What the Jack Jones arrest could mean for New England's secondary

After the Patriots drafted Oregon's Christian Gonzalez in the first round of the 2023 Draft, Jack Jones' chances of becoming a full-time starter took a hit. Still, the Patriots are better with Jones, Jonathan Jones and Christian Gonzalez as their main three corners.

With Jonathan Jones nearing  30 and Gonzalez a rookie, a third, reliable option such as Jack Jones is important in case the veteran's play deteriorates or the youngster doesn't pan out.

Now, however, with Jack Jones -– possibly -– out of the picture, the team's much-needed secondary depth evaporates. The Patriots don't feature many reliable players on the unit outside of the two Joneses and Gonzalez. 

Standout returner Marcus Jones is an alternative, but his 5-foot-8 stature limits him in certain situations. The same goes for Myles Bryant, a 5-9 corner who proved inconsistent and unreliable for the New England in important moments last season.
 
The Patriots could turn to Jalen Mills, a former corner who is reportedly transitioning to safety, for cornerback help. But in that case, New England's safety depth and rotation would require fixing as well.

The easiest and most convenient way for Belichick to avoid the headache of finding a  Jones replacement is for a rookie to step up.

If 6-foot-3 rookie corner Ameer Speed can prove competent at the NFL level, that would grant Belichick an option against the larger receiving threats that Marcus Jones or Bryant might not be able to handle.

And if versatile rookie Marte Mapu can prove that he can play safety in a rotational role, that will allow the Patriots to shift Mills back to corner, where he would serve as the team's third option.