Patriots By Position: Defensive Backs

FOXBORO, Mass. — David Souza breaks down the Patriots secondary as Training Camp continues

The Returners 

Patrick Chung – S, 9th season, Oregon

Devin McCourty – DB, 8th season, Rutgers

Nate Ebner – DB, 6th season, Ohio State

Duron Harmon – DB, 5th season, Rutgers

Malcolm Butler – CB, 4th season, West Alabama

Justin Coleman – DB, 3rd season, Tennessee

Eric Rowe – DB, 3rd season, Utah

Brandon King – DB, 3rd season, Auburn

Cyrus Jones – CB, 2nd season, Alabama

Jonathan Jones – DB, 2nd season, Auburn

Jordan Richards – DB, 2nd season, Stanford

The New Guy

Stephon Gilmore – CB, 6th season, South Carolina (Buffalo)

The Rookies

David Jones – DB, Richmond

D.J. Killings – DB, Central Florida

Will Likely – DB, Maryland

Kenny Moore II – DB, Valdosta State

Dwayne Thomas – DB, Louisiana State

Jason Thompson – DB, Utah

Damarius Travis – DB, Minnesota

The Skinny: Matt Patricia lost corner Logan Ryan to free agency this offseason, but was rewarded with Stephon Gilmore as Ryan's replacement. A former Buffalo Bill, Gilmore is used to competing in the AFC East, and has had success doing so. Last season, the corner was fifth in the NFL with five interceptions, one more than shut-down corner Malcolm Butler had.

The former Super Bowl hero-turned number-one corner returns to the Pats despite trade speculation amid contract frustration. With two top-tier corners roaming the secondary for New England, the Patriots pass defense could be one of the best in the league. Add in the return of one of the league's top safeties, Devin McCourty, and you have lethal coverage that will serve New England well against some of the league's best passers.

The Top Talk: Duron Harmon on the benefit of having two premier corner backs:

"It brings a lot when you have two guys out there that you know can lock down, can play great man-to-man coverage. It lets the safeties just be a little bit more free, be able to study the quarterback a little bit more, be able to be locked in on him a little bit more. So, I'm excited to have those guys and excited to see what they continue to do in camp."

David Souza is an intern in the Boston 25 Sports department. Follow David on Twitter: @DSouza4717

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