New England Patriots: 4 position battles to watch in camp

Cornerback

 Justin Coleman, Cyrus Jones, Jonathan Jones, D.J. Killings, Will Likely, Kenny Moore, Dwayne Thomas

The Patriots boast one of the best cornerback groups in the entire league. Malcolm Butler, Stephon Gilmore, and Eric Rowe appear as roster locks and will secure New England’s top three cornerback spots. Behind Rowe, there are a handful of qualified defenders fighting to earn the fourth job.

The three most favored players competing for the Patriots’ fourth cornerback spot are Justin Coleman, Cyrus Jones, and Jonathan Jones.

Coleman joined New England in 2015 and has played in 20 games over the past two years, starting in three. The Patriots drafted Cyrus Jones in the second-round of last year’s draft. As a rookie, Cyrus was active for 10 games and finished the year with one start. Jonathan Jones signed with the team as an undrafted free agent following the 2016 draft. He played all sixteen of New England’s games as a rookie and finished the year with 307 special teams snaps.

All three cornerbacks saw time with the starting defense during minicamp and they will continue to compete throughout the summer. Jonathan Jones collected the most all-purpose snaps in 2016 while Coleman led the three with 227 defensive snaps.

Jonathan Jones’ versatility makes him a favorite to earn the final cornerback spot. He played in nearly a third of New England’s special teams snaps last season and possesses the impressive speed teams look for in slot cornerbacks. Cyrus Jones also has the potential to contribute as a return man but he’ll need to overcome his struggles with muffed punts.

Undrafted rookies D.J. Killings, Will Likely, Kenny Moore, and Dwayne Thomas could also make a case for a roster spot. Butler, Coleman, and Jonathan Jones all made the Patriots’ roster as rookie free agent signings.

There is a possibility that the Patriots enter the season with five cornerbacks on their roster. In 2014, New England carried Logan Ryan, Kyle Arrington, and Malcolm Butler behind starters Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. Of course, that means the Patriots would need to make room by trimming a player from another position.

Projected winner: Jonathan Jones

(Justin Coleman, if New England carries a fifth cornerback.)

Jonathan Jones’ has the versatility and physical ability to man the slot and contribute in special teams coverage.