The New England Patriots' safety room looked pretty cut and dried during the preseason. While the team didn't have a true deep man, veterans Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger seemed sure to man the two spots as they did with some success in 2024. Instead, Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams' new defensive scheme required a different style of player.
Peppers was the surprise release before the season, while Kyle Dugger fell down the depth chart. The Lenoir-Rhyne product played only 75 snaps in the first six weeks, eventually getting more time in Weeks 6 and 7 while Jaylinn Hawkins was out with an injury.