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.