Patriots Training Camp Preview: Cornerbacks; Christian Gonzalez Day 1 Starter?

As the New England Patriots march closer to training camp, Patriots Country highlights three cornerbacks fans might want to watch.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots cornerback depth chart will be among the most watched, and potentially most scrutinized areas of the roster heading into 2023 training camp.

Following the selection of former Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez in the first round (No. 17 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, New England bolstered its at the position by drafting Michigan State’s Ameer Speed and Jackson State’s Isaiah Bolden in the sixth and seventh rounds. The new additions will join incumbents Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade, Quandre Mosely and Rodney Randle Jr. on a talented, but crowded depth chart.

Still, New England may be forced to lean on such depth in light of the recent legal troubles of second-year defensive back Jack Jones.

With the first Patriots set to return to the field for their first training camp practice on July 26, here are three Pats cornerbacks, which might catch a ‘sharp eye’ this summer.

Christian Gonzalez

Gonzalez has the chance to become the Patriots most prolific perimeter corner since the departure of former All-Pro Stephon Gilmore. While he is capable of proving himself useful in numerous duties, he is expected to align along the boundary from the outset of his pro career. The former Oregon Duck is well-sized at 6-2, 200 pounds, with the height and length to match up against opposing teams’ top receivers on the outside. 

In a game setting, Gonzalez is arguably at his best in man coverage. However, his ability to maintain eye contact with the quarterback makes him a potential asset in zone, as well. Though his performance during training camp is likely to be the deciding factor in his role at the start of the season, Gonzalez has already shown enough athleticism and field savvy during OTAs and minicamp to ensure that he will be a notable part of their corps of cornerbacks this season, at the very least.

Myles Bryant

Bryant originally joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent from Washington in 2020. In his three seasons with the Pats, the 25 year-old has compiled 123 total tackles, 10 passes-defensed, three interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble. Following Jonathan Jones’ shoulder injury in October 2021, Bryant became the Pats’ primary option at the slot in their defensive backfield. With the Pats often employing multiple defensive backs against their opponents, Bryant provided notable versatility to the Patriots defensive backfield, seeing most of his snaps in the slot. 

Though Bryant occasionally aligned as the third safety in the Pats customary three-safety set, his primary focus is typically their opponents’ slot receiver. In his first full season as New England’s slot corner, he earned career highs in total tackles (70), solo tackles (45) and six passes-defensed. He also logged one interception and recovered a fumble. During training camp, he is expected to compete with second-year speedster Marcus Jones for the primary slot duties in 2023. 

Jack Jones

Will he, or won’t he … play football for the Pats this season? That is the question.

The Pats second-year defensive back was detained and then taken into custody for attempting to board an aircraft with two loaded firearms at Boston’s Logan Airport in June. As a result, Jones is facing a litany of charges. Though he pleaded not guilty before being released on $30,000 bail, Jones could be subject to significant prison time, if convicted. 

In only one season, the Arizona State product caught the eye of many Patriots fans with his high-octane style of play. Though slightly undersized for the position, at 5-11, 175 pounds, he became an aggressive presence on the perimeter. In 13 games [454 defensive snaps] as a rookie, Jones compiled 30 tackles, six passes-defensed, one forced fumble, one recovery and two interceptions, including one for a touchdown return.

While his legal issues will understandably be his top priority, Jones' uncertain playing future leaves the Patriots with a degree of uncertainty in their defensive backfield. Should he be released, or deemed ineligible to play, New England will be forced to fill what could be a significant void in their secondary. 

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