Patriots Position Breakdown: Safety Group One Of NFL’s Best

Welcome to Patriots Position Breakdown, a 10-part series on NESN.com where we dive deep into each of New England’s position groups prior to the start of training camp.

The Patriots weren’t very active on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, using their plentiful resources to essentially run things back with a familiar bunch.

Kyle Dugger (alongside Christian Barmore) headlined that group, and for good reason.

New England will rely on Dugger to help bring about a new defensive identity, where attacking the ball and forcing turnovers is now the top priority. It’s already abundantly clear that he will be up for the challenge, as will the rest of his teammates in the safety room.

Roster Overview

– Jabrill Peppers
– Marte Mapu
– Kyle Dugger
– Joshuah Bledsoe
– Jaylinn Hawkins
– Dell Pettus

Dugger and Peppers seemed like they might be a redundant duo heading into 2023, but were anything but as they successfully filled the void left by Devin McCourty, combining for four interceptions and 187 total tackles.

The Patriots just need a slight bit more.

Mapu is someone we’ll talk about heavily during training camp, as his ability to make that ever-talked-about sophomore jump will be key to this unit’s ability to take a step forward. New England will spend tons of time with three safeties on the field, and his ability to hold up in the box should help open up playmaking opportunities for Dugger and Peppers.

Bledsoe, Hawkins and Pettus aren’t to be counted out of a roster spot, either, with all three having legitimate chances to make the team as coverage-first or special teams options.

Biggest Question(s)

— Does Marcellas Dial belong here?
Dial, the Patriots’ lone defensive draft pick in 2024, spent the majority of his time at cornerback in college. He shouldn’t be ruled out of making a move, however.

New England’s only real on-field question at this spot is who will fit the do-it-all role Myles Bryant filled over the last several seasons? Dial seems like a prime candidate, especially considering his size and coverage ability.

— When do you approach Peppers regarding an extension?
Dugger is locked in. Is Peppers next?

The Patriots might want to wait this one out, as an emerging Mapu could make Peppers expendable. He’ll be at his best playing for a contract, and the fact of the matter is he would have been extended by now if they viewed it as a priority.

Grade

– A

Mapu hasn’t shown a ton of consistency throughout his short time in the NFL, but the flashes have been there. If he’s able to develop into a do-it-all weapon on the defense, you won’t be able to argue with this group being considered the league’s absolute best.