The Patriots defensive backs are a young, talented group, but is still unproven in big games and on the road.
For cornerbacks, Leigh Bodden was re-signed to a multi year deal, if nothing else he is a solid piece in the puzzle of creating the Belichick Defense 2.0. Darius Butler is a promising young player, said by Mike Reiss to be “ready to take the next step”. Devin McCourty is the first round pick, athletic and physical. Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley are in the make or break years, though Wilhite is developing into a solid slot corner. The Patriots went out of their way to keep Kyle Arrington from signing with Cleveland off the practice squad. He was a special teams demon. Can he contribute as a corner? That will be something to follow.
For safeties, Brandon Meriweather is an every down player. Patrick Chung was being used as a “swiss army knife” all over the field. He seemed to be the first stringer over James Sanders, the calming veteran presence. Lastly is Brandon McGowan who flashed some playmaking abilities early on in 2009, but faded down the stretch. There could be a surprise cut from this group in either Sanders or McGowan.
PatsPropaganda Depth Chart (as of 6/20/10)
RCB – Bodden, Wheatley
LCB – Butler, McCourty
Nickel – Wilhite, Wheatley
Dime – McCourty, Arrington
FS – Meriweather, Sanders
SS – Chung, McGowan