listen live to weei 93.7:
Another day, another edition of Patriots Depth Projection leading you up to training camp.
For those unfamiliar, Depth Projection is article series here at WEEI.com where I’ll be taking an in-depth look at each of New England’s ten position rooms, naming trade candidates, predicting highs and lows, projecting who makes the team, and grading each group heading into the 2023 season.
Here’s who we’ve looked at so far:
Depth projection: Linebackers
Depth projection: Defensive line
Depth projection: Specialists
Depth projection: Offensive line
Depth projection: Tight ends
Today we’re looking at the cornerbacks, a room that has already been put under the microscope this offseason:
The Rundown:
When Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez fell in the Patriots’ lap at pick 17 in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, all felt right in and around Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Not only was New England bringing in a long, smooth, and technically sound playmaker to plug in on the outside at cornerback, but they had also re-signed Jonathan Jones and were able to move Jalen Mills back to safety, his true position, thanks to quality rookie campaigns from Marcus Jones and Jack Jones.
And then Jack was arrested leaving the Patriots' offseason program.
The 2022 fourth-round pick was detained at Logan Airport on June 16 for reportedly having two loaded firearms in his carry-on luggage while trying to depart Boston.
He posted bail for $50,000 and was formally arraigned in East Boston District Court on June 20.
Now, a room that was once considered a strength on defense has plenty of question marks heading into camp. Though the versatility of guys like Mills and Jonathan Jones is a plus, Jack Jones’ mystery future with the team makes the room a focal point of training camp this summer.
Outside of a presumed rotation of Gonzalez and the three Joneses (and Mills, who could be called upon depending on the results of Jack's trial), the room is rounded out by a slew of veterans: Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade, Isaiah Bolden, Quandre Mosely, Brad Hawkins, and Rodney Randle.
Jones and Mego: Should we be concerned with the Patriots lack of talent?
Who we’re sleeping on:
Jonathan Jones.
Cornerback Jonathan Jones has been a reliable chess piece for the Patriots ever since signing with them out of Auburn in 2016.
Though he was primarily a specialist for his first few seasons, New England called upon Jones to start 16 games in the secondary last season after losing JC Jackson to the Chargers in free agency. He took on the task by putting up career highs in interceptions (4) and pass deflections (11).
His quality play inspired the Patriots to re-sign him to a two-year deal this offseason and it looked like they’d use him as a depth piece and a vocal leader following the drafting of Christian Gonzalez and the retirement of Devin McCourty.
Now, however, he may have to have to step into a starting role with Jack Jones’ future in limbo.
He’s been reliable in the past, and will shine when called upon again.
Surprise cut:
Jack Jones.
While the Patriots are playing the long game for now, you never know what way the tables may turn once Jones' legal process plays out.
The cornerback is due back in court on August 18, the day before New England’s preseason game vs. the Packers in Green Bay, which should give us more clarity on where the cornerback room stands.
Depending on how things play out, it may end up being easier (and frankly, less of a headache) for Belichick to simply cut bait with him rather than waste a roster spot on somebody who isn't going to be able to suit up for you.
FWIW: Jones recently posted on his Instagram story a photo of himself with the caption “never forget loyalty”, so it looks like they've decided to wait it out until due process ensues, qualifiying this as a surprise cut.
Trade candidate:
None.
My first cop-out answer of the Patriots Depth Projection series. New England can’t afford to trade anyone out of this room due to the many question marks surrounding it. I expect them to keep five guys, all of whom will be vital to the rotation.
Full roster projection:
In: Christian Gonzalez (R), Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Jack Jones, Myles Bryant
Out: Shaun Wade, Isaiah Bolden, Quandre Mosely, Brad Hawkins, Rodney Randle
Grade heading into 2023:
B.
While I give the room a ‘B’ for now, this grade is very volatile. They could be an 'A+' by season's end if Jack Jones returns and Christian Gonzalez shines, but they could just as easily end up as a 'D' if things go south.
Personally, I have confidence in Gonzo and if the team’s stuck by Jones this long, I have a feeling they’ll continue to.
We’ll be back next week with two more editions of Patriots Depth Projection here at WEEI.com. Next week's rooms are the safeties and running backs.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
Related
