FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- When it comes to change within a specific position group on defense, there might not be a team in the NFL that has undergone more than the New England Patriots at cornerback.
For a moment Thursday, Devin McCourty tried to downplay it. Then he caught himself.
“I feel like it’s just another year in the NFL," he began. "Maybe not always four cornerbacks leave, but there is usually some type of turnover."
It’s not just the quantity for the Patriots, but also the quality, specifically with No. 1 cornerback Darrelle Revis jumping sides in the Border War and re-joining the Jets.
So what’s left?
With Revis, Brandon Browner (Saints), Kyle Arrington (Ravens) and Alfonzo Dennard (Cardinals) playing for new teams, the Patriots only return two corners from last year’s club -- third-year pro Logan Ryan and second-year man/Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler.
Both were primarily reserves last season behind Revis and Browner. Between them, free-agent signings Bradley Fletcher and Robert McClain (slot) and a handful of rookies led by seventh-round pick Darryl Roberts of Marshall, the Patriots are seeing what sticks in practice the last two weeks.
“We’re all here to compete,” the understated Fletcher said, “and put out our best on Sunday.”
At 6-foot and 200 pounds, Fletcher is the sturdiest of the group. He said he’s played both press man and off coverage over his career, lining up on both sides and even in the slot during his time with the Rams (2009-12).
At one point Thursday, he was paired with Ryan in what might ultimately turn out to be the Patriots’ top pairing.
While the questions linger at corner, the picture at safety is much clearer, led by McCourty.
“Now it’s hard work trying to get ready and get your team back to the status you ended last season with, which is very hard, just to get back to the way we were playing as a unit,” McCourty said. “We’re working towards that.”
