at outside corner. He had a strong mini-camp in June and has the physical tools Belichick looks for in the position.
The Patriots will once again play more three safety coverages than any other team in the league. The package allows the Patriots the freedom to match up against multiple tight end personnel groupings and it allows them to defend the run and pass effectively. They re-signed veteran free safety Devin McCourty this off-season to a one year deal. While he is not an elite free safety anymore, he is still playing at a high level and will once again be the leader of the defense.
Adrian Phillips will also take on more of a leadership role this season thanks to the departure of several key veterans. Phillips signed an extension last season and his versatility makes him one of the best safeties in the game. He is a 3X3 player who can impact the game in a variety of ways. Kyle Dugger took another step in his development last season. The third year safety improved in all areas of his game and became one of the best strong safeties in the game. Dugger is clearly more comfortable in the Patriots scheme and it shows with how versatile he is within the scheme.
Second year safety Joshuah Bledsoe is in essence a rookie. He missed all of last season due to injury. Bledsoe will be counted on to step in and play meaningful snaps this season as he is seen as the heir apparent to McCourty. At 5-11 201, he has the size and ball skills to fit the Patriots three safety package.
Justin Bethel and Cody Davis will once again play special teams and work in sub packages on occasion. Rookie free agent Brenden Schooler is a safety who could play special teams and has an outside shot of making the team.
The Patriots have plenty of depth in the secondary. Not every one can make the roster. It will be interesting to see how reps are divided out in training camp. The secondary should be a strength for the Patriots this season.