They were backed into a corner

Butler appears to be one of the more athletic cornerbacks the Patriots have had in a while and showcased explosive speed and good ball skills during the offseason. The 5-foot-9-inch, 185-pound Wheatley is looking to bounce back from a disappointing rookie season that was truncated by a broken left wrist he suffered against the Colts while making his first career start. That was also Wheatley’s best game of the season, as he batted down a pair of passes.

Wilhite was the starter for the final four games of the season at left corner after O’Neal was benched. Wilhite responded well, recording his first career interception. During the offseason, Wilhite spent a lot of time as the slot corner.