Which 5 Patriots players have had the best training camp?

3. J.C. Jackson

Second-year cornerback J.C. Jackson has certainly come on strong for the Patriots.

After going undrafted last spring, he signed with New England and earned a spot on the final roster after a blistering training camp and preseason. By season’s end, Jackson wasn’t just playing in relevant regular season games – he was starting in them, and he was obliterating the competition. According to ProFootballFocus, the rookie actually finished No. 1 among all qualified NFL cornerbacks in terms of passer rating allowed in 2018.

If this year’s training camp and preseason are any indicator so far, we could be in store for an even stronger second act from Jackson. Through 15 total practices, no one has more interceptions on the team than Jackson, who has three, per NESN’s Zack Cox. On top of that, his nine pass break-ups trail only teammate Keion Crossen for the highest total as well.

The biggest obstacle for Jackson at this point might just be the ridiculous amount of talent and depth the Patriots have at the defensive back position.

Belichick has stockpiled corners like they’re suddenly going extinct, bringing in studs like Stephon Gilmore and Jason McCourty through free agency, and selecting Duke Dawson and Joejuan Williams in the second round of back-to-back drafts.

Based off Belichick’s starting rotation in the postseason last year, Gilmore and McCourty most likely will continue to serve as the Patriots’ top two corners. That third cornerback role is probably Jackson’s to lose, though it will also depend on what kind of coverage New England is in on any given play obviously.