patsgo

wilson has proved fragile playiny safety he might be better suited at corner , nor nickel back

wdkantro2

Eugene didn't do much at safety this year, but I think he was hurt basically all season until he went on IR. He had a few terrible missed tackles in the beginning (against Denver on a big T. Bell run, maybe?), but I think he actually started to tackle better right before he went on IR.

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Remix 6

oooo yeah. Rodney too. move ihm to corner b/c hes injury prone. and since Gay is injury prone, move him to waterboy. Dillon..idk what to do with him. Graham..make him a WR..hes too injury prone @ TE in the trenches

ATippett56

I disagree with your assessment. Wilson has been gunshy ever since he broke his arm in the Super Bowl. Since Wilson and Hawkins are in the last year of their contracts, I would not be surprised if the New England Patriots selected a safety in the first round such as Texas Longhorn Michael Griffin. As a matter of fact, l would not be shocked if Wilson is cut from the team in 2007, especially if he unable to convert to cornerback during training camp. Belichick has cut other safeties upon the conclusion of training camp before their contracts were up, most notably Lawyer Milloy and Dexter Reid. As for Chad Scott, he is in the twilight of his career and Patriots need to retool the linebacker and cornerback positions with youth. As for Randall Gay, he has been unable to stay healthy the past two seasons.

cstjohn17

I would be surprised if Wilson is cut, I think Hawkins is more on the bubble than Wilson. If a safety is drafted that will likely be the only new face.

Assuming a Safety gets drafted - Pick 5 or 6 from this group - Harrison, Wilson, Sanders, Hawkins, Andrews, Jones, Mitchell and maybe Baker (RFA)

As maligned as the secondary was for 2006, the were a key part of a defense that allowed a team record 14.6 PPG and only allowed 10 passing TDs (that is an amazing stat).

Cornerbacks - That is a different story, if Samuel leaves the position could be shaky. I see Wilson as only a safety, when Troy Brown is getting snaps at DB it indicates that they prefer Wilson at S.

Scenario 1 - Samuel leaves

RCB
----Starter ??? (Mid level vet, don't know who but someone we don't think very highly of)
---- Depth 1- Chad Scott (NARP)
---- Depth 2 - Gay (injury prone RFA??? not a lock that even make him an offer)
LCB
---- Starter - Hobbs
---- Depth 1 - ??? (Rookie Draft Pick, doubtful that even a round 1 pick would be asked to start)

Scenario 2 - If Samuel is signed, we could add a mid level vet or draft a player in rounds 2-3 and the position would be solid with potential to be very good.

ATippett56

Artrell Hawkins is the weakest link in the defensive secondary and an upgrade at the free safety position is the highest priority (with regard to defensive backs), especially if Asante Samuel is willing to play the 2007 NFL season under the franchise tag. However, if the New England Patriots allow Asante Samuel to depart via unrestricted free agency, then the defensive backfield priority obviously changes.

ATippett56

Never liked Chad Scott and never will. Chad Scott would have been "charred" if he was to cover Marvin Harrison in the 2006 AFC Championship Game. Besides, Chad Scott will turn 33 years of age at the start of next season.

cstjohn17

I hear you, it is a very weak position based on the current depth. They would have scored 64 points with C. Scott in the mix. As much as it will cost $$$ Samuel is a critical link in the whole offseason. If he gets signed CB is no longer an urgent need and they can focus on the LB and maybe FS and you suggested. If he is not signed then CB, LB are critical needs with WR and FS having room for improvement.

MrBigglesWorth

I see Hobbs as THE starting cornerback for the next three years. He's steadily improved, he's reliable and never quits. He played despite a broken bone in his hand.

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cstjohn17

Can he cover both sides of the field? Hobbs was very up and down, played good in the playoffs but took quite a few PI penalties and was torched at crucial times as well (Cotchery - Jets, Walker - Broncos at end of first half).

I don't think he a bad corner but not a true number 1 (we all said this about Samuel as well). Hopefully Hobbs continues to perform better each year, as of right now I see him as an average to below average #1, a good #2, and a really good #3.