http://www.kffl.com/hotw/NFL?page=1

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Wheatley, happens to be my official sleeper CB in this draft. While Antoine Cason remains my favorite early round CB (late first - early second), Terrence is projected to go as late as round 5 or 6.

No doubt, BB plans on creating competition for the Pats vacant LCB spot. If he decides not to select a CB early, it's wise to consider some of the later round CBs such as Wheatley. Someone with excellent ball skills, not a liability vs the run, and solid intangibles. IMHO, he clearly fits the Pats profile. It's been said before, that when it comes to DBs, BB knows exactly what to look for. The fact he's scheduled, shows there's some interest -- and I can understand why.

In addition to his solid coverage ability, he excels as a kick returner. And KO returns is an area I believe BB will prioritize via the draft.

Here's the best info on Wheatley, and if you sift through it, you'll understand why he isn't ranked higher:

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/...heatley?id=328

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"What we want to try to do is maximize each spot on the roster; we want to be stronger at No. 1 than the opponent, stronger at No. 25 than they are, and stronger at No. 53 than they are, we're always looking to upgrade the talent level on the team, and play together to be functional."
- Bill Belichick -

Wheatley is another "midget" DB at 5'9.5". He IS fast and quick though. With a vertical in the 36.5 to 38.5 range.

I looked him up in NFLDraftScout.com and they compare him to mighty-mite, Ellis Hobbs.

However, I had to laugh at this statement:


I don't think anyone considers Hobbs a shut-down corner.

And why not both? I could easily see this as a year like 2003, when they took Wilson on day 1 and Samuel day 2. This CB class looks like a deep treasure trove, a 180-degree turn from last year.

Someone to pressure Hobbs and possibly replace him .. that is of course after Hobbs is relegated to the #3 CB ...sometimes (rarely) #2 .

Could be a nice find for us. Probably a little short in height, like Hobbs. But sounds to me like a baller. Could be a nice slot cover man. Asking these 5'9 guys to man up with someone 6'3-6'5 just doesnt work for me, though. Id like to see our starting corners atleast in the 5'11-ish range. And I really hate to knock a guy just cause he's short. But the Darrell Greens of the world are rare, rare finds. Having said that, if we draft the kid, I wont hold it against him, and pull like hell for him all day.

I agree -- why not?

What would make this scenario far easier of course, is trading out of #7, selecting a CB in the tradedown slot, or selecting one with an additional second-rounder.

If we don't move down from #7, and assuming we don't select one there, the next chance of picking a CB will be at the bottom of round two. Most likely, the top CBs will be gone by then, and we'll be looking at another tier level. They are plentiful -- but they don't all fit.

This is why the trade down scenario seems to work best; having an opportunity to nab a Groves/Avril AND a Cason early, and an additional CB later would be a dream come true.

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"What we want to try to do is maximize each spot on the roster; we want to be stronger at No. 1 than the opponent, stronger at No. 25 than they are, and stronger at No. 53 than they are, we're always looking to upgrade the talent level on the team, and play together to be functional."
- Bill Belichick -

So you think they're looking for cornerbacks who'll be ready by 2015?

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Love the binkie talk... we should start a binkie thread soon.

I just don't really understand all the hate for short people. If a player can cover he can cover, Hobbs didn't get beat by Burress because he was short. He gambled on an inside route and got juked out his shorts when Plaxico took it to the outside.

I am beginning to think that corners are like RBs. There are a very few elite difference makers at either position but there are lots and lots and lots of productive players. Unless an elite player is available neither should be drafted high.

RBs rely on the offensive line, CBs rely on the pass rush.

And although it is far from perfect the CBs are pretty much set. My guess is one more is added via the draft, with the possibility of a CB/S being thrown into the mix.

8 CBs already, likely 5 roster spots
Fernando Bryant
Ellis Hobbs
Brandon Meriweather
Tim Mixon
Mike Richardson
Lewis Sanders
Antwain Spann
Jason Webster

As far as I am concerned the CB ship has sailed, time to look at LB and the rest of the units. Don't forget Willie 'the bong' Andrews, he played a little CB last year. If he is not in jail then he is yet another undistinguished body.

CB Future - The Pats are gluttons for punishment as this whole exercise will be re-done next year, only Merriweather, Hobbs and Richardson are signed beyond 2008.

Hobbs is a good CB, and BB likes him. It continues to amaze me that fans of this team seemingly dislike the kid, and don't want him to be the No.2 CB. Then, you come along, with hopes of his not even being the No.3 CB? Honestly, I'm shaking my head in disbelief right now, as that is truly asinine.

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I'll put these two items together and say the Pats will spend a high-ish pick on a CB. Insofar as any pattern can be discerned in Patriots drafts, they have a pattern of filling in with short-term vets at a position then drafting to that position, setting them up with a kid ready to fill a full-time vacancy in year 2. I believe that Meriweather, Maroney, Wilfork and Warren all fit that description. Mankins may be the only player clearly drafted to start year 1 (which is to say, the only time in recent memory that they entered the draft with a hole in the starting lineup).