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Patriots roster prediction: Training camp Week 3 edition

By Connor Fulton

Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) drops back to throw during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) drops back to throw during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Devin McCourty Patriots
Jul 28, 2016; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots free safety Duron Harmon (30), free safety Devin McCourty (32) and cornerback Logan Ryan (26) take the field for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Free safety (2): Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon

Strong safety (3): Patrick Chung, Jordan Richards, Nate Ebner

Practice squad: Brock Vereen

Cut: Cedric Thompson

Slowly but surely, the Patriots’ safety position has rose from one of mediocrity in the early 2000s to one of the best units in the NFL. You can attribute the improvement to McCourty’s rise as an elite free safety and Chung’s recovery after an atrocious 2013 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. With McCourty roaming the back end of the secondary and providing safety help for Logan Ryan (matched up on a No. 1 wideout), Chung is free to occupy a spot closer to the line of scrimmage to assist on run defense or to cover a tight end.

32 offseason additions, 32 interesting facts

Behind those two, the Patriots have solid depth options with Harmon and Richards. Harmon acts as McCourty’s sub at free safety, but he can also replace Chung in obvious passing situations that require a better cover safety. As for Richards, he’s chomping at the bit for playing time, but it probably won’t come unless the injury bug hits the position. Ebner has a roster spot waiting for him upon his return from Rio.

Next: Special teams (5)

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