The New England Patriots are shaping up to have an elite defense.
Bill Belichick’s defensive line is much deeper than the 2020 season and the linebacker corps is better by leaps and bounds. The secondary lost out on a couple instrumental players in Patrick Chung and Jason McCourty, but the cornerback crew is still elite.
Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills and Kyler Dugger are holding down the safety position with Stephon Gilmore, J.C Jackson, Jonathan Jones and Joejuan Williams going toe to toe with the top receivers. The only unknown factor is if Gilmore and the Patriots can come to an agreement on his contract — which is seeming to head in a positive direction.
If Gilmore remains with the team, then the Patriots would have two cornerbacks who rank in the top 10, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The list stems from a poll taken by over 50 NFL executives, coaches, scouts and players.
Gilmore was No. 4 on the list and Jackson was No. 10.
“[Gilmore] didn’t have a great year, but I don’t think he’s down and out,” an NFL official said. “Still very talented. Long, great ball skills. You forget how fast he is until you see him in person. When he gets on your guys, he can frustrate the hell out of you. Very sneaky player in man and also get his eyes on the quarterback. He sees the quarterback and pivots eyes in and out. I don’t think he’s improving but he’s not falling off, either.”
Jackson, 25, is improving each season and he had the second-most interceptions last year with nine.
“Baller,” an executive said. “Premier athlete, takes chances, productive on the ball, confident, very willing tackler.”
If Gilmore sticks around, the Patriots will be in tremendous shape defensively.
