Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK

Patriots Assistant Coach Talks Cornerback Duo

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Woodson | Last updated Apr 5, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Earlier this offseason, the New England Patriots signed cornerback Carlton Davis to a three-year, $60 million contract with $34.5 million guaranteed.

According to Evan Lazar of Patriots.com , Patriots cornerbacks coach, Justin Hamilton, recently praised the addition, stating, "It's a man coverage league. We know that even if you're playing zone coverage, at the end of the day, you're gonna have to make the 50/50 play."

#Patriots CBs coach Justin Hamilton on the Christian Gonzalez-Carlton Davis duo:

"It's a man coverage league. We know that even if your'e playing zone coverage, at the end of the day, you're gonna have to make the 50/50 play."
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) April 4, 2025

Davis spent the first six seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before being traded to the Detroit Lions last offseason. In 13 games last season, he recorded 56 tackles (42 solo), two interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 11 pass break-ups.

Over his seven-year career, he has accumulated 380 tackles (310 solo), 11 interceptions, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and 84 pass break-ups. He was instrumental in Tampa Bay's Super Bowl LV victory.

Davis is a physical, aggressive corner known for his work as a press corner. His presence across from cornerback Christian Gonzalez should provide the Patriots with ultimate flexibility in the secondary.

Ideally, the Patriots would draft either Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter or Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter to complement their cornerback duo. A top pass rusher like Carter could take this defense over the top, while Hunter would address needs on both sides of the ball.

However, this scenario appears increasingly unlikely. Both players have been linked to the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants in recent weeks, leaving the Patriots potentially looking behind door number three.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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