Patriots Pre-Training Camp Depth Chart: Defense; Christian Gonzalez Day 1 Starter?

The New England Patriots once again look to have one of the league's top defenses entering this season. Despite missing out on the playoffs a season ago, it shouldn't be forgotten that the defense still held up their end of the bargain, ranking No. 11 in points allowed(20.4) and No. 9 in yards allowed per game.

If the Patriots offense can at the least get back to where it was under Josh McDaniels in 2021, the New England defense will give every opportunity to win games.

Defensive Line/Edge Rushers

DE: Deatrich Wise Jr./Keion White

NT/DT: Davon Godchaux/Carl Davis

DE: Lawrence Guy/Christian Barmore

Expectations are high for the Patriots' defensive line as they bring all of their key contributors from a season ago, from Matthew Judon and Josh Uche off the edges to Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise Jr., Davon Godchaux, and Christian Barmore playing on the inside of them.

Despite the contract holdout of Guy, which may spill into the beginning of training camp, he is still being slotted in as a starter for this unit. Guy, Wise, and Godchaux all play a very overlooked role in the Patriots' defense, as they don't get the credit that comes with the "sexy" stats. Yet, they play a big role as run defenders and create opportunities for others as pass rushers.

In the Patriots' three-down front, Guy and Wise feature as the defensive ends, usually playing on the inside of an outside linebacker. You will likely see both guys on the field in potential running downs situations as the partners with Godchaux, who'll exit the field on third downs in favor of Barmore.

The Patriots' frontline, on paper, looks balanced as they have their run defenders in Godchaux and Guy but also have the pass rushers in Barmore and Wise to create a well-rounded group. Barmore, the third-year defensive tackle out of Alabama, will be looking for a big year after he was held out for much of last season with an injury.

Linebackers

EDGE: Josh Uche/Ronnie Perkins

ILB: Ja’Whaun Bentley/ Mack Wilson

ILB: Jahlani Tavai/ Marte Mapu

EDGE: Matthew Judon/Anfernee Jennings

The Patriots return all four of their starting linebackers from a season ago, including leading pass-rushers Judon and Uche. This coming fall will be a big one for the latter, as Uche could be hitting the free-agent market by the season's end if he cannot strike a new deal with New England.

Uche gave the Patriots a dangerous complement to Judon, as he totaled 11.5 sacks last season, placing him second on the team. While Uche's time in New England could be ending, Judon remains a franchise building block in the front seven after a 15.5 sack season.

Much like the outside, not much changes at inside backer for the Patriots as both Bentley and Tavai return. Yet, if the offseason buzz about Mapu holds into training camp, don't be surprised if the rookie sees some playing time, especially in passing situations.

Cornerbacks

CB1: Jonathan Jones/ Jalen Mills

CB2: Christian Gonzalez/ Jack Jones

Nickel: Marcus Jones/ Myles Bryant

The intrigue is certainly building as Pats fans eagerly await the NFL debut of rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The first-round pick out of Oregon has garnered praise from his teammates so far this offseason and looks set to be the long-term partner of Jonathan Jones on the perimeter.

Safety

SS: Kyle Dugger/ Adrian Phillips

FS: Jabrill Peppers/ Jalen Mills

We have Jalen Mills listed as both a corner and safety, essentially making him play double duty for the Patriots. If an injury arises at corner, especially to either Gonzalez or Jones, it is hard to believe the Patriots wouldn't use Mills. At the same time, the word out of Foxboro was that Mills would be playing safety this season to help make up for the loss of Devin McCourty, at least from a depth perspective.

Special Teams

K: Chad Ryland/ Nick Folk

P: Bryce Baringer

The placekicking spot might be the biggest position battle that isn't on offense as the veteran Folk will battle Ryland, the fourth-round pick out of Eastern Michigan.

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