Malcolm Butler has strong showing against Julian Edelman in OTAs

This is some news that may have been swept under the rug due to the growing coverage of Tom Brady's appeal hearing over the last few days - Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler was stout against Julian Edelman in OTAs, according to ESPNBoston's Mike Reiss.

One of the spirited one-on-one competitions has pitted cornerback Malcolm Butler against receiver Julian Edelman, and Butler is holding his ground for the most part. At one point, it appeared Edelman was frustrated by blanket coverage as a Brady pass sailed incomplete along the right sideline. One thing that stands out about Butler from an amateur scouting perspective: He glides across the field at times, almost making it look effortless.

While things that happen in OTAs usually aren't anything to gloss over, this would seem to be an encouraging sign for a guy like Butler, who wants to show he's not just a flash in the pan. It could also serve as a good sign for a secondary that's been overhauled this off-season.

Let's not forget that just a few months ago, an anonymous NFL GM said that Edelman was the toughest receiver in the NFL to cover.

Outside of Devin McCourty, the Patriots' secondary doesn't feature a legitimate threat.

Butler very well could emerge into that threat if he stays on this kind of path. Aside from how many games Brady may or may not miss this season, the secondary, as it's been for a while outside of last season, will be a major story line for the Patriots.

Butler should have every chance to compete for a starting job in training camp.

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