Patriots: 10 long-term positives from 2015

6. Rise of Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan as starting cornerbacks

See a theme developing here? The 2015 Patriots did an outstanding job of answering the offseason departures of 2014 starters. Such was the case at the cornerback position, where Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, Kyle Arrington and Alfonzo Dennard all shipped out of town in the 2015 offseason.

First and foremost, Butler stepped up to the plate and flew up the NFL’s cornerback ranks. His season was highlighted by suffocating coverage on Odell Beckham Jr., 15 passes defended and excellent tackling. The latter was on full display in the AFC Championship Game when Butler flew to the sideline to cut off C.J. Anderson from the first down marker, giving the ball back to the offense at a crucial juncture in the game.

Top 15 moments from Patriots’ 2015 regular season

In his third season out of Rutgers, Ryan came into his own as a No. 2 corner. Playing with safety help over the top while covering No. 1 receivers for much of the season, Ryan exceeded expectations. In both Broncos games, Ryan shut down Demaryius Thomas. He also paced the Patriots with four interceptions.

The Patriots need to address the nickel cornerback spot in the draft and/or free agency, but they have two solid starting cornerbacks that have plenty of productive years left in the tank.

Next: 5. Continued elite inside LB play