Carlton Davis' Hamstring Injury Exposes Patriots' Secondary Depth Concerns

Then, there is the potential for volatility surrounding the Christian Gonzalez contract negotiations. The Pro Bowl cornerback has been a true good soldier, participating fully through every public session so far this summer. Still, that could change if things go awry.

Offense cooked the secondary Friday

And finally, there was the Friday showing by the defense that saw quarterback Drake Maye absolutely carve up the secondary that included Gonzalez, slot corner Marcus Jones and both expected starting safeties – Craig Woodson and Kevin Byard.

New England's secondary depth has to be considered an issue, especially if the Davis injury persists.

Charles Woods stepped into his spot with the first team while head coach Mike Vrabel rotated through his guys on the field searching for answers, at least with Maye on the field.

"I've taken the next step my coaches that my coaches wanted to see this offseason … I've just taken a step every day," said Woods, who played a dozen games with the Rams in 2024 and all 17 games with the Patriots in 2025.

"I think any time I'm out here on this field it's an opportunity. There are a million guys that want to be on this field. So anytime I get to step on this grass, I'm taking full advantage of it."

Two versatile, untested candidates

Butler, at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, is a bit of a long, hybrid type who played four seasons at San Diego State, closing out his career at safety in 2025.

Johnson has played both corner and safety at 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds. The Oregon product spent time on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad a year ago.