From Practice Squad to Key Contributor, Cory Durden Ready for Bigger Role on Patriots Defense | NESN
NESN · Daniel Yanofsky · 2026-08-18T14:08:27+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Given a chance last season, Cory Durden thrived on defense for the Patriots. Now, the 27-year-old aims to never look back.
After spending time at Florida State and NC State, Durden signed with the Lions in 2023 as an undrafted free agent. He earned some playing time on the Rams that year and the Giants in 2024. From 2023 to 2024, Durden played in eight games and had 13 tackles.
More of a mainstay on practice squads, Durden really got to showcase his skills after signing with New England. In 17 games last year, he had 30 tackles, including 20 assists. During the postseason, he had four assists, including one during the Super Bowl.
Durden is ready to continue his momentum in year two with the Patriots.
“I feel like I’ve progressed the way that I need to,” Durden said via The Boston Globe. “I’m right on track where I want to be. Just trying to be prepared for Week 1 against Seattle, so I feel like I’m right on track.
“In the scheme, I’m playing fast. I know this defense like the back of my hand. It’s my second year in it, so I know what everybody’s doing around me. So just being able to play fast, it’s very helpful.”
The Patriots upgraded the roster after losing against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. They traded for A.J. Brown and signed Romeo Doubs, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Kevin Byard.
Byard’s goal is more takeaways from the Patriots’ defense. Durden wants to earn more sacks. If both are successful in their goals, the Patriots’ defense, which ranked toward the bottom in sacks (35) and interceptions (10) last year, can be a problem for the league.
“The pride is there,” Durden said. “To be successful in the NFL, you have to stop the run, and then, earn the right to rush the passer… Just being active in the pass rush and trying to get on the field on third down.”