The New England Patriots are getting closer to training camp, as the players will hit practice fields behind Gillette Stadium this week for the first few sessions.
This offseason, New England made a few changes to their roster with the hopes of improving from the horrendous season they had in 2023 where they finished with one of their worst records in franchise history and secured the third-overall pick in the 2024 draft.
While some rooms changed quite a bit, there are not many new players in the Patriots’ safety room, but before they get to work in camp, let’s refamiliarize ourselves with the group.
Kyle Dugger
Dugger is entering his fifth season in New England out of Lenoir-Rhyne. He’s the best player in the group, and the Patriots rewarded his performance with a four-year extension after originally placing the transition tag on him. He’ll be the team’s most used safety as long as he’s healthy.
Jabrill Peppers
Peppers has also been a versatile difference-maker in his two seasons with the team. He moved into a starting role last year, and he’ll likely continue that in 2024. With this being a contract year for the former Michigan Wolverine, he’ll have to go all out to get New England or another team to give him a bag.
Marte Mapu
Mapu is entering just his second season with New England out of Sacramento State. He’s a bit of a hybrid linebacker/safety player on defense, but he played less than 20% of the snaps as a rookie. With the Patriots moving on from Adrian Phillips this offseason, that job could be Mapu’s if he earns it.
Jaylinn Hawkins
Hawkins is entering his fifth year in the NFL but his first with New England after spending time with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers so far. He’s played both on defense and special teams, so he has a real chance to earn a spot as a depth piece in 2024.
Brenden Schooler
This will be Schooler’s third season with the Patriots, and he has primarily played special teams in his time with the team. With Matthew Slater retiring and moving to an advisor role, this unit will need a leader, and Schooler will likely be the one to step up and fill that role.
Joshuah Bledsoe
Bledsoe is entering his fourth and final year under contract in New England. He missed all of his rookie season and has played just 32 total snaps over the other two seasons. Bledsoe will probably be competing for a practice squad spot again this year.
Dell Pettus
New England signed Pettus as an undrafted rookie out of Troy this season. He played in 62 career games at Troy, recording 315 tackles, 14 passes defensed, two fumbles recovered, one interception and one sack. He’ll likely be fighting for a practice squad spot.
