In a series of under-the-radar transactions, the New England Patriots have fortified their practice squad with a quartet of defensive talents that could prove to be a game-changer for the 2025 season. Head coach Bill Belichick, known for his strategic roster maneuvers, quietly added cornerback Corey Ballentine, linebacker Mark Robinson, and defensive tackles Fabien Lovett and Cory Durden to the practice squad on Thursday, signaling a calculated effort to build depth and versatility in Foxborough. These moves, reported first by ESPN’s Mike Reiss for the defensive tackles, come at the expense of three undrafted rookies—tight end Gee Scott Jr., linebacker Cam Riley, and cornerback Brandon Crossley—who were released to make room.
Corey Ballentine: The Veteran Swiss Army Knife
At 29, Corey Ballentine brings a wealth of experience to the Patriots’ secondary. Drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft (No. 180 overall), the 5-foot-11, 196-pound cornerback has appeared in 69 games across stints with the Giants, Jets, Lions, Falcons, Cardinals, Colts, and Packers. A former Cliff Harris Award winner from Washburn, Ballentine has tallied 100 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in his career. His 23.7-yard average on kickoff returns adds a special teams dimension that Belichick famously values. With 11 starts in the secondary, Ballentine’s versatility and veteran savvy make him a low-risk, high-reward addition to a practice squad poised to supply immediate impact players.
Mark Robinson: A Special Teams Dynamo with Defensive Grit
Mark Robinson, 26, joins the Patriots after being waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft (No. 225 overall). The 5-foot-11, 235-pound linebacker, who played at Presbyterian, Southeast Missouri State, and Ole Miss, brings a hard-hitting presence. In 38 games with the Steelers, Robinson recorded 45 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles, and four starts, with 203 defensive snaps and a hefty 619 special teams snaps. His experience on special teams aligns perfectly with Belichick’s emphasis on the third phase of the game, while his ability to contribute on defense adds depth to a linebacker corps that demands physicality.
Fabien Lovett: A Mountain of Potential
Fabien Lovett, a 25-year-old undrafted free agent from 2024, is a 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive tackle who spent his rookie season on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. A product of Mississippi State and Florida State, Lovett signed a futures contract with Kansas City following Super Bowl LIX but was waived during the 53-man roster cutdowns. His massive frame and college pedigree suggest untapped potential, particularly in a Patriots system that thrives on developing raw talent into dominant trench players. Lovett’s addition to the practice squad signals Belichick’s intent to mold a long-term asset for the defensive line.
Cory Durden: A Disruptive Force in the Making
Cory Durden, also 26, is another undrafted gem who went unclaimed by the Detroit Lions in 2023. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle, who played at Florida State and North Carolina State, has seen action in eight NFL games, recording 13 tackles across 128 defensive snaps and 37 special teams snaps. Durden’s brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams and a late-season role on the New York Giants’ 53-man roster in 2024 highlight his ability to stick in the league. His recent performance against Mike Vrabel’s Titans in the preseason finale at MetLife Stadium likely caught Belichick’s eye, making him a prime candidate for the Patriots’ practice squad.
The Cost of Ambition: Three Rookies Released
To accommodate these additions, the Patriots parted ways with three promising undrafted rookies: tight end Gee Scott Jr., linebacker Cam Riley, and cornerback Brandon Crossley. Scott, a 24-year-old Ohio State product, converted from wide receiver and posted 47 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns in college, including a national title. Riley, 23, recorded 167 tackles and 3.5 sacks across 58 games at Auburn and Florida State, showing flashes of brilliance with a fumble recovery in the preseason. Crossley, 24, earned All-ACC honors at SMU and notched six tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup in the preseason. While their releases are a tough blow, the moves underscore Belichick’s ruthless prioritization of roster flexibility and immediate defensive upside.
Why This Matters
The Patriots’ practice squad, now at 17 players including international exemption David Olajiga, is a carefully curated group designed to complement New England’s 53-man roster. Ballentine’s veteran instincts, Robinson’s special teams prowess, and the raw power of Lovett and Durden give the Patriots a practice squad that rivals any in the NFL for depth and potential. Belichick’s history of elevating practice squad players—think Malcolm Butler or J.C. Jackson—suggests these additions could soon make an impact, whether through in-season call-ups or future roster spots.
As the Patriots head into their Labor Day weekend break before the regular season, these moves signal Belichick’s unrelenting focus on building a defense capable of disrupting opponents. With a mix of seasoned veterans and high-upside youngsters, this practice squad isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a secret weapon that could redefine New England’s 2025 campaign.