The New England Patriots only made one defensive pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and it was an intriguing one with former South Carolina cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr.
Dial had 36 tackles and a forced fumble last season. Those numbers were down from his 2022 campaign, when he totaled 45 tackles, 12 pass deflections and three interceptions. All in all, he was a key contributor for the South Carolina defense.
The Patriots defense is coming into the 2023 season ranked as one of the best in football. Dial will undoubtedly have to fight for his spot on defense, particularly in a secondary headlined by 2023 first-round pick Christian Gonzalez.
South Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White isn’t betting against him.
“He has the size, strength and speed to play at that level,” said White, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “But more importantly, I think he brings the intangibles and the will. He’s a great locker room guy, great team player and great special teams player, too.”
Versatility is something the Patriots have always valued in their players. For that reason, it will be interesting to see where Dial fits on the roster.
His intangibles, most notably his special teams contributions, could help him stand out in a crowded defensive room at training camp.