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Predicting New England Patriots depth chart: Pre-minicamp edition

By Connor Fulton

May 26, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) look on during OTA
May 26, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) look on during OTA /
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Devin McCourty Patriots depth chart
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty (32) and safety Patrick Chung (23) celebrate a play against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

SAFETIES (4)

Devin McCourty

Patrick Chung

Duron Harmon

Jordan Richards

Practice squad: Brock Vereen

Cut: Cedric Thompson

Nothing changes at this position because nothing needs to be changed. McCourty is still a top-five free safety and one of the most exemplary leaders in the NFL. His starting partner at safety, Chung, is one of the better run stoppers at the position and his coverage skills have improved enormously since that rough season in Philly in 2013.

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While this writer may have thrown any number of objects at the television when Harmon got embarrassed by Brandon Marshall in the second Pats-Jets game last year, the fact remains that he is still an opportunistic center fielder and a decent enough depth option behind McCourty. And it’s clear the Patriots see something in Richards, so it’s prudent to give the Stanford sophomore pro another year to develop.

That all being said, both safety positions are areas the Patriots are going to have to address through the draft in the not-too-distant future.

Next: Special teams (6)

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