Patriots training camp candidates: CB Alex Austin originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
Each day this week, we’ll take a look at a player who could emerge from relative obscurity during Patriots training camp.
With practices set to begin next week, especially with a new coaching staff in place, this part of the NFL calendar presents opportunities for everyone on Jerod Mayo’s roster. But there are always some who take a “leap” at this time of year – some expected, others not.
We’ll start this five-day series with second-year cornerback Alex Austin.
Editor’s note: Perry is also highlighting position battles to watch at Patriots training camp next week and highlighted Austin in his analysis of the cornerback battle.
The measurables
At 6-foot-2 and 191 pounds, Austin has good size to play outside, where he resided at the end of last season. An undrafted rookie out of Oregon State a year ago, he allowed a passer rating when targeted of 79.2. His best game of the season may have been his last — a Week 18 loss to the Jets in which he was targeted five times and allowed just two receptions for eight yards.
They said that
“When we finished last year, he was one of those guys who said, ‘Look, this is an NFL player,’ and it’s good to see him getting back into shape and making plays.” — Patriots coach Jerod Mayo
Why the possible breakup?
There will be some shakes and shakes in the Patriots secondary this offseason. Christian Gonzalez is back healthy, which means the team will have a starter back on the field after losing him in Week 4 of last season. But the team will also lose one of its key contributors on the defensive end, as quarterback Myles Bryant signed with the Houston Texans in April as a free agent.
That could put one of last year’s outside corners, Jonathan Jones, in the mix to open up a roster spot. At this point, it appears that Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones could take on the two main cornerback roles – one outside, one inside – alongside Gonzalez.
But there’s a scenario in which Austin or someone else presents themselves as a top edge corner for Mayo and new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington to play alongside Gonzalez. With good performances in camp, Shaun Wade, Marco Wilson, Isaiah Bolden, Azizi Hearn and rookie Marcellas Dial could also add their names to the mix for this type of role.
Still, based on his play at the end of last season, Austin appears as prepared as any of them to fight for real playing time in the fall.
