Welcome to Patriots Place Breakdown, a 10-part collection on NESN.com the place we dive deep into every of New England’s place teams previous to the beginning of coaching camp.
The Patriots weren’t very energetic on the defensive facet of the ball this offseason, utilizing their plentiful assets to basically run issues again with a well-recognized bunch.
Kyle Dugger (alongside Christian Barmore) headlined that group, and for good motive.
New England will depend on Dugger to assist convey a few new defensive identification, the place attacking the ball and forcing turnovers is now the highest precedence. It’s already abundantly clear that he will likely be up for the problem, as will the remainder of his teammates within the security room.
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Roster Overview
– Jabrill Peppers
– Marte Mapu
– Kyle Dugger
– Joshuah Bledsoe
– Jaylinn Hawkins
– Dell Pettus
Dugger and Peppers appeared like they may be a redundant duo heading into 2023, however have been something however as they efficiently stuffed the void left by Devin McCourty — combining for 4 interceptions and 187 whole tackles.
The Patriots simply want a slight bit extra.
Mapu is somebody we’ll speak about closely throughout coaching camp, as his potential to make that ever-talked-about sophomore soar will likely be key to this unit’s potential to take a step ahead. New England will spend tons of time with three safeties on the sector, and his potential to carry up within the field ought to assist open up playmaking alternatives for Dugger and Peppers.
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Bledsoe, Hawkins and Pettus aren’t to be counted out of a roster spot, both, with all three having professional probabilities to make the staff as coverage-first or particular groups choices.
Largest Query(s)
— Does Marcellas Dial belong right here?
Dial, the Patriots’ lone defensive draft choose in 2024, spent the vast majority of his time at cornerback in school. He shouldn’t be dominated out of constructing a transfer, nevertheless.
New England’s solely actual on-field query at this spot is who will match the do-it-all function Myles Bryant stuffed over the past a number of seasons. Dial looks like a primary candidate, particularly contemplating his measurement and protection potential.
— When do you strategy Peppers relating to an extension?
Dugger is locked in. Is Peppers subsequent?
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The Patriots would possibly need to wait this one out, as an rising Mapu may make Peppers expendable. He’ll be at his finest enjoying for a contract, and the actual fact of the matter is he would have been prolonged by now in the event that they seen it as a precedence.
Grade
– A
Mapu hasn’t proven a ton of consistency all through his quick time within the NFL, however the flashes have been there. If he’s capable of develop right into a do-it-all weapon on the protection, you gained’t be capable to argue with this group being thought of the league’s best possible.
