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

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

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 02: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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New England Patriots safety Joshuah Bledsoe (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

No.7: Will Joshuah Bledsoe get an opportunity to shine in New England Patriots secondary

A 2021 sixth-round pick, talented safety Joshuah Bledsoe was activated to the 53-man roster late in the 2021 NFL season, but New England Patriots fans didn’t really get to see what could make this young defensive back a steal in that draft.

With Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, and Kyle Dugger ahead of him, it is no surprise he didn’t really see the field but look for the product out of Missouri to get an extensive look during training camp in hopes he can be someone who can step up once McCourty hangs up the cleats.

As a safety/nickel hybrid, Bledsoe gives Bill Belichick yet another player with versatility in the defensive backfield. If he is set to introduce position-less football, Bledsoe’s competitive nature will fit right in.

Along with his foot quickness, Joshuah Bledsoe has the strength and physicality to jam receivers and hold his own against opposing offensive lineman. Could he be a Patrick Chung type?

He has plenty of upside to fit that mold and the Patriots could certainly use the physicality. Again, with McCourty, Phillips, Dugger and Jabril Peppers ahead of him, there is no rush to fit Bledsoe in the mix, but it would be a jolt for Belichick if this young safety flashes in the upcoming season.

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