Patriots Daily: Clarity at Cornerback in New England?

The New England Patriots’ cornerbacks are one of the team’s units still looking to solidify their places on the roster. Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, and Marcus Jones are listed as the starters on the team’s unofficial depth chart. However, both of the Joneses are currently recovering from injuries, giving opportunities for others to make their mark. And while Jonathan Jones will certainly start if healthy when the season begins, Marcus Jones’ place with the first unit is less of a given. Players have an opportunity to secure key roles, and a pair of cornerbacks seem to be surfacing as favorites to do so.

Marco Wilson and Shaun Wade saw significant time with the first unit at Sunday’s practice. Heading into this week, there still seemed to be cornerbacks capable of either starting in Week 1 or not making the 53-man roster at all. A quick review of the unit:

Christian Gonzalez

The Patriots top cornerback was limited to four impressive games as a rookie in 2023 before a season-ending injury. He appears healthy and ready to occupy to the CB1 role on the outside for New England for years to come.

Jonathan Jones

A solid veteran entering the final year of his contract. He could start opposite Gonzalez or in the slot, depending on who else earns a starting job. His injury situation is worth monitoring. The assumption was that he sat out the preseason opener as a vet with a secured roster spot.

Marcus Jones

He excelled as a punt returner in 2022 but made more big plays on offense than defense. Jones entered camp projected to start as the slot corner last season but had struggles and was injured early in the season. If he is healthy his return skills will keep him on the roster but he still has work to do to show he is ready to play meaningful snaps as an NFL corner.

Marco Wilson and Shaun Wade

New England acquired Wilson midseason after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals. He looks good in camp and earned a starting nod against Carolina. Wade spent the past three seasons with the Patriots, starting six games last season. He played well in the preseason opener and nearly had an interception. They appear to be the top candidates to start outside of the top three corners, and both should be solidly on the 53-man roster.

Alex Austin and Azizi Hearn

Austin received some playing time with the Patriots in 2023 during their plethora of injuries (and other issues) at cornerback. He was drafted and waived by Buffalo, signed and waived by Houston, then came to New England. Hearn spent the 2023 season with the Patriots’ practice squad. He was their top-ranked cornerback in the preseason opener.

Isaiah Bolden and Marcellas Dial Jr.

Bolden was a seventh-round pick in 2023. He got injured in preseason and spent his rookie year on IR. Dial was a sixth-round pick in 2024, the only defensive player drafted by New England. He was the top-ranked special teams player against Carolina. Both players will need to carve out special teams roles in addition to being reserve cornerbacks if they are to make the 53-man roster.

Outlook

On my pre-training camp 53-man roster projection, there were three cuts from this unit: Hearn, Bolden, and Kaleb Ford-Dement. New England released Ford-Dement already. Hearn’s performance against Carolina was impressive and should earn him a longer look moving forward. If Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones are unable to start the season, it will open up additional spots to give players longer looks. Assuming everyone is healthy, it looks like the last four cornerbacks listed could be fighting for two spots. Stay tuned.

Also in Monday’s Patriots Daily:

Patriots Fact of the Day

In New England Patriots history, six cornerbacks have played at least 100 games:

191 Raymond Clayborn
141 Ty Law
122 Ronnie Lippett
115 Jonathan Jones
105 Maurice Hurst
105 Chuck Shonta

Post of the Day

Today’s post comes from the Los Angeles Chargers, with head coach Jim Harbaugh inviting linebacker Shane Lee’s parents to as surprise guests at practice to speak to the team. Very cool:

what truly matters 💙 pic.twitter.com/5bK2ZtlpQi

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 10, 2024

Patriots Players This Might Be a “Huge Week” For – Jerod Mayo said this is a “huge week for everyone” on the Patriots roster. But this week is more important for some than others. Some players are fighting for starting spots. Others hope to make the 53-man roster. And at least 10 players hope to make it throught training camp on the 90-man roster.

Patriots 90-Man Roster Spotlight: K.J. Osborn – After four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Osborn signed with New England this offseason. Can he produce without the benefit of having Justin Jefferson take away attention? Can he work his way into the Patriots starting lineup?

PFF’s Best New England Patriots vs. Carolina – Which Patriots players showed up big in the team’s preseason opener? According to Pro Football Focus there were quite a few. On offense (JaQuae Jackson), defense (Jeremiah Pharms Jr.), and special teams (Marcellas Dial Jr.) New England received strong performances in all aspects of the game in their 17-3 win.

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now – The Boston Bruins are in a down period. The NHL Draft and the first wave of free agency have passed. Training camp has yet to arrive. But there is still plenty happening, from new uniform numbers to trade rumors, and BHN has it all covered.

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