New England Patriots: Ranking team’s top 5 defenders pre-training camp

5. Patrick Chung

Have to start off with one of the most versatile defensive players on the team.

Veteran safety Patrick Chung does not do one thing great but does a few things very good for the New England Patriots.

In his second stint with the team, Chung has matured into a vocal leader on and off the field, who does whatever Bill Belichick asks him to do.  Coming off a 2018 NFL season in which he combined for 84 tackles, 0.5 sacks and one interception, the Oregon product defined that safety/linebacker hybrid role the team covets.

Not only is he tough down in the box against the run, Patrick Chung typically takes on the opposing team’s top pass-catching tight end.  He does lose some battles, but he wins his share of battles as well, allowing only 56.9 percent of passes thrown his way to be completed.  Not bad at all for a defensive back not known for his speed.

Coming into the season at the age 32, Chung is still the team’s top strong safety and will once again serve an important role as a box-safety.  He will also contribute on special teams, which makes him the type of player Belichick loves to have on the team.  With a few younger defensive backs waiting in the wings, Patrick Chung will be a teacher as well.

In a league that may be trending back to the power running game, expect the value of Chung to showcase itself in 2019.