Patriots: Could Joejuan Williams’ latest comments help his case to make roster?

The New England Patriots have questions up and down the roster right now.

Who’s going to be the starting quarterback for Week 1? How will the defensive line rotation shake out? Could Sony Michel be traded before the end of training camp? And which young pass rusher will give Matt Judon the most support on the edge?

We could continue, but you get the point. You know where the Patriots don’t have any questions, though? In the secondary, specifically the cornerback position.

That, of course, hinges on Stephon Gilmore lasting with the team beyond camp. Even if he doesn’t, fewer teams have more quality options at CB than New England.

The Patriots’ depth in the secondary could make it difficult for Joejuan Williams, now in the third year of his four-year rookie contract, to carve out a role.

However, the 2019 second-rounder’s versatility could improve his chances. During his latest media session, Williams expressed his willingness to play anywhere he’s needed.

Could Joejuan Williams’ versatility help his case to make the Patriots roster?

"“It’s really wherever they want me to be at, whether that’s corner, covering tight ends and being a safety. I’m just trying to learn,” Williams told reporters. “At the end of the day, just trying to learn the position and be valuable to this defense.”"

Bill Belichick values players who can play two positions, and Williams’ ability to line up at cornerback and safety will surely resonate with his head coach. However, that might not be enough to save Williams’ bacon, as he’s endured a tough camp thus far.

Though he’s generated a few pass breakups, the 23-year-old corner got cooked by Nelson Agholor on an out route during one-v-one drills. Williams has also found little success against N’Keal Harry, who beat him twice during a seven-v-seven drill on Wednesday.

If we were to assume Gilmore and the Patriots reach a compromise, whether it be a multi-year extension or another raise, their cornerback room will consist of Gilmore, JC Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills, Williams and Myles Bryant, who’s said to be having a steady camp.

At safety, New England is locked and loaded with Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Mills, Justin Bethel, Cody Davis and Williams. It’s worth noting that some of those players will feature heavily on special teams, so that makes life even more difficult for Williams.

Williams played just 173 defensive snaps (18%) last season, and 63 of those (36.4%) came in the final two weeks of the season, when Gilmore was sidelined with a quad injury.

Bottom line? While the Patriots might end up having room for Williams on their 53-man roster, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t last beyond training camp. After all, he’s buried on the depth chart and would need a big injury to break into the rotation.

Patriots: Stephon Gilmore’s involvement at camp sends clear message

Stephon Gilmore being heavily involved at training camp despite his injury and contract situation proves he wants to say with the Patriots.