3 underrated Patriots players who could make a massive impact next season

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Marcus Jones

We were very much robbed of seeing a Marcus Jones breakout season in 2023 due to a shoulder injury that landed him on injured reserve for the entire year. He was an explosive and versatile piece as a rookie, proving to be the team's best-kept secret, and that will almost certainly continue this fall.

The cornerback/receiver/returner can do just about everything and proved open to doing so when Bill Belichick moved him all over the field on game day. His unique skillset became helpful for the Patriots as they struggled on offense and special teams, where Jones thrived and cemented his spot on the team for years to come.

Now that he will be entering his third season (or technically second?), he has already voiced his desire to remain in the secondary if possible. With the departures of J.C. Jackson and Jalen Mills, that could be what his future holds, so the cornerback room would welcome his help.

It wouldn't be shocking to see him continue as the primary returner since he was so successful as a rookie. Who could forget his punt return touchdown to squeeze out a win for the Patriots over the Jets?

Because the third unit needs all the help it can get, prioritizing Jones there would also be beneficial.

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