Patriots young safety has Devin McCourty’s stamp of approval
In the New England Patriots’ quest to replace retired free safety Devin McCourty, one name is rarely mentioned. That’s 2021 sixth-round pick Joshuah Bledsoe, who has played just 22 defensive snaps in his young NFL career. McCourty believes in his young former teammate, however. “I can’t wait to watch him this yr…this is his year […]
In the New England Patriots’ quest to replace retired free safety Devin McCourty, one name is rarely mentioned.
That’s 2021 sixth-round pick Joshuah Bledsoe, who has played just 22 defensive snaps in his young NFL career.
McCourty believes in his young former teammate, however.
“I can’t wait to watch him this yr…this is his year to show out…hard worker who was ready each time he was called on last yr,” McCourty tweeted Friday night.
Bledsoe, 24, was selected out of Missouri two years ago. He’s listed as a safety but primarily played slot cornerback during his final two years with the Tigers.
In his NFL career, Bledsoe has played nine snaps at strong safety, eight snaps in the slot, four snaps at wide cornerback and just one at free safety.
New England does not have an obvious in-house replacement for McCourty, but the retired free safety believes Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips and Jabrill Peppers can handle the role. McCourty is also a fan of Bledsoe.
