New England Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills has been one member of a massively important free-agent class from the 2021 offseason — and perhaps that’s why his impressive work is going somewhat underappreciated.
Mills has lined up across from cornerback J.C. Jackson, one of the team’s stars, and arrived at the same time as edge Matt Judon along with tight end Hunter Henry and receiver Kendrick Bourne. While those three acquisitions have made headlines for their impressive impact on the team, Mills has quietly settled in as the team’s CB2. That’s partially a surprise because he had issues at cornerback during his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played some safety as a result. But the Patriots haven’t needed to move him around. They’ve trusted him as their No. 2 cornerback for the entire season.
“Jalen’s kind of the defensive Kendrick Bourne,” Belichick said during a press conference on Monday morning after the team’s 36-16 win over the Tennessee Titans. “High energy, always ready to go, very durable, tough, out there all the time. Has a good, physical style of play. Generally tackles well in the run game, jams receivers and has good instincts. He’s around the ball. He’s done a nice job for us. It’s a different system than what he played in in Philadelphia, but I think he’s adapted to it well and is a good all-around football player. He’s good in all areas and continues to learn a little bit more about the system that he’s in.”
Mills has played 79% of the team’s defensive snaps. Opposing quarterbacks have targetted him 44 times for 26 catches (59%), 313 yards and five touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. He has logged five pass breakups and zero interceptions. It’s clear that quarterbacks would prefer to target Mills over Jackson, who has allowed just one touchdown to his seven interceptions.
The truth is that, while the Patriots have had two elite cornerbacks for years with Jackson and Stephon Gilmore (and other tandems before that), it’s not sustainable to have a pair of shutdown corners. Most teams have a clear-cut No. 2. Mills may be the weaker link, but he’s been good enough.
“We’ve had generally decent coverage,” Belichick said. “Obviously, we’ll be tested this week against Buffalo’s passing attack, but Jalen’s been a really solid addition for us. I’m glad we have him, and I love his versatility and his overall play style.”
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