Kyle Dugger

Dugger followed up his breakout 2022 season with a consistent 2023 campaign that saw him emerge as the clear leader of New England's secondary and one of the top players on the defensive unit. In addition to a higher volume of snaps, Dugger also saw his role change from primarily playing in the slot and box to a more traditional free safety role. The end result was largely the same, as he picked off multiple passes for the third straight year and averaged over 6.0 tackles per game. Dugger is now cemented as an every-down player, signified by the four-year, $58 million extension he earned this offseason. He may not be destined for a significant step forward, but he'll contribute solidly on a weekly basis.

Dugger finished the 2022 season with 78 tackles (50 solo), one sack, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery while scoring three touchdowns in 15 games for the Patriots. As Dugger enters the final year of his rookie deal, the 2020 second-rounder will continue to be a key cog in the team's secondary thanks to his ballhawking skills as well as his ability as a physical tone setter.

Dugger progressed from a rotational role his rookie season to a full-blown menace in 2021, raising his tackle total from 64 to 92 and turning a corner in coverage, intercepting four passes after finishing his rookie year with none. If Dugger’s role expands to 800-plus snaps after 701 last year, he could be one of the top IDPs of 2022. He was one of New England’s best players in 2021, so more work makes sense.

Dugger, who the Patriots took in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, logged 64 tackles as a rookie. This coming season, he'll remain a key cog in the team's safety rotation along with Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips, plus the 6-2, 220 can also return kicks, if needed.