Patriots 2026 S Preview: Youth, Wisdom Highlight Top Pairing

2025 Season In Review:

Woodson was drafted in the fourth round last year, and immediately came in to replace Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger in the starting lineup. Both of those holdovers from the Belichick/Mayo eras were let go by midseason, allowing Woodson and Hawkins to play next to each other.

Both players were fantastic. Woodson came along as the year progressed and really showed his skills in the Super Bowl. Hawkins parlayed a career year into a new contract with the Baltimore Ravens. His replacement, Byard, led the NFL in interceptions (seven) and brings a wealth of experience to the room.

As for the depth players, both Brown and Pettus were sparingly used on defense. Brown, who played in nine games with the Titans, made just three tackles and played in 76% of special teams snaps that he could have. It was a similar second year for Pettus, who played in all 17 regular season games and recorded his second-career sack. Brenden Schooler, one of New England's special team aces, also chipped in defensively.

The one new face in the room -- Hawaii's Manuma -- is coming off a senior year in which he was named the program's defensive MVP. To earn a roster spot, he had to come to New England by way of a rookie minicamp invitation. He then was given a contract after the three-day tryout.

Strengths:

One major strength that Byard brings to New England, and it's something he hopes he can teach Woodson, is the art of creating turnovers. As a rookie, Woodson had just one interception and it came in the postseason. Byard's 36 interceptions in his career -- the most by any player since 2016 -- are a major reason why he's able to last in the NFL.

Another reason why is his ability to stay healthy. He hasn't missed a game since he entered the league. Based on what his past seasons have told us, it's clear that the Patriots don't need to worry about trying to replace Byard in the starting lineup each week. We know he'll be there each Sunday.

Woodson's biggest strength, something that he showed a national audience in February, was how willing he is to come up and play the run. Whether it's moving up into the box or coming in via a blitz, the young safety is happy to meet players at the line of scrimmage. Brown and Schooler also have a willingness to play aggressive against the run.

It's not a defensive strength, but this group has plenty of special teams capabilities that will only help the team in the long run. Schooler will likely be the special teams captain for the second-straight year, while Brown, Pettus and Manuma could each end up being the personal protector on the top punt unit this summer.

Weaknesses:

It's something that both Woodson and Byard aren't the best at, but there are both limited in man coverage. Byard is more experienced in the secondary and doesn't overreact to plays, but Woodson sometimes jumps a tad when he's up against a receiver 1-on-1.

They also aren't the lengthiest duo to play the position. Byard is 5-foot-11, while Woodson is an even six feet. What they might lack in height, they can make up with their natural talents, but it sometimes can lead to them getting boxed out by bigger receivers/tight ends.

It's not like the rest of the group has much height either. Pettus is 5-foot-11, and both Brown and Manuma are six feet even, The tallest safeties they have are 6-foot-2 Schooler and 6-foot-2 John Saunders Jr, who doesn't project to make the roster right now.

2026 Outlook:

It was one of the team's best units a year ago, and there is no reason why it can't be just as good, if not better, in 2026. Another year of Woodson's development, something he talked about during the offseason, can only be improved upon with the Byard addition.

The cornerbacks position may get more of the shine when people nationally talk about the Patriots' secondary, but the safeties can easily have just as impactful season playing both the run and the pass this year.