Buffalo Bills

Projected Starters: Christian Benford (LCB), Cole Bishop (SS), Taylor Rapp (FS), Maxwell Hairston (RCB; rookie), Taron Johnson (NB)

The secondary was an area Buffalo knew they needed to improve in order to get over the hump in the AFC. They addressed this by drafting rookie Maxwell Hairston in the first round of this year’s draft, hoping he can bring more physicality and ball skills to the cornerback position. Questions remain about the players responsible for deep coverage, but Cole Bishop is entering his second season, and Taylor Rapp his third. With that experience now in place on the back end, the Bills’ secondary should be poised for a strong season ahead.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 68.5% (5th highest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.4 yards (tied 6th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 28 (tied 8th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 54.8% (7th highest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 16 (tied 5th most in the NFL)

Miami Dolphins

Projected Starters: Storm Duck (LCB), Ifeatu Melifonwu (SS; free agent acquisition), Minkah Fitzpatrick (FS; acquired via trade), Cam Smith (RCB), Mike Hilton (NB; free agent acquisition)

The Dolphins’ secondary wasn’t bad last season, but they’ve made some questionable moves this offseason. The addition of Ifeatu Melifonwu raises concerns due to his injury history, and while Minkah Fitzpatrick is a solid player, he doesn’t play as critical a role as Jalen Ramsey did—who the Dolphins gave up in the deal for Fitzpatrick. Miami will now rely on a new cornerback to fill Ramsey’s spot, and it remains to be seen whether they can recover from such a significant loss.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 63.8% (9th lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 10.5 (tied 8th in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 22 (tied 6th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 52% (13th lowest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 10 (tied 10th least in the NFL)

New England Patriots

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Projected Starters: Carlton Davis III (LCB; free agent acquisition), Kyle Dugger (SS), Jabrill Peppers (FS), Christian Gonzalez (RCB), Marcus Jones (NB)

The Patriots’ secondary is arguably the most exciting secondary heading into the 2025 season. Christian Gonzalez had a breakout year last season and looks to be a key piece in building a strong foundation for this group. Carlton Davis III was a major pickup for New England as they continue to strengthen their cornerback room. Jabrill Peppers, who will line up alongside Kyle Dugger, has put together a solid career despite the team’s struggles during his tenure. Things appear to be turning around in Foxborough, and it will be exciting to see what this group can accomplish under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 64.9% (tied 12th lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception:  10.8 yards (tied 13th least in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 27 (tied 10th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 54.6% (8th highest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 7 (tied 4th least in the NFL)

New York Jets

Projected Starters: Sauce Gardner (LCB), Tony Adams (SS), Andre Cisco (FS; free agent acquisition), Brandon Stephens (RCB; free agent acquisition), Michael Carter II (NB)

The New York Jets, who just extended elite cornerback Sauce Gardner, are looking to address the issues they had with deep coverage last season. Andre Cisco, a new addition to the locker room, will be tasked with eliminating those deep-ball problems. Among all position groups on the Jets’ roster, the secondary ranks near the top—if not as their strongest unit—though that unfortunately may not be saying much overall.

Stats from 2024

  • Completion percentage allowed: 62.8% (7th lowest in the NFL)
  • Yards allowed per reception: 11 yards (tied 14th most in the NFL)
  • Receiving touchdowns allowed: 18 (tied 2nd least in the NFL)
  • Receiving first down percentage allowed: 52.3% (14th lowest in the NFL)
  • Interceptions: 7 (tied 4th least in the NFL)