While the addition of Carlton Davis was a significant one to the Patriots' defensive backfield, questions have been raised about the unit's depth. Gonzalez and Davis are among the top duos in the league, but the rest of the players are limited.
Marcus Jones is an excellent run defender, but struggled when asked to cover the opposing WR2 last year. Kobee Minor was added as Mr. Irrelevant, joining the cache of Miles Battle, Isaiah Bolden, and Marcellas Dial as unproven commodities.
A name that has begun to rise in the offseason has been former Oregon State Beaver Alex Austin. The 24-year-old Long Beach native established himself as a contributor quickly in the NFL. The 252nd pick by the Bills in 2023, he was released and signed by the Texans, who later demoted him to their practice squad.
He was then released and signed by the Patriots. He had his first career interception in Week 17 of 2023 against the Bills, and the following week, he recorded a 90.7 PFF coverage grade against the Jets.
Austin played just nine games due to injury in 2024, but still bested his 2023 PFF coverage grade.
The Patriots' secondary might luck out with another rising star cornerback
Austin has had an impressive summer, and Pats Pulpit's Bernd Buchmasser and Taylor Kyles believe he's the next man up for the Patriots' cornerback room. The pair cite Austin's 47.4% completion percentage allowed, as well as his surpassing veteran Marco Wilson at the beginning of last year, as reasons for him having a strong base to stand on.
Austin is likely more of an outside cornerback than anything, but his special-teams play is another reason to be encouraged. He played on three of four kick/punt units.
Further, the article mentions that, "If he can stay healthy, and the Patriots have no plans of moving on, he should be able to take a step forward this year. Based on his in-game performances as both a rookie and sophomore, he could develop into a usable third option on the outside." An aspect of the team that has raised some questions is the CB4 slot.
Free agent Shaquill Griffin was a player I highlighted not long ago as an option, but perhaps Austin can fulfill the needs of that role.
For a player the Patriots have invested next to no resources in, Austin has developed into a solid player. Currently, I'd say he's rock solid in the CB4 role, and pending any additions late on, I like what he brings to the table. We can only hope his development continues, and we see more of his excellent coverage ability in 2025.