Patriots 2021 defensive backfield playbook: Who stays, who goes
New England Patriots Cornerback Jonathan Jones Cornerback
Jonathan Jones has been with the New England Patriots for five seasons and has been a solid addition to the team. He is another of those undrafted free agent signings in the defensive backfield that New England seems to have a knack for finding. Frankly, they should never draft another defensive back.
Jones had a respectable two interceptions in 2020 to go along with a whopping 74 tackles. While he’s not a superstar talent in waiting like Jackson, he’s a solid pro and contributor to the New England Patriots defense.
Jones was an immediate force on special teams entering the league playing alongside one of the all-time greatest special teams players in the history of the league, Matthew Slater. His blistering speed was immediately apparent on punt return coverage.
Slater is a sure-fire Patriots’ and should-be Pro Football Hall of Famer, but if he should retire, Jones may very well assume the gunner role on special teams. He’s one of the fastest Patriots and along with Slater has been a force on those squads.
In addition to special teams, Jones has proven to be a versatile addition to the defensive backfield. He could be a starter with not very much drop off in production if called upon if some of the other higher-profile players depart or are injured.
If not, he’ll remain a dependable, solid if not spectacular member of the defensive backfield. Jones can start if necessary but his versatility, playing both corner and safety at times makes him a truly valuable member of the defensive secondary. He isn’t going anywhere.
Jonathan Jones stays.
New England Patriots Appendix: The rest of the cast
Just a brief mention of the following players who are of lesser importance than those previously outlined. Terrence Brooks, Justin Bethel, Cody Davis, D’Angelo Ross, and Myles Bryant. Most are squad/bench/special teams players.
None of these players really made an impact on the Patriots’ defensive backfield in 2020 and most could be let go without much consequence.
Brooks had two starts and 23 total tackles. Bethel played in 16 games with 14 tackles. Davis played in 14 games with 9 tackles. Ross didn’t play a snap. Bryant played in nine games with 12 tackles and an interception. Brandon King hasn’t played since 2018.
One last point, don’t count out Bryant or Ross as having a potential future role with the Patriots. They were undrafted free agents who just might surprise in the future.
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After all, that’s one area where the Patriot’s personnel operation actually gets it right occasionally.