Patriots Safeties: Hawkins, Woodson, and Future Upgrades

0:00It's March 6, here's your NFL news in two minutes. Subscribe to stay locked in all season. The New England Patriots completely revamped their safety group last year. Veterans Kyle Dugger and Jabril Peppers started training camp as the top duo, but both were gone by the regular season. Peppers got released after roster cuts, and Dugger was traded to Pittsburgh before the deadline. That opened the door for Jalen Hawkins and Ricky Craig Woodson to take over as the starters. Veterans resigned in free agency and earned the starting spot with strong play all summer. He started all 19 games he played, setting career highs with four interceptions, one force fumble, one recovery, and one and a half sacks. Woodson, a fourth round draft pick, started 19 of 21 games, led the team with 12003 snaps and added three fumble, recoveries, plus an interception. Other safeties filled key roles too. Dale Petis saw fewer defensive snaps, but shown on special teams with 416 plays, a sack

1:00and a forced fumble. Brendan's schooler matched that special team's total, earned captain status, and made 20 tackles despite less defensive impact. John Saunders Jr. spent the year on the practice squad, without game action. Now heading into the off season, more changes could be coming. Hawkins hits unrestricted free agency, though both sides want to talk. The Patriots might let him test the market to gauge interest. Even if they keep Hawkins and Woodson, the team knows it needs a top tier safety to ease the load and add depth. That kind of upgrade would let everyone play to their strengths and boost the whole union. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. You know what is better than earbuds and bed? No earbuds at all.