If you were to put together a New England Patriots cornerback depth chart, what would it look like?
Things can always change, but based on where things stand today, here's one outlook to consider:
1. Malcolm Butler (5-foot-11, 190 pounds). This would be a big jump from a player who was on the field for just 16.6 percent of the defensive snaps in 2014. At the same time, everyone saw his upside in the Super Bowl.
2. Bradley Fletcher (6-0, 200). Seven-year veteran signed from the Eagles on Wednesday has the most starting experience, which gives him the nod for now.
3. Kyle Arrington (5-10, 190). Remains the team's top option in the slot, turning in some big-time performances against T.Y. Hilton last season. When matched up outside, that's when there can be some struggles (e.g. Super Bowl).
4. Logan Ryan (5-11, 195). The 2013 third-round draft choice has started 13 games over his first two years, with seven interceptions.
5. Alfonzo Dennard (5-10, 200). After starting 16 games over his first two seasons, he dropped off the radar last season and ultimately landed on injured reserve in December. Can he regain his former status as a starter?
6. Chimdi Chekwa (6-0, 190). The former Raider has battled injuries early in his NFL career, has four career starts on his résumé and hopes a change of scenery helps him realize the potential some saw in making him a fourth-round pick out of Ohio State in 2011.
7. Robert McClain (5-9, 195). Has played both in the slot and outside, with 15 starts over the past three seasons in Atlanta.
8. Dax Swanson (5-11, 191). A first-year player out of Sam Houston State, he spent parts of last season on the team's practice squad.
9. Justin Green (5-11, 195). A second-year player out of Illinois, he hopes to break through from the practice squad.
(Safety Devin McCourty has position flexibility to return to cornerback, as that is the position he played when entering the NFL. So he could also be a consideration depending on how things unfold.)
