New England Patriots: 3 preseason worries no one is talking about

1. Jalen Mills, Starting Outside Cornerback

With Stephon Gilmore both on the PUP list and in the middle of a contentious contract dispute, the most likely candidate to start in his spot at cornerback opposite JC Jackson is Mills, who arrived from Philadelphia on a very lucrative contract. So everything is all rosy, right?

Well, Mills was signed to that four-year contract with the expectation that his versatility could lead to Belichick deploying him all over the field. He can hold his own as an outside corner, but Eagles fans know all too well what happens when Mills is left by himself on an island.

How will new Patriots DB Jalen Mills play at cornerback?

While Gilmore is one of the best defensive players in the game and Jackson is a turnover machine, Mills has proven to be one of the more inconsistent cornerbacks in the game. I wonder where opposing teams are going to throw the ball.

Mills could shut us all up by showing that his volatile play in Philadelphia was the result of an inferior coaching staff. However, given the fact that we have years of evidence that suggests Mills is better in his switchblade role than being forced to stick on the outside, things could get ugly.

Patriots: Two trade packages that could land Michael Thomas

The New England Patriots would be smart to consider a trade for Michael Thomas, who could help their QB situation in 2021 and beyond.