Patriots’ Young CB Shines Bright Amid Injured Secondary Challenges

The New England Patriots have been without cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III throughout most of training camp. With Gonzalez and Davis set to be two of the Patriots' three starting cornerbacks in 2025, their absence has provided opportunities for others to step up.

That's exactly what young cornerback D.J. James has done. James was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks and spent last year on the Patriots' practice squad.

Before reaching the NFL, James spent the first three years of college at Oregon before transferring to Auburn for the his final two years of eligibility. The cornerback collected 38 tackles, 10 passes defended, four tackles for loss and two interceptions in his senior year.

Since the opportunity has presented itself in Patriots' camp, Jones has taken full advantage. He's been making plays throughout camp, and is now getting reps with the first team.

The former late round pick continued his strong training camp with an interception and three tackles in the Patriots' preseason opener against the Washington Commanders.

"It's always exciting seeing players take advantage of their opportunities," Vrabel said of James after the win (h/t CBS Boston). "I'm always for players that get better and take coaching. It's on them to improve, and that's all to DJ's credit. I'm excited for him, that he put in the work and started to see it on the field."

James didn't start for New England, but he did come in on a third down on the Patriots first defensive series. Then, late in the first quarter James jumped a pass intended for Commanders' receiver Michael Gallup and intercepted quarterback Sam Hartman's pass. James was seventh on the team in defensive snaps played with 32, playing 44 percent of New England's snaps on Friday night.

In addition to his head coach's praise, Jones earned a shoutout from receiver Kayshon Boutte last week at practice for his ability to step up and produce.

"Being two corners down, DJ James has done a tremendous job stepping up, filling in that role," Boutte said. Kind of a smaller corner, but he gives the looks we need. Big shoutout to him"

The production has been consistent all throughout camp. Not only did Jones get the Patriots' first interception of the preseason, but he also got the first interception of training camp back on July 23, intercepting quarterback Joshua Dobbs.

“I’m just taking it each and every day, learning the scheme, talking to my coaches – they’ve really helped me a lot coming along away, just pushing me each and every day,” James told reporters postgame. “And also my teammates, I’ve got to thank my guys on the other side of the ball as well. They push me every day during camp just for these moments here.”

James is learning and growing throughout training camp and into the preseason and he's making his case to make the Patriots' 53-man roster. If he continues his success, he could be a valuable depth piece of the Patriots' secondary in 2025.