stinkypete

I read a few rumors (forgot at what site) that the pats are making it top priority to upgrade at CB, through trade or free agency. While Samuel has played admirably, Pats brass thinks he's a step slow for a starting corner and that teams are picking on him for that reason.

This makes me wonder, could Samuel start at SS as Rodney's long term replacement? His game seems similar to Rodney's (hard hits, knack for big ints). While Samuel is undersized for the position, he's bigger than Hawkins, who played well this year.

With Samuel at SS, we could start Hobbs and a vet, play Gay and Starks at the nickel and dime, and use an early draft pick on another young corner to groom.

What does everyone think?

jeffd

We already have one converted CB at FS. I'd rather a true run stuffing SS be brought in. think BB prefers two play 2 safeties rather than a strong and free safety but he went from Milloy to Harrison and contemplated Lynch all the while having Victor Green. He definately loves the hitters.

ENFORCER

nahhh asante is to small man...

BelichickFan

Samuel is little for a CB let alone a Safety. We need one top CB and let Samuel/Hobbs/Gay compete for 2,3,4.

If I were to move anyone I would move Wilson back to CB, let those 4 compete and revamp the Safeties.

ilduce06410

IMO it's one of the oddities of the BB/SP leadership. in 5 years, they've drafted or UFA'd a few corners---asante, wilson, christian morton (who couldn't make the patriots and is now STARTING for the falcons), hobbs, gay. they've also brought in a few safeties---sanders, scott, dexter reid (he also couldn't make the cut and now is the nickle guy for our beloved dolts). THAT'S 8 DBs, plus 3-4 veteran players (harrison, starks, poole). not one of those players weighs over 205, and i believe not one of them ('cept rodney) is 6 feet tall.
IMO this is strange. iknowiknow, BB values cover guys.
but still, the secondary needs upgrading, after bringing in 11 DBs over the past 5 years. all these tiny guys, and ya cain't put all of them out there at once. one thing: besides wilson and hobbs, none of these DBs was a higher- than-4th round pick.
in any case, 11 guys in 5 years and we need to "upgrade the defensive backfield".

BelichickFan

I'm not sure what to say about Wilson. KC Joyner (The Football Scientist) had stats 12 months ago which suggested that Wilson was beaten more than we thought and it seemed to show up more this year without Harrison there to help out. If he can play an average or better CB it makes no sense to keep him at Safety as he's adequate but not great there. Is it possible that he's been at Safety too long (3 years) that he'll have trouble adjusting back to the tougher CB position ?

jeffd

Unless we get a sure, stable FS I don't see Geno going back to corner. Rodney is still a question mark at SS. Moving Geno will create problems at FS (his replacement) and at CB (hasn't done this yet as pro). If Rodney is back and %100 maybe they try this.

BelichickFan

I agree but if they think Wilson can play CB at the level we thought when he was drafted I would try to sign a decent veteran Safety, draft a guy in the 2nd or 3rd round and let those two compete with Sanders, Scott, Hawkins and hopefully Rodney. That should produce a decent pair and Hobbs, Samuel, Wilson and Gay would be a decent fouresome at CB. I don't expect it for a second, though.

DaBruinz

Ilduce-
Just a point of Information. Christian Morton was cut by the Falcons and is playing for the Redskins now. Morton is their 5th CB.

Also, Rodney Harrison is 6'1 and 220-225 lbs. Chad Scott is 6'1 as well. Michael Stone is 6'.

However, i get the gist of what you are saying. Hopefully, the Pats will add someone like Tank Williams (6'3-225) or Adam Arculeta (6'-220) or possibly Tommy Polley to convert him.

DaBruinz

Just an FYI - Wilson has lined up at Cornerback several times. Including in 2004 against the Steelers after Ty Law and either Samuel or Gay left the Pittsburgh game.

Wilson has also switched off before, lining up at corner while someone else moved back to safety.