Patriots gridiron news: Eric Rowe locking down No. 2 cornerback role

With Malcolm Butler taking his talents to Tennessee, cornerback Eric Rowe has an opportunity to shine as the New England Patriots No. 2 cornerback. 

With Stephon Gilmore settling in as the No. 1 cornerback for the New England Patriots, the team is looking to find a staple opposite Gilmore.

In his third year with the team, Eric Rowe is in prime position to nail down the starting position with Malcolm Butler now out of town. Despite some troubles during his previous two seasons with the team, Rowe has shown enough promise to get into the good graces of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

With some competition entering the preseason, Rowe has outplayed veteran cornerback Jason McCourty and young cornerbacks JC Jackson, Ryan Lewis and Keion Crossen.  With length and experience in the system, Rowe should be able to strive in the role.  Not only is he ready, but he also adds a versatility that could be utilized by the team in other areas of the field.

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Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Belichick heralded that versatility in referencing Eric Rowe’s importance to the team.

"“Eric’s a player with good versatility,” Belichick said.  “He played safety in college, has played on the perimeter, he’s played inside, he’s played in some dime situations for us, rarely as a linebacker, obviously passing situations, but he has multiple skills.  He’s a smart guy.  He’s able to handle multiple assignments.  So, again, we need players like that.  Every team needs players like that on the roster.  Every guy doesn’t have to be able to do that, but you’ve got to have somebody that has some versatility.  He certainly falls into that category.”"

After playing in the slot the majority of the 2017 season, Rowe is up for the challenge of being moved back to the outside on a consistent basis.  That is where he seems more comfortable in the Patriots system.

In allowing just five receptions on eight targets for 49 yards last season, Rowe has definitely proved he can handle himself on the outside.

"“On the outside, it’s man or zone,” Rowe said, as transcribed by NESN.  “Obviously, it’s not easier covering your man, but it’s man or zone, I got the sideline to help me.  The transition, now that I know both ways, is kind of a little easier to play outside than inside.”"

Unless McCourty, Jackson or Lewis suddenly emerge in the remaining two weeks of the preseason, the No. 2 position will be locked down by Eric Rowe until he gives the team a reason to look elsewhere.

Don’t forget about Jonathan Jones

Third-year cornerback Jonathan Jones is off the PUP and ready to get back into action for the New England Patriots.

Given the nickname “Big Play J” by safety Duron Harmon, Jones is ready to pick up where he left off before suffering a season ending injury towards the end of the 2017 season.

He may not be battling Eric Rowe for the No. 2 spot, but he is a strong contender for the slot role.  As an undrafted rookie free agent back in 2016, Jones is use to competing for his spot on the roster and looking forward to doing it again with youngsters like Duke Dawson and Cyrus Jones aiming for that slot role.

Due to being on the PUP, Jonathan Jones does realize he is a little behind the others.  In that respect, he is eager to get to their level on the field.

"“Those guys were working hard,” Jones said following practice Tuesday.  “Every day you missed you are missing something whether it’s fundamental techniques or your trying to catch up and get on their level.  They’ve been putting in a lot of work.  To get back with them and show up and compete with those guys is the plan.”"

The one advantage Jones has besides his experiences is his strong special teams play.  As long as his health holds up, the third-year corner should be a part of the New England Patriots cornerback depth chart entering the 2018 season.