Pats to work out sleeper CB...

[Seneschal2]

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

Patriots | Wheatley has private workout scheduled
Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:42:05 -0700 J.J. Pesavento, of Next Level Scouting, reports University of Colorado DB Terrence Wheatley has a private workout scheduled with the New England Patriots at the end of March.

---

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/terrence-wheatley?id=328

 

[DaBruinz]

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:

[FONT=Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-2]ike Hobbs, Wheatley is a solid shutdown cornerback, thanks to outstanding timed speed and a good understanding of route progression.

I don't think anyone considers Hobbs a shut-down corner.
[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

[patchick]

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.[/URL]

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.

 

[IcyPatriot]

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

 

[RussFrancis]

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.

 

[Seneschal2]

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.

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.

 

[Deus Irae]

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

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

 

[cstjohn17]

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.

 

[sebman2112]

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

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.

 

[patchick]

As far as I am concerned the CB ship has sailed, time to look at LB and the rest of the units.

...

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.

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).

 

[PonyExpress]

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.

Totally agree with you. It's ridiculous how fans forget Hobbs' positive contributions, or that he was playing with serious injuries. This is one of the toughest kids in the league, playing a whole year at cb with a broken wrist, and making big time plays in big games for the Pats. To blame him for the Pats SB loss is ridiculous. If he checks out health wise I would try to sign him to a long term deal immediately. He is easily a quality #2 cb, easily.

 

[cstjohn17]

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).

Given my track record of predicating the Patriots draft picks you are very safe to choose a direction 180 degree from my views. But I guess it depends on what constitutes a high draft pick? to me #7 is high, I expect one of the first 4 picks to be a CB but they have covered themselves with enough JAGs that they don't need to reach for a CB in round 1.

I don't think they consider CB a hole, currently the only clear hole is at LB. I also don't think they have ever drafted anyone with the assumption they would start. Mankins proved to be good enough right from the start, of all their first round picks I think only Seymour and Mankins started the majority of their first year. They same will hold true this year.

 

[sebman2112]

Totally agree with you. It's ridiculous how fans forget Hobbs' positive contributions, or that he was playing with serious injuries. This is one of the toughest kids in the league, playing a whole year at cb with a broken wrist, and making big time plays in big games for the Pats. To blame him for the Pats SB loss is ridiculous. If he checks out health wise I would try to sign him to a long term deal immediately. He is easily a quality #2 cb, easily.

Exactly!

Also, when it comes to size, Hobbs at 5'9.2" is short, but he's not a "midget", when compared to a number of other productive NFL CB's.

Off the top of my head:

Asante Samuel - 5'10"
DeAngelo Hall - 5'10"
Lito Sheppard - 5'10"
Dre Bly - 5'10"
McGee - 5'9"

I'm sure there are plenty of other CB's who are around the same size, and Hobbs probably sports the best vertical (42") among all of them.

 

[DW Toys]

Exactly!

Also, when it comes to size, Hobbs at 5'9.2" is short, but he's not a "midget", when compared to a number of other productive NFL CB's.

Off the top of my head:

Asante Samuel - 5'10"
DeAngelo Hall - 5'10"
Lito Sheppard - 5'10"
Dre Bly - 5'10"
McGee - 5'9"

I'm sure there are plenty of other CB's who are around the same size, and Hobbs probably sports the best vertical (42") among all of them.

You make a great argument but I have to agree the 5' 9" CB is going to go the way of the single bar face mask. Too many big, fast WR in the league. IMO Hobbs is best at nickel CB. It has also been mentioned that the Pats are setting themselves up for CB problems again but brining in JAG members to take perhaps two jobs. Merriweather is certainly no CB. The Pats "hid" Richardson last training camp before cuts with a hand(???) injury? Is there something there?

My wifes little tiny dog can jump great, right up past my knee but thats it. Hobbs needs to jump about 46" to cover a Fitzgerald.

Hobbs is decent but not a #1 CB in this league. Hall looks like he is 6' 4" against Hobbs. I would have given Hall perhaps $8mm and another year and there might have been a deal for a #2 and #6.

Why don't they take a shot on Paymah (6' 1 "?) or Foxworth (6') both RFA on the Broncos. Shanny couldn't keep both.
DW Toys

 

[My2Cents]

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.

Not so fast, my friend! What do numbers and bodies prove? Nothing. Those are just guys, not necessarily the answers. Remember, too, that the Pats have carried as many as 15 - FIFTEEN! - DB's in the past (See 2004). They have often allocated more money to that position than to any other on the roster. 3/4 LB's are generally easier to find in latter rounds.

 

[cstjohn17]

Not so fast, my friend! What do numbers and bodies prove? Nothing. Those are just guys, not necessarily the answers. Remember, too, that the Pats have carried as many as 15 - FIFTEEN! - DB's in the past (See 2004). They have often allocated more money to that position than to any other on the roster. 3/4 LB's are generally easier to find in latter rounds.

Like I said, I have been wrong a lot more than I have been right but I still see the number 1 need as a starting quality LB (inside or outside).

 

[Water Boy]

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.

Especially when you consider that Hobbs played hurt for most of the season.