Five Patriots players worth keeping tabs on in camp

Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

2. Patrick Chung: Safety, Oregon

Devin McCourty is positioned to be the team’s starting free safety. Who will play next to him remains a question mark.

Many feel Duron Harmon will assume the role. Harmon will be entering his second season out of Rutgers. Tavon Wilson is another possibility, but he’s yet to take the next step since reaching the NFL level.

New England signed Patrick Chung this past off-season after releasing Adrian Wilson. Chung saw a great deal of starting action at safety for the Patriots before joining the Philadelphia Eagles this past season.

Chung has an opportunity to win the strong safety job this preseason. He played within New England’s defensive system from 2009-2012. Being already familiar with the ways things are done gives him a leg up on the competition.

He may not be the best cover guy, but he excels at rushing the passer when walked up into the box for a blitz. Darrelle Revis‘ elite talents will also mask some of Chung’s ineptitude in the cover game.