rookBoston

I've got to say that there are so many good CBs in this class, that I am utterly stupefied.

The two prospects that I like LEAST for the Pats are the no-namer Combine creations DRC and McKelvin. Do those guys even *play* defense? Their highlight films are almost entirely KR/PR, and fumble recoveries for TD... which is shorthand for "trackstar" in my book.

But, if we can get past the draft hype, take a look at the rest of the class:

Jenkins - hard hitting impact player who lifted his D into the national eye
Cason - highly productive hard working 4-year starter with incredible athleticism
Talib - athletic, good tackler, soft hands, size and speed
Porter - 4.3 speed with superb agility and hands
King - 4.3 speed with field smarts and elite cover skills
Godfrey - athletic, reliable tackler, physical player
Flowers - playmaker, hard hitter, throws his body around, field general

With that much depth at the position, top players will last into the 3rd round. I'd love to land two of them. Any one of them should turn into an upgrade over Asante.

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LuthierJr

very good class indeed. I'd love to have them all.

mgteich

I think that many (if not most) of us would be happy with picking corners with our second and and first third round picks. We could even choose two corners in the second with a move up.

In the end, we should have one of Long, Gholston, Rivers or Harvey, and TWO of your list (moving up if necessary) of Jenkins, Talib, Porter, King, Godfrey and Flowers.

That's a great draft as we go to sleep on Saturday night (I presume a move up).

PonyExpress

I think there are alot of potential #2 cbs in this draft, more than last year for sure. But there is no lock #1 cb, like some felt Revis and Hall were last season. The only potential superstar in this group IMO is Cromartie who many people justifiably have doubts about. I generally view non BCS cbs, and especially non Div 1 cbs, with skepticism and usually remove them from the 1st day board because of excessive risk. The reason is while they may excel physically, usually small school cbs have not received the technique training, they have not faced elite competition regularly and are shocked by initial failure, and have no experience in zone coverage because they simply played man to man. This usually means they do nothing their 1st season, go through on field growing pains in year 2, and don't develop into competent starting players, if ever, until year 3. Meanwhile, BCS school cbs, even those not as physically gifted, are more mentally ready and can impact right away. So drafting small school cbs, even athletic freaks, early is a risk, and drafting big school cbs, even those not as athletically gifted, early, is safer.

I guess I'm riding the fence on Cromartie. I don't want the Pats to take him because of the risk, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if he becomes a pro bowler, given some time.

BionicPatriot

I think it's very deep, containing a lot of solid corners late in the class. Perfect for going LB in 1, CB in 2 or 3 :]

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LuthierJr

totally agree, although there are some nice LB's that should be available later too.

fgssand

THat would be an absolute DREAM draft...

One of the LB's you mentioned and two of the CB;s ( I assume McKelvin was left off because you think he is long gone by the time we get to 2nd round??)...wow. Throw in a OL & TE and a punter - poof - we are all set.

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Seneschal2

I'm hoping for one CB early -- and one later on. Cason being my favorite, and IMO, the most technically sound of all corners. Ironically, he has zero hype.

Two later CBs I think fit the Pats are Jack Williams and Terrence Wheatley.

Williams -- would make a solid replacement for Blue Gay. Tailor made for playing the short area covering slots. Also may have a serious Pats connection -- DC Dean Pees recruited him at Kent St.

Wheatley -- IMO has potential to start at LCB. Like Cason, I'm really impressed at how he plays the position. Would also be the Pats primary kick returner. My official sleeper CB.

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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 -

mgteich

Yes, McKelvin is definitely a first rounder, and long gone, Sambam thinks by pick #10 in the first round.