Jordy McElroy
June 25, 2024 11:49 am ET
The New England Patriots made a strong push to keep their safety unit intact for the 2024 season. Granted, they still have Jabrill Peppers playing on an expiring deal, but they did manage to re-sign Kyle Dugger to a four-year deal back in April.
Dugger and Peppers playing adjacent in the defensive backfield has been one of the strengths of the Patriots’ defense. They are currently one of the best tandems in the NFL, and they’re going to continue making life difficult on opposing offenses this season.
However, the most intriguing player at safety for New England is 2023 third-round draft pick Marte Mapu, who is a phenomenal defender on the rise. Seeing how Patriots coach Jerod Mayo utilizes his unique physical traits in defensive packages will be fun to watch.
Mapu is basically a linebacker in a safety’s body. He has rare athletic traits that could potentially lead to an exceptionally high ceiling.
Jaylinn Hawkins being added to the mix gives the team another solid veteran option with starting experience to boost the depth. An easy argument could be made that the Patriots have a top-10 safety room.
ESPN’s Mike Clay made that argument when ranking all 32 teams at the position. Here’s where the Patriots landed on the list:
32
New York Giants
Nov 26, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (27) celebrates after New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (37) misses a field goal during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Pinnock, Tyler Nubin, Dane Belton, Jalen Mills, Elijah Riley
31
Denver Broncos
Jan 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott (21) talks to safety Brandon Jones (29) against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Jones, Caden Sterns, P.J. Locke, Delarrin Turner-Yell, JL Skinner
30
Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) celebrates a play against the L.A. Rams during the second half of the NFL wild-card playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan, 14, 2024.
Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph, C.J. Moore, Chelen Garnes
29
Los Angeles Rams
Oct 23, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl (31) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Kamren Curl, Russ Yeast, Kamren Kinchens, Jason Taylor II, Tanner Ingle
28
New York Jets
May 23, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets safety Chuck Clark (23) warms up during OTAs at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Chuck Clark, Tony Adams, Ashtyn Davis, Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Jaylen Key
27
Seattle Seahawks
Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) celebrates on the bench after his second interception of the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Julian Love, Rayshawn Jenkins, K’Von Wallace, Coby Bryant, Jerrick Reed II
26
Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) celebrates with Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32) after he made an interception to end the game Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, Ronnie Harrison, Trevor Denbow
25
Tennessee Titans
Dec 11, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) recovers the football after a blocked kick against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Amani Hooker, Elijah Molden, Mike Brown, Shyheim Carter, Matthew Jackson
24
Buffalo Bills
Oct 1, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde (23) returns an interception in front of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) and safety Taylor Rapp (20) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Rapp, Mike Edwards, Cole Bishop, Cameron Lewis, Damar Hamlin
23
Kansas City Chiefs
Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (26) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) in the second half of the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks, Deon Bush
22
Washington Commanders
Nov 27, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn (21) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Darrick Forrest, Jeremy Chinn, Percy Butler, Jeremy Reaves, Dominique Hampton
21
Philadelphia Eagles
Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) against the New York Giants during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Tristin McCollum, Mekhi Garner
20
Green Bay Packers
Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard, Anthony Johnson Jr., Evan Williams, Kitan Oladapo
19
New Orleans Saints
Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs with the ball as New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) defends during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Tyrann Mathieu, Jordan Howden, Johnathan Abram, J.T. Gray
18
San Francisco 49ers
Nov 12, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) during the warm ups before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports
Talanoa Hufanga, Ji’Ayir Brown, George Odum, Tayler Hawkins, Malik Mustapha
17
Las Vegas Raiders
Sep 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) tries to break free from the grasp of Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig (25) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Talanoa Hufanga, Ji’Ayir Brown, George Odum, Tayler Hawkins, Malik Mustapha
16
Atlanta Falcons
Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) runs after intercepting a pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jessie Bates, DeMarcco Hellams, Richie Grant, Micah Abernathy, Dane Cruikshank
15
Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 17: Xavier Woods #25 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after an interception off of Desmond Ridder #9 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of the game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Sam Franklin, Alex Cook
14
Houston Texans
Nov 5, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Chase Edmonds (22) and Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) react after a play during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, Eric Murray, Calen Bullock, M.J. Stewart
13
Cincinnati Bengals
Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (24) and Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) react after the Ravens score a safety against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
Geno Stone, Vonn Bell, Jordan Battle, Daijahn Anthony, Tycen Anderson
12
Jacksonville Jaguars
Dec 8, 2019; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers safeties Adrian Amos (31) and Darnell Savage (26) celebrate after an interception during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Darnell Savage Jr., Andre Cisco, Andrew Wingard, Terrell Edmunds, Daniel Thomas
11
Dallas Cowboys
Dec 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) reacts after a fourth down play during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, Juanyeh Thomas, Israel Mukuamu, Sheldrick Redwine
10
New England Patriots
Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) runs for a touchdown after intercepting the ball during the second half of agame against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, Joshuah Bledsoe
9
Chicago Bears
Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) catches a touchdown as Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) defends during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks, Quindell Johnson
8
Los Angeles Chargers
Oct 29, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) celebrates with linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) and safety AJ Finley (24) after intercepting a pass against the Chicago Bears in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, JT Woods, AJ Finley, Jalyn Phillips
7
Arizona Cardinals
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) before action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Andre Chachere, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount
6
Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 22, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) catches a pass against Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Trenton Thompson, Miles Killebrew
5
Miami Dolphins
Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (8) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, Elijah Campbell, Patrick McMorris, Jason Maitre
4
Cleveland Browns
Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) catches a pass as Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (22) defends during the first half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill, Rodney McLeod, Ronnie Hickman, D’Anthony Bell
3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dec 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Antoine Winfield Jr., Jordan Whitehead, Tykee Smith, Kaevon Merriweather, Chris McDonald
2
Minnesota Vikings
Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward
1
Baltimore Ravens
Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton, Sanoussi Kane, Beau Brade, Ryan Cooper
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