Report: Patriots Stashed Promising Undrafted Slot Cornerback

Patriots slot cornerback D’Angelo Ross followed the typical undrafted rookie trajectory in 2019. Ross suffered an injury and the team put him on injured reserve a couple of weeks into Patriots training camp. Ross was around the Patriots in 2019, and this spring is really important for him.

The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder is a good fit in the slot. Ross had this role as a senior in 2018. He allowed just 14 catches on 28 targets for 169 yards with no touchdowns and interceptions. Ross allowed 34 catches on 67 targets for 486 yards with three touchdowns and an interception overall as a senior at New Mexico.

Ross has the athleticism head coach Bill Belichick needs for this position. The cornerback ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash with a 39-inch vertical leap and 10-foot broad jump. His straight-line speed makes Ross a great contributor on special teams.

Will the slot cornerback earn a spot on the Patriots roster?

Well, Ross will have to compete with cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore, JC Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Jason McCourty, Joejuan Williams and Justin Bethel for a spot on the roster. New England may break ties with McCourty. He has suffered a groin injury in 2019. If the Patriots cut him, they will do that to save salary cap room. The Patriots may sign or draft more cornerbacks as competition. They had six cornerbacks on the 2019 roster. In other words, Belichick likes to stock the position.

If McCourty is released, Ross will have a chance to make the active roster. If the twin stays, the cornerback will have to hope for an injury.

Ross may also see slot snaps without injuries with an outside chance. If Devin leaves the team in free agency, the Patriots may push Jones back deep. Jones has shown a lot of versatility in the past season. The Patriots may choose to move a speedy cornerback. This may be Jones.

Ross should be taken seriously because the Patriots have the ability to find undrafted cornerbacks. Before Ross came Jones, Jackson, Randall Gay, Malcolm Butler, Kenny Moore, and Cre’Von LeBlanc. Who is next on the list? Head coach Bill Belichick is all-in when it comes to signing talented players.