Three under-the-radar Patriots defenders who could make a leap this season

The New England Patriots entered 2023 with one of the stronger defenses in the league, but season-ending injuries to starting linebacker Matthew Judon and cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones hurt them significantly.

The Patriots could not find adequate midseason replacements for those starters, and as a result, the defense saw a drop in production later in the season. New England finished ninth in the league in points allowed ( 18.9 ) last season.

Entering 2024, however, Patriots backups on defense seem more promising.

Here are under-the-radar players who have the potential to transform the defense:

Edge-rusher Keion White

White's rookie year in 2023 was not statistically exceptional (one sack and three tackles for loss), but he impressed on film. The clips below, compiled by CLNS Media's Taylor Kyles, show White did a nice job quickly getting pressure on the quarterback and disrupting the run.

According to head coach Jerod Mayo, the 25-year-old has already started to show signs of improvement from his rookie season.

"[White] has kind of taken that step forward as far as being a leader — not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well," Mayo before training camp , per ESPN.com.

It is possible dominant defensive tackle Christian Barmore (blood clots) will miss the first few games of the season, leaving a void on the pass rush, so White has a golden opportunity to fill in.

Cornerback Alex Austin

Austin, selected by Buffalo in the seventh-round of the 2023 NFL Draft, joined the Patriots midway through the 2023 season. After impressing coaches in his first few games, Austin earned a more extensive role, playing 74% of defensive snaps in the last four games of the season.

His best play came on this Week 17 interception on Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen:

Austin also had impressive pass breakups, like this one in Week 14 against the Steelers:

Austin's growth as a player should be turbo-charged by playing in a secondary with Gonzalez, Marcus Jones and Jonathan Jones.

DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

Pharms began as a practice-squad player for New England in 2022, but after impressing former head coach Bill Belichick in 2023, the team elevated him to the active roster. Last season, he played in 11% of defensive snaps in 12 games.

Entering 2024, Pharms may be making even more strides. In the team's first preseason game, against the Panthers on Thursday, the 27-year-old drew two holding calls and recorded a 10-yard sack.

"Any time he steps foot on the field he takes advantage of that opportunity," Mayo said following the game, per Clara Cahill-Rogers of MassLive.com.

Because of Barmore's absence, Pharms should move up the depth chart by the start of the season. If he continues to string impressive performances together, he should earn more playing time than last season.