New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger ranked eighth on ESPN’s top-10 safeties list. Jabrill Peppers also received votes.
The list was compiled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who gathered votes from NFL executives, coaches and scouts.
This is certainly a worthy honor for both parties. Dugger recorded 109 tackles last season, a sack-and-a-half, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He recently signed an extension with the Patriots in the offseason.
Peppers also had a solid year in his own right. He recorded 78 tackles, a sack and two interceptions last season.
Those two safeties should be anchors on a New England defense that is loaded with talent. Both elevated their game last season and became one of the best safety duos in the NFL.
Fowler wrote:
In the mold of (Kyle) Hamilton, Dugger is best when close to the line of scrimmage but can play — and punish — in the open field, too.
He’s grabbed nine interceptions over the past three seasons, including two for touchdowns, and he finished last season with a career-high 107 tackles.
“He’s always been physical and a smart football player, but he’s become more of a complete player every year,” an NFL personnel executive said. “He will physically strike you.”
The fact that Peppers received votes was a positive sign as well. He was one of the more underrated signings of the Bill Belichick era and ended up fitting into the defense perfectly.
Time will tell how Dugger and Peppers follow up on their strong 2023 campaign. The 2024 season is right around the corner, and the defense will once again be looked at to carry the brunt of the load.