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)