As stated previously the Patriots had an elite defense during the 2025 season but not one that felt like it had a next gear to it. I did a deep dive into the front seven for the Patriots but here I will go into detail assessing the secondary of the team as the 2026 season approaches.
Set to start at the first of the two primary cornerback spots is former 2nd rounder Carlton Davis III who is a strong player at the position. Davis III has graded in the above average to well above average range in terms of an overall defense grade according to Pro Football Focus in every season he has played in but one outside of his rookie season. Davis III is not an elite player at corner but certainly a very good one and he has produced at a borderline elite rate at times during his NFL career as well.
Set to start at the strong safety spot is 2025 4th rounder Craig Woodson who had a decent rookie season that he is in line to build off of. Woodson graded in the middle of the pack among players at his position despite being a rookie which is not easy to do. Woodson is in line to become a solid if not more than that NFL starter heading into his 2nd year in the NFL and beyond.
Set to start at free safety is veteran Kevin Byard who is among the premier safeties in the NFL having earned first team all-pro honors three times including this past 2025 season. However, Byard is set to play next season at 33 years old and has consistently seen a small drop off ever since he has turned 30 years old. However, Byard is still a borderline elite to an elite NFL starter regardless and is one of the anchors of the New England defense.
2023 first rounder Christian Gonzalez is set to start at the other primary cornerback spot for the Patriots and is also one of the premier players at his position. Gonzalez in three seasons has earned second team all-pro honors and pro bowl honors in two separate seasons. Gonzalez however regressed last season, although still making the pro bowl. As he adjusts to Mike Vrabel’s scheme in year 2, Gonzalez could establish himself as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL.
Former third rounder Marcus Jones is set to start at the nickel corner position for the Patriots and is among the better players in that role in the NFL. Jones in every season that he has logged substantial snaps in has graded in the above average to well above average range among players at his position.
From a depth standpoint in the secondary the Patriots have some noteworthy names who could emerge as high-end backups and/or even threaten for starting jobs. Safety Mike Brown has looked very strong in limited reserve snaps, 2025 7th rounder Kobee Minor played at an above average rate in very limited rookie snaps, while safety Dell Pettus has looked borderline elite in very limited snaps in the NFL and is the premier name in the New England’s’ secondary reserve unit. A breakdown of New England’s secondary can be found below.
New England Starting Secondary
LCB – Carlton Davis III – B to B+
SS – Craig Woodson – C to C+ as 4th round rookie in 2025
FS – Kevin Byard III – A to A-
RCB – Christian Gonzalez – A-, has yet had the chance to truly come into his own
NB – Marcus Jones – B to B+
Noteworthy New England Secondary Reserves
FS – Mike Brown – C+ to B- in limited snaps
CB – Kobee Minor – C+ to B- as rookie, 2025 7th rounder
SS – Dell Pettus – B+ to A- in limited snaps
A similar theme that persisted for the front seven of New England continues with the secondary of the team. Where the unit feels good to very good and deep, but not great or elite. However, it is less evident with the backend of the Patriots’ defense as they do have some high end talent in the likes of Kevin Byard and Christian Gonzalez.
