The 2023 season is in the rearview mirror, and the 2024 New England Patriots are hoping to be better than last year when they finished with one of their worst records in franchise history.
As the team turns the page, training camp starts next week, and the Patriots will have a number of position battles to watch and evaluate as players try to make the roster and earn opportunities in the regular season. New England's cornerback room is going to be one of the most interesting to watch after two of their top options ended last season on injured reserve.
Before we get to training camp, let's take a moment to refamiliarize ourselves with the Patriots' group of cornerbacks who will take to the practice fields outside of Gillette Stadium.
Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez is entering his second season with New England after being a first-round pick in 2023. However, he missed most of his rookie season due to injury. While he's expected to pick back right up where he left off, we still don't know if he'll live up to his first-round draft status.
Jonathan Jones
Jones is the team's longest-tenured defensive player and is headed into the final year of his contract. At 30 years old and after playing just nine games last year, it's fair to wonder if he'll still be as good as he's been in the past. Either way, he'll probably be starting at either outside or slot cornerback for New England this year.
Marcus Jones
Jones was a third-round pick of the Patriots back in 2022 and proved to be a versatile star for the team as a rookie, earning First-team All-Pro for his return efforts. Considering he missed all but two games in 2023 and has never played more than 37% of the team's defensive snaps, he'll have to earn a role on defense in 2024.
Alex Austin
Austin is entering his second season in New England after signing with the team in November. He played a lot (62% of the defensive snaps) in the team's final games of the season. He'll have a chance to play significant snaps again in 2024, but he'll have to prove himself with everyone healthy.
Isaiah Bolden
Bolden was New England's seventh-round pick in last year's draft out of Jackson State. However, he missed the entirety of his rookie after colliding with a teammate in the preseason, leaving him immobilized. The options are limitless for him entering training camp this year.
Shaun Wade
Wade is entering his fourth season with the Patriots after being traded as a rookie from the Baltimore Ravens. He hasn't played much on defense in his previous three seasons, so he'll need to compete for a roster spot in training camp.
Marco Wilson
New England claimed Wilson off waivers in December, and he appeared in just one game. He has plenty of defensive experience, playing over 70% of the Arizona Cardinals' defensive snaps over his first three seasons.
Azizi Hearn
Hearn was signed to New England's practice squad last season after originally joining the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent. He'll likely be fighting for another practice squad spot in 2024.
Marcellas Dial Jr.
New England selected Dial in the seventh round of this year's draft out of South Carolina. It's unknown if he'll be used more as a cornerback or safety in his rookie season, but he'll have to do a lot to make this roster.
Kaleb Ford-Dement
The Patriots signed Ford as an undrafted rookie this year out of Texas State. He appeared in 13 games for the school in 2023, recording 32 tackles, seven passes defensed and three interceptions. He'll probably compete for a practice squad spot.
Mikey Victor
Victor is another undrafted rookie in New England's cornerback room, signing out of Alabama State. Over the last two seasons, he recorded 55 tackles, 21 passes defensed and three interceptions for the school. Like Ford-Dement, he's a practice squad candidate.
