We've ranked the Patriots as a top-1o fantasy defense for the upcoming season. They've got an impressive track record of success, and they added an intriguing player in the draft. But the first reports out of camp aren't great.
New England drafted cornerback Cyrus Jones in April, and he could be a difference-maker on punt returns. He brought 4 back for touchdowns for Alabama last season. So it's a concern to read this report that he's muffed punts on back to back days at offseason practice activities this week.
It's way early and there's plenty of time for Jones to adjust, but it's pretty clear that Bill Belichick won't use Jones on punt returns if he struggles to field them. Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman are other candidates, and a sure-handed veteran will get the job if not Jones.
New England traded away Chandler Jones, which will probably hurt their pass rush. But this is a team that's had an above-average fantasy defense (as in top 15) in 12 of the last 15 seasons; top 10 in 10 of those. And adding a difference-making punt returner makes them even more appealing.
That's if he can win the job, anyway.
--Andy Richardson