Patriots Plan: New England's Depth Chart Heading Into NFL Draft - SPECIAL TEAMS
FOXBORO — For a franchise which typically prides itself on achieving special teams excellence, the New England Patriots surprisingly struggled in 2022.
New England's third-phase unit was ranked No. 32 in the league last season by Football Outsiders' DVOA metric, while allowing two costly punt returns for touchdowns in their final regular-season game against their heated division rival-Buffalo Bills.
As one might expect, changes are not only necessary, but have already begun. Despite an overall downtrodden season in 2022 on offensive, former special teams coordinator Joe Judge will reportedly be working “closely” with special teams coaches Cam Achord and Joe Houston.
The 41-year-old previously served as a Patriots’ special teams assistant from 2012-2014, before his promotion to special teams coordinator; a role which he held from 2015 to 2019. During that time, New England fielded some of the most-efficient and well-disciplined special teams units in the NFL.
With the 2023 NFL Draft just hours form its start, here is a look at the Pats current defensive depth chart, along with (arguably) their biggest special teams’ need.
SPECIALISTS:
Kicker: Nick Folk
Punter/Holder: Corliss Waitman
Long Snapper: Joe Cardona
Reserve: Tucker Addington (LS)
BLOCKING/COVERAGE:
Matthew Slater, Cody Davis, Brendan Schooler, DaMarcus Mitchell, Raleigh Webb, Chris Board
PUNT RETURNS:
Starter: Marcus Jones
Reserve: Myles Bryant
KICK RETURNS:
Starter: Marcus Jones
Reserves: Pierre Strong, Kyle Dugger
Folk was once again one of the Patriots’ most reliable point-scorers in 2022, making 32 of 37 field goals. However, a handful of uncharacteristic sputters down the stretch have some fans wondering whether the Pats may be in search for a new kicker via the Draft. Following the departure of former All-Pro Jake Bailey, the Pats signed journeyman punter Corliss Waitman. The ex-Denver Bronco is expected to compete for the starting job, with the Pats likely to add another leg into the mix prior to the start of minicamp. New England’s corps of specialists will once again be anchored by long snapper Joe Cardona, who signed a four-year deal with the team in March.
However, the Pats miscues in coverage clearly motivated them to upgrade their protection units. The Patriots added former Detroit Lions special teamer Chris Board, while retaining the services of veteran Cody Davis. Still, the return of special teams stalwart Matthew Slater remains their most significant move of the offseason. The 11-time team captain took 84 percent of their special teams snaps, earning 13 tackles.
Lastly, the Pats appear to be well-set in the return game. Though officially listed as a defensive back, rookie Marcus Jones was among the league leaders in both kick and punt return categories in 2022, earning honors from the Associated Press and the Pro Football Writers of America.
Biggest Draft Need: Punter
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