Are We Really Set At Defensive Back?

[mgteich]

We have Bodden, Butler, Wilhite, Springs and Wheatley
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We have safeties Sanders, Meriweather, McGowan and Chung
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How high a priority would put cornerback?

 

[BelichickFan]

I think we're set at Safety. I think Bodden, Butler and Wilhite are set (whether we like Wilhite or not). I could see a 4th/5th round CB to compete with Wheatley for a long term young spot if it's a good value. Wheatley is still the big unknown, he seems to play alright when he plays but there has to be a reason he hardly played.

 

[jeffbiologist]

If you look at injury trends we tend to lose at least 1 DB and one LB in training camp for the year. Further, wouldnt everyone appreciate a backup CB that could step in and minimally take Slater's spot on ST?? While I wouldnt use one of our first 4 picks on one, there should definately be some kind of competition in camp to push underproducers like Wheatley.

 

[jays52]

So, the initial question was about DB, but changed to corner. I take this as the assumption that they're good at safety. I agree with that. Their safeties are going to be dope this year. At corner, they could use a legit inside guy. Every measurable about Wheatley says he should be a highly adept at covering inside. Apparently, there is more to it than we can access, but I'm not giving up hope on the guy. I don't know for the life of me why Wilhite is on an NFL roster, but I trust better minds.

In general, the secondary is going to be on paper the best unit on defense. Personell wise, it's probably the one group with the least short and long term holes. Are they good? Yeah, probably, but a nice inside guy would be the kicker.

 

[VJCPatriot]

we could use a developmental corner maybe to see if he can upgrade on wilhite in the future, but we're set as far as starters go.

 

[Tasco]

If you look at injury trends we tend to lose at least 1 DB and one LB in training camp for the year. Further, wouldnt everyone appreciate a backup CB that could step in and minimally take Slater's spot on ST?? While I wouldnt use one of our first 4 picks on one, there should definately be some kind of competition in camp to push underproducers like Wheatley.

We have that one already in Arrington. Lockett is a nice STer too.

 

[Nonentity]

Too many other holes to draft a defensive back, to be honest. And this draft is crappy for corners.

Maybe take one in the 6th/7th who had some college production, even at the D-II level. Alternatively try to draft an Arrington - a CB who can play on special teams.


We have Oakland's 2011 1st round pick to take an elite corner....Patrick Peterson, anyone?

 

[FoxboroFlyer]

We'll probably need another safety after we trade Sanders to Chicago for Olsen. The Bears need help at safety, and we need a pass catching TE. Win win for both sides.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

NE is shopping carefully, but they are shopping the DBs in this class.

Using NFL Draft Scout rankings, at least two are projected as first round values (who might slide to the second) by the various draftniks of note. At the moment, it looks like the most likely player to be drafted by NE at #22 would be a CB or CB/S tweener. opcorn:

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

We'll probably need another safety after we trade Sanders to Chicago for Olsen. The Bears need help at safety, and we need a pass catching TE. Win win for both sides.

Olsen, meh, draft Pitta at #44 and keep Sanders to be the anchor of the secondary.

 

[BelichickFan]

At the moment, it looks like the most likely player to be drafted by NE at #22 would be a CB or CB/S tweener. opcorn:

Are you talking about Wilson and Thomas ? Either one (of whoever you have in mind) would turn the DB from a solid position to one of serious strength. One thing about DBs is that extras are always good with the number of 3,4,5 WR formations being played these days.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Are you talking about Wilson and Thomas ? Either one (of whoever you have in mind) would turn the DB from a solid position to one of serious strength. One thing about DBs is that extras are always good with the number of 3,4,5 WR formations being played these days.

In this case McCourty and Thomas, but Boise State's Pro-Day is Friday so we may read something about Wilson soon too. I do agree, depth at DB is not to be taken lightly.

It's interesting, but NE does not appear to be making big plans to draft in round one, once we start getting the visitation reports we'll know better, but they are primarily targeting 2-3 and the late rounds with the private workouts. The other possibility is they have their targeted player set for #22 and are just getting a couple alternatives in place as insurance.

 

[BelichickFan]

In this case McCourty and Thomas

I haven't been paying a lot of attention to Safeties but Mayock certainly grabbed my attention when he said that Thomas has the best instincts at Safety he's seen in years. He's very interesting and a trio of Meriweather, Thomas and Chung is interesting especially as the former two have good pass coverage skills for Safeties.

It's interesting, but NE does not appear to be making big plans to draft in round one, once we start getting the visitation reports we'll know better, but they are primarily targeting 2-3 and the late rounds with the private workouts. The other possibility is they have their targeted player set for #22 and are just getting a couple alternatives in place as insurance.

That is interesting, I often miss the forest for the trees so I have been oblivious to this. If they think they can trade down, especially as teams may be starting to get itchy about getting up for the second group of QB, it would make sense as there are so many players seemingly bunched together starting around our pick. That said, if we want Thomas we'd have to use our #1 on him.

 

[HarkDawg]

makes sense to trade out of rd 1 and get a 2 and a 3



call up Al

 

[bakes781]

A guy that I like in the late rounds is A.J. Jefferson from Fresno St. He shined at the combine and he was a great kick returner in College.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

A guy that I like in the late rounds is A.J. Jefferson from Fresno St. He shined at the combine and he was a great kick returner in College.

And a very disappointing CB.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I haven't been paying a lot of attention to Safeties but Mayock certainly grabbed my attention when he said that Thomas has the best instincts at Safety he's seen in years. He's very interesting and a trio of Meriweather, Thomas and Chung is interesting especially as the former two have good pass coverage skills for Safeties.

I suspect Thomas is like Meriweather, if drafted he'll initially be worked at CB to see if he can make the transition, if that doesn't work he'll revert to Safety. Another factor may be Meriweather's contract status, he's signed through 2011, so about the time Thomas does get up to speed in the defense Meriweather hits Free Agency (CBA situation willing). Chung is also a good cover corner, if not as capable as Meriweather - a Nickel package of Meriweather and Thomas with Chung playing deep center for is better tackling would really be something.

 

[the wrothbroughterer]

In terms of bodies, yeah I think we're all set. In terms of talent, that remains to be seen. I think Wilhite will never turn into anything, the jury is still out on Wheatley since he can't stay healthy, and we need to see what we have after a full season of play from Butler and Chung before making judgments on them.

This team is definitely in transition mode, and if they can manage to post winning seasons the entire time, I think it will speak volumes about Belichick's coaching ability.

 

[bbell31]

no point in looking at a secondary player unless its a super value pick or major upgrade to our team and i dont c that happening. arrington is better than we know i think, by just watching him on special teams you can tell he would be better than wheatley, and wilhite in run help and consistent tackling..i think we are def set with starters for the next 3 years fosho

 

[alvinnf]

I could see them taking a later round S. For CB I think they are set. Arrington was a big surprise for me last year. I wouldn't be surprised if he works his way onto the field.