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New England Patriots: Making a defense of former Patriots

By Luke O'Brien

Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) leaves the field after the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) leaves the field after the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) during the national anthem before the game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

 Cornerbacks

Left Cornerback – Aqib Talib (Broncos)

Right Cornerback – Logan Ryan (Titans)

Nickel Cornerback – Kyle Arrington (Ravens)

2nd String – Sterling Moore (Saints)

3rd String – Cre’Von LeBlanc (Bears)

Special Teams – Troy Hill (Rams)

 Cut in Camp – Rashaan Melvin (Colts), Leonard Johnson (Bills), Darryl Roberts (Jets),

The 31-year old Talib is still an élite cornerback who could compete with Stephon Gilmore for the number one role. While he might be ageing he still has superior coverage abilities to the new Tennessee Titan – Logan Ryan.  Ryan has been maligned at times but the fact of the matter is; he is a solid number two and might even be the number one in his new home.  Speaking of much maligned, Kyle Arrington fills the nickel spot on the roster. He might not be the player he once was, but he is significantly better than those behind him on the depth chart. Sterling Moore has carved a decent NFL career for himself after being part of one of the worst secondaries in Patriots history in 2011.

Many of the Patriots beat-writers thought that Cre’Von LeBlanc was unlucky to not make the final roster coming out of camp in 2016. He appeared to have more to offer as a pure cornerback than Jonathan Jones did, but it seemed that Jones’ special teams ability pushed him over the top. Troy Hill is the final player to make the roster. He only spent five days with the team in 2015 but has played well for the Rams last year despite his off the field issues.

Melvin and Johnson are journeymen cornerbacks that offer experience but little else. Roberts was a former 7th round pick by New England in 2015 and managed to see significant game time last year with the Jets.

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