5 breakout stars to watch for New England Patriots in 2020

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots reacts in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

2. CB Jonathan Jones

It’s easy to get lost in a shuffle when you are a member of the secondary of the New England Patriots. There is 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore at one cornerback spot and reliable veteran safety Devin McCourty.

The former tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions – retuning two of those thefts for touchdowns – logged 53 tackles and knocked down 20 passes. Add in a fumble recovery and the one-time member of the Buffalo Bills totaled seven of the club’s 36 takeaways.

But Gilmore is not the only talented cornerback on the roster. There’s Tracy McCourty, J.C. Jackson and Jonathan Jones. The latter is currently listed as the No. 19 player at his position by Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He is PFF’s top-rated cornerback when it comes to stopping the run. He comes off a year in which he didn’t pick off a pass. But he racked up 50 defensive tackles, eight passes defensed and a pair of forced fumbles.

The secondary is clearly the strength of Bill Belichick’s roster and was a big reason this team allowed the fewest points in the league and led the NFL with 25 interceptions in 2019. Could Jones be ready to up his game even higher and push for a Pro Bowl berth?

Next: No. 1

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