13 players Bill Belichick, New England Patriots need to make leaps in 2022

No.10: Can Shaun Wade give a boost to the New England Patriots secondary

Who will be the J.C. Jackson of 2022?

A minor deal in 2021 in which the New England Patriots obtained rookie cornerback Shaun Wade from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a seventh-round pick could pay big dividends for Bill Belichick if the 2021 fifth-round pick lives up to his talent.

As one of college football’s best slot cornerbacks in 2019, Wade showed flashes in two preseason games for the Ravens, but Baltimore’s depth at the position made the rookie cornerback available and the Patriots pounced.

At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Wade not only brings upside to the New England Patriots secondary, but he is also a versatile defensive back who can play both cornerback and safety adding to that hint of position-less football Belichick may be introducing to the Patriots’ secondary.

With a half season learning on the sidelines and a full training camp with the team, the Ohio State alumni could emerge under Belichick on a depth chart that is starving for a surprise top corner to steal the spotlight and take the place of Jackson.

The Patriots will have a number of corners vying for that role, including former Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler, but Wade’s Big Ten experience and success, along with that versatility mentioned above certainly makes him a player to watch and a candidate to make a big leap in 2022 and give the New England Patriots secondary a fresh, new jolt.