Patriots training camp is set to begin on Tuesday, July 23.
New England Patriots rookies and veterans will soon report back to Gillette Stadium as training camp is set to kick off. For the now Mike Vrabel-led Patriots, their first practice of the summer will begin on Wednesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Before the players and coaches take the field, our preview series will continue with New England’s cornerback position.
*Denotes player on the Pats Pulpit 53-man roster projection
Depth chart
Starters: Christian Gonzalez*, Carlton Davis III*, Marcus Jones* | Backups: Alex Austin*, Marcellas Dial Jr.*, Isaiah Bolden*, Miles Battle, Brandon Crossley (U-R), D.J. James, Jordan Polk (U-R), Kobee Minor (R)
As Christian Gonzalez will look to build off his stellar All-Pro campaign, the 23-year-old will now have one of the top running mates in football as New England inked Carlton Davis to a three-year, $60 million contract in free agency. The Patriots will lean on the duo and their ability in man coverage as long as they’re healthy — a key question for Davis as he has missed time in each of his previous seven seasons.
Marcus Jones appears to be the team’s top nickel corner option entering the summer as he begins the final year of his rookie contract. Despite not having the size or length of Gonzalez or Davis, Jones’ stickiness in man coverage should pair well with the top duo.
Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, and Marcellas Dial Jr. form a young, versatile trio behind the top three who can play both inside and outside. New England also drafted Kobee Minor with the final pick of the NFL Draft and return Miles Battle, who offers intriguing size (6’3) and impressed with a three pass breakup game in last year’s season finale.
Key Question: How will the depth shake out behind Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis?
No questions atop the depth chart with Gonzalez and Davis locked into place. But, with a handful of young, versatile cornerbacks behind the top duo, there will be plenty of competition down the depth chart throughout training camp and the preseason.
Following the spring, Alex Austin appears to be leading that charge while Bolden and Dial, who was New England’s lone defensive selection in last year’s draft, have also factored into the mix and provide special teams ability. And as a draft selection this year, Kobee Minor could also push for a roster spot.
X-Factor: Alex Austin
After missing time early in the 2024 season due to an ankle injury, Austin returned down the stretch and finished strong for the second straight season. This spring, the 6-foot-1 corner also spent some time in the slot despite primarily playing along the outside early in his career. The talent has been seen on the field and the added versatility could allow for Austin to be New England’s top backup corner — a role that could be key this season given Davis and Jones’ injury history.