Player Name: CB Kyle Arrington
Experience: 2 years in the NFL, 1 year with the Patriots
Past Role: Arrington was promoted to the main squad in Week 9 and has been a special teams demon ever since. His primary role was on punt returns, where he was one of the best gunners in the league. He finished the season playing 8 games and tied for the team lead with 18 tackles.
Arrington wasn't asked to play cornerback during the season, due to his low spot on the depth chart, but with proven players like Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs, Jonathan Wilhite and, to a lesser extent, Darius Butler and Terrence Wheatley, all in front of him, it's clear that Arrington wasn't brought up to the main squad to play defense. Arrington is a special teamer and excelled at his job last season.
Predicted Role: Arrington should thrive as the gunner again this season. I expect that Arrington will be paired across from a player like Terrence Wheatley, Bret Lockett or Devin McCourty to provide an excellent special teams group. Arrington should put up high numbers with a full season's time, as opposed to joining the team mid-way through the year. He should be one of the best players on the Patriots special teams unit and maybe even one of the best in the league.
Predicted Season Numbers: 0 Games Started, 16 Games Played. 28 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles.
Predicted Depth Chart: #6 CB, #1 ST Gunner
Summary: Arrington won't wow anyone on defense, nor will he ever appear on defense, but he'll provide a fantastic player for special teams and should be one of the best in the league.