Patriots roster checkup

Defensive backs

Malcolm Butler, Patrick Chung, Justin Coleman, Nate Ebner, Stephon Gilmore, Duron Harmon, Cyrus Jones, David Jones, Jonathan Jones, D.J. Killings, Brandon King, Will Likely, Devin McCourty, Kenny Moore II, Jordan Richards, Eric Rowe, Dwayne Thomas, Jason Thompson, Damarius Travis

Skinny: The Pats were aggressive, nabbing the ex-Bill Gilmore in free agency to form a pair of elite corners with Butler still in tow after retaining him as a restricted free agent. Quality depth in the form of Rowe, who saw steady improvement over the course of last season, can take that unit to another level. While Logan Ryan (now in Tennessee) is gone, the return of Chung, McCourty and Harmon solidify the safety position. In short, passing on this team won't be easy.

LOCKS:

Butler, Gilmore, Rowe and Jonathan Jones should all make the team, and it's probably too soon to give up on Cyrus Jones, a second-round pick last year who struggled in return duty. Chung, McCourty and Harmon are sure bets at safety, while Ebner and King bring too much to the table on special teams to be cut.

ON THE BUBBLE:

Coleman has a lot of competition to earn a spot, and he will have to do so by again making a mark covering receivers in the slot. Heading into his third year, Richards has not yet shown the ability to earn a starting position.

LONGSHOTS:

It's possible someone from the rest of the group could break through, but at this point it's hard to see who that player might be. Killings is an undrafted rookie who should get a long look, and Moore had his bright spots in the spring, but no one has emerged as a true threat.

KEY STAT:

The Patriots were sixth in net yards allowed per pass attempt with 6.0 last year, trailing just the Broncos, Vikings, Cardinals, Texans and Jaguars.