Stephon Gilmore has been moved to the Carolina Panthers for a 2023 6th round pick. What does this say about the situation and the confidence of the coaching staff? After a solid execution of the back end of the defense, how does the group look?
J.C Jackson- He’s in a contract year, playing on a high RFA Tender. He matched up with Mike Evans one on one quite a bit on Sunday Night and frustrated the WR. It appears he’s grown from a terrible 2020 Monday Night performance vs Stefon Diggs that had people questioning if he’s ever going to be a #1 corner. He’s a ballhawk but this year has shown the ability to man up against a top guy. He’s got 13 more games to get that contract, whether in New England or elsewhere.
all the faith in the world in this guy. PAY JC JACKSON @Patriots pic.twitter.com/EpdGIbAPC7 — 𝙎𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 🗣 (@scaries3x) October 6, 2021
Jalen Mills- A pin cushion in Philadelphia with great versatility. Mills appeared to be more of a jack-of-all-trades Defensive back and not a true outside CB. Mills has shown solid coverage, including matching up with Chris Godwin with occcasional double team health. The deal was 4 years, I feel this is the guy who greased the skids for this move.
Highest graded #Patriots defensive players in Week 4 (min. 25 snaps) 🥇 Matthew Judon – 76.4 🥈 Jalen Mills – 68.2 🥉 Devin McCourty – 65.7 pic.twitter.com/pS6aNmrIVm — PFF NE Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) October 5, 2021
Jonathan Jones- Slot Corner who matched up a lot with Antonio Brown on Sunday Night. Jones is a consistent player but will never be more than a solid slot corner.
JoeJuan Williams- The former 2nd round pick was a healthy scratch. He appears to be much quicker than advertised but hasn’t played with the physicality you’d expect from his size. Williams needs to get on the field, contribute on special teams and really justify a 2nd round selection.
Shaun Wade- The Ravens drafted him on Day 3 of the 2021 draft and traded him to New England just days before the final preseason game. He’s best in the slot, as advertised his final year at Ohio State. Do we see Wade finally get a jersey on game day as he has been brought up to speed on the defense?
A look at the Patriots CB situation past 2021: -Jalen Mills -Jonathan Jones -Joejuan Williams -Shaun Wade -Justin Bethel (*not really a usable CB) Would they place the franchise tag on JC Jackson to make sure they keep him around? — Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) October 6, 2021
Myles Bryant- I personally loved Bryant coming out of Washington. He has the measurables and skill set of a slot CB but he’s also flirted with the safety position. He was actually elevated and played over JoeJuan Willams vs Tampa Bay. Is he more of a utility guy who plays special teams down the stretch?
Any love or hate to @e2gbuddy